This took longer than I thought, my apologies for any boring bits


Chapter 9: The Singing Hills

Basch felt unusually chilly, his naked body quivered as he awoke. His eyes opened to see Ashe sound asleep; he tried to smile when another spasm from the cold took hold. He looked down to discover that Ashe had stolen the blankets sometime during the night, wrapping herself in a warm protective cocoon, leaving Basch to freeze.

Not wanting to wake his love, Basch slipped into a robe and left for a shower.

He took his time under the hot, steaming water; he knew that they must have been nearing his home, as he saw that the frost had begun collecting on the windows. The fragile little fern-like ice crystals grew slowly across the pane; Basch now realised how homesick he really was.

Turning off the shower and covering himself with his robe once more, he returned to his slumbering, cocooned sweetheart. He noticed that she had not moved, her eyes shifted beneath their lids and her soft snores muffled by her pillows. He wanted to touch her, to caress her, but he knew it would wake her and that was the last thing he wished to do. He dressed in his casual clothes, a simple loose fitting black shirt and black leather pants, and sat watching his love sleep.

"She really is a sight of loveliness when she sleeps," Balthier commented quietly from the door.

"I thought I locked that door," Basch responded, folding his arms, glowering at the pirate.

"My ship, I have a key for every room," he grinned.

Basch grumbled, "How soon until we arrive?"

"Any minute now," he turned to leave, "You might wish to wake her up, I've radioed your aunt, she's waiting with your children for us to arrive."

Basch thanked him and begun the unpleasant task of waking Ashe. It was a crime to wake her, but he knew if she missed their arrival at his home, she would kill him.

"Ashe," he whispered in her ear, laying a gentle kiss on her cheek, "We're almost there."

"Hhhmm?" she rolled onto her back, her eyes opening sleepily.

"Good morning, my love," he smiled affectionately, brushing his finger down her cheek.

"Good morning, Basch," she greeted him, stretching out of her comforter chrysalis, "I can't believe I'm in Landis."

"It is a lot colder than Dalmasca," he informed her, "You should dress appropriately."

She chuckled, letting the covers drop from her body as she stretched, "Afraid I will catch a cold?"

"I am," he stated, pulling the blanket back over her shoulders, "Wait there, I'll find you something warm to wear."

Ashe made herself comfortable, enjoying the view as Basch rummaged through the draws for something for her. The leather complimenting his physique the way Ashe liked it. "Do I get a pair of pants like that?"

He turned back to see her with a mischievous grin, her eyes scanning over his casual clothing as though she was removing it with her sight. "If you like," he responded, feeling content with the attention. "There is a great store in town that will make any outfit you wish, tailored just for you. I can take you there if you would like." He handed Ashe her underwear; not the most flattering of undergarments she ever wore, but she dressed in them as Basch handed her, a grey item of clothing.

"Oh this is … attractive," she joked, playfully, holding the drab, heavy garment.

"That's your coat," he informed her, "You have this to wear," Basch held up a colourful and graceful dress.

Ashe did not hesitate adorning herself with the embroidered silk gown, "This is beautiful," she twirled in front of the mirror, "Where did you get this?"

"I had it made for you," he leaned against the wall, putting his hands in his pockets, "Dalmasca's native garb is not suitable for the northern climate, unlike the cold of the Paramina Rift, Landis has very little mist, which means you feel the cold." The Strahl landed with a soft thump on the landing pad of Basch's home.

Balthier knocked on the door, "There is a rather attractive older woman surrounded by a bunch of blond kids calling for you, your honour."

The Queen froze, her heart fluttering, "your children?"

Basch smiled at her, "I believe our family awaits."


Ingra stood with Kestra at her side, anticipating her nephew's greeting. "B.J.! Move back from there!"

"But he's here! Daddy made it!" the boy cried, jumping up and down. The hatch opened and Basch descended with Ashe on his arm. "Who's that?"

"I don't know, sweetie," Ingra replied, shooting Basch a questioning look.

"D'you think it could be the Queen?" Ulrike cried, watching the regal couple approach.

"Ooh I hope so!" Valdar squealed, her not hiding her excitement.

Kestra stepped forward, her eyes locking onto Ashe with both confusion and happiness.

"Kes?" Ashe asked, looking at the mute girl, letting Basch go, "Is that you?"

Kestra smiled and ran to the Queen, throwing her arms around her waist.

"I haven't seen you since our assault on Vayne nearly four years ago," Ashe cried, "Look at you! All grown up!"

"You know Kestra?" Basch asked, dumbfounded at this unexpected reaction.

Ashe clung to the young girl, kissing her blond hair, "She was one of the many orphans who helped the resistance during the Archadian occupation." She lifted Kestra into her arms, "This little girl here risked her life for Dalmasca many times, just like her father."

Ingra's eyes narrowed on the Queen, "You forced children into dangerous situations?"

"No," Ashe placed Kestra back on the ground and held her hand, "little Kes here gathered information but listening to Archadians while they talked, she wrote down what she heard and gave it to us."

Basch chuckled, "It must be in the genes."

"That's not fair!" Ulrike cried, "Kestra got to meet the Queen first!"

"You can be so stupid, Ulrike!" Valdar laughed, "They met before she came here!"

"Now girls, calm down," Basch stood between them, preventing the imminent fight, "I would hate for you to embarrass yourselves."

The others began to filter out of the Strahl, "How many did you bring?" Ingra asked, "I hope we have enough to feed everyone."

"I won't be staying long," Balthier said, kissing Ingra's hand, "I have business to attend to."

"Now that's a shame," the mature woman grinned, "I would very much like to dance with you later."

"Straight to the point! I like that; I suppose I could stay a little longer," he looked towards Basch, "If his honour will allow it."

"Oh my dear nephew wouldn't dare upset his dear Aunty Ingra," she smiled at the large blond man, struggling to keep the twins from tearing each other apart, "they're just like their dad and uncle those two."

"DADDY!!!" B.J. called, nearing tears.

Basch looked to his adopted son and noticed the gash on his cheek, "Penelo?" he called.

The dancer was helping Vaan down the gangway, "Yes Basch?" she replied, holding Vaan up.

"I need you to look at B.J.'s cheek," he yelled, finally reefing the twin girls apart.

Penelo nearly dropped Vaan as she rushed to the young boy's side, "I don't need help," B.J. grumbled at the mothering Penelo gave him, "I'm fine, it's already fixed." He slapped her hand away, but it was too late, the gifted healer had already made the potential scar vanish.

"Just as handsome as your father," she commented, ruffling his hair.

Tal and Fran kept back from the chaos, Filo, Larsa and Kytes rushed past the couple, knocking Fran off balance. Tal's quick reflexes caught her easily with one arm, "Kids," he stated dryly.

Fran beamed up at him, her amethyst eyes fluttering in gratitude, "My hero," she purred, lightly scratching his bicep, "Maybe you would like to take a …"

"Oh goodness gracious me! Fran?" Ingra cried, shuffling past the mob of greetings and conversations. "Good heavens, I haven't seen you in forty years!"

"Hello Ingra," Fran clung to Tal's arm, smiling warmly. "How are you?"


"Move us to Archadia," Johan ordered the helmsman, "With haste."

"Archadia?" Wolfram queried, "Why are we going there?"

The large man steepled his fingers at his lips, "I am meeting a very important young lady there, in a café."

The wraith-like man watched the imposing blond, "You're meeting a young woman? Moving on from Carla already?"

"Carla has not moved in her status," he explained, almost chuckling. "Eris, on the other hand, is important in our master plan."

"This master plan involves an Archadian girl and keeping my wife locked up in a Dalmascan dungeon?" Wolfram could not understand Johan's plans. He never explained his actions to anyone, yet they all believed in the cause, what ever that was now. "Sir, it would help if I knew what this was leading too."

"Careful Adlersflügel, or I'll deprive you of your existence," Johan threatened, "you know better then to question me."

"I'm sorry sir," Wolfram backed away with a bow, clasping at his pendant.

"I think we'll have some fun while we're here," Johan sneered, "dish out some long awaited justice."


Everyone finally moved inside, gravitating towards the large dining hall, which had not been used since Basch's father, Ulrich last entertained, a week before the invasion. Ingra retreated to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the guests. They all settles at the long wooden dining table, B.J. jumped onto Basch's lap and he presented him with a colourful package, which he unwrapped quickly. "Thank you Daddy," he stared wide eyed at the wooden Chocobo toy, "I love it!" he swung his arms around Basch's neck. Ashe chuckled at the spectacle, her heart swelling at the paternal nature Basch possessed.

"I'm glad you like it," Basch felt his larynx being crushed by the five-year-old, "How about showing your sisters."

"Okay," he ran over to Ulrike and Valdar, who were sitting with Larsa as he spoke with Penelo.

"You like being a father don't you," Ashe commented, entwining her fingers with his.

"I always dreamed of having a large family," he sighed, smiling at the Queen.

"Me too," her response taking him by surprise, "Ever since I met you."

Basch needed to hold her close, he wanted to kiss her, but their breakfast had arrived.

"So what's t like ruling Archadia?" Valdar asked Larsa for the third time, resting her chin in the hand.

The Emperor sighed, "Not that fun," he answered finally, "I would much rather people treat me like a regular person."

The twins took that as an invitation, "Cool!" Ulrike exclaimed, "Wanna pick some wolfberries?"

The cold outside kept the party indoors, Larsa began warming up to the twins, their attempts to give Vaan some wolfberry juice failed when Penelo caught onto what they were doing, although, she did find it funny. Kytes and Filo took a liking to Kestra; she showed them her lute and began to play.


"I am glad you brought you friends, Basch," Ingra smiled, "Lady Ashe is more beautiful than you said."

Basch blushed, sitting by his aunt's side, "I had hoped that you would like her."

She chuckled, "you're going to marry her, aren't you." She sipped her tea, watch her nephew smile, "well?"

"Aye," he sighed happily, "I love her, but officially it's in the name of peace."

The older woman looked over to Ashe, who happily danced with B.J., Penelo and the twins to Kestra's lute. "She's good with kids," she commented, "A natural mother?" she became more serious, "Will the children be moving to Dalmasca with you? And what will happen to your family estate?"

"I hadn't thought about that," Basch began to worry, "I just assumed that we would travel between our two homes."

"Do you really think Dalmasca will be happy with their Queen spending half her time here?"

"My only wish is to make Ashe happy," he admitted, watching Ashe spin with B.J. in her arms, both giggling with joy.

Ingra grabbed his hand, "Come with me." She led him out of the hall, up the stairs to his parent's old room. It had not been lived in for years, yet it was immaculate, not one item out of place. Ingra opened a box on his mother's old dressing table; she retrieved a small item, hard to make out in the dim light. "Here, you will need this," she dropped a ring into his hand; the diamond was as blue as the ocean and the band a brilliant silver. "It's been in the family for generations, a gift from Hendrick to Elfreda, it's only right that it should grace the hand of another Queen."

Basch looked at the trinket, twirling it in his fingers. Slowly, anticipation began to grow within him.

"I trust you remember where to use that thing?"

"I do."


Zargabaath marched from the senate, those stuffy old men and women had not even noticed that the Emperor's representative had walked out on their bickering. He envied Gabranth, both of them, Larsa always favoured him … them, the Gabranth of then was loved by the late Emperor like a son, but he could never understand why. When he heard of Gabranth's death, he did weep, he was a friend and colleague; they had shared much together and there were times he wished his old friend still drew breath. Today was one of those times, the senators loved to take advantage of the Emperor's absence, they were worse than children.

His feet carried him from the building, away from the verbal sparring the senators felt necessary for daily life. They infuriated him. After a couple of blocks away from the Senate, Zargabaath pulled his helmet off, dropping it by his side with a clank. He looked up at the large red building, "You will be the death of me, my dear senators," he bitterly declared, lighting a cigarette to calm his aggression. The nicotine ebbed through his veins, a drug-induced tranquillity easing his stress. He looked back up to the senate, "I guess I'll try quitting once Lord Larsa returns, as you clearly wish me to remain a slave to these blasted things!" he flicked his butt towards the parliamentary structure, "Guess I'll be writing myself a ticket for that."

With a heavy sigh, he began to trudge back, but something stopped him, something made every hair on his body stand up on end. The air filled with pink and white noise, the sound reverberated in the Judge's head and there it was, a shimmering patch of sky directly above the Imperial Senate. The patch began to glow an unnatural blue and as fast as a lightening bolt, it enveloped the building, melting it into the surroundings.

Zargabaath froze, he could not believe his eyes; the Imperial Senate, the heart of the Empire, was gone.


Lunch was an authentic Landis feast, boiled meats in a stew, roasted game, fried vegetables and sweetbread dinner rolls, B.J.'s birthday cake was a delectable Bhujerban chocolate cake, light and fluffy covered with a marshmallow frosting. Everyone filled his or her bellies until bursting point. The younger members of the party began to doze off in front of the fireplace; even Ashe found it hard to stay awake, she rested her head on Basch's lap, who immediately began to stroke her hair.

Penelo had finally left Vaan alone, his wounds still bothering him, but he played it up for her. He moved towards Basch, he settled by the Judge's side. "Basch, I need to know something."

"What is it, Vaan?" he spoke low, so he would not wake anyone.

"If anyone were to visit the Capital to say, collect treasures for historical reasons, would you support it?" he tried to sound as casual as possible.

"I would say they were mad, the capital is now the lair of a ferocious wyrm, that could very well be an esper or worse," Basch kept calm, knowing what the young thief mean to do. "Anyway, the city is a vast tomb and monument to the republic, it would be desecration to invade it for looting purposes and as Judge Magister, I would be responsible to bring said persons to justice."

Vaan gulped, "And what would that be?"

"A stint in Nalbina," He said flatly.

"I thought all the prisoners in Nalbina had been released and the fort given back to Dalmasca," younger man protested, "you know, when the war finished?"

Basch leaned back on his elbow, looking up at Vaan, "Until the fort is fully repaired, Archadia is leasing it as a prison," he could see the young man's displeasure, "at least the prisoners now get a fair trial, and the conditions are much better than the last time either of us spent time there."

Vaan laughed, knowing that the treasures of the Landis Capital were out of reach, but if it was true that a wyrm resides there now, and if he tried it would mean a term in the depths of Nalbina. The treasures did not seem that appealing anymore.


The Magistrate was a buzz with activity; Zargabaath quickly readied his speech to the public. His hands shook the disbelief of what had occurred still not sinking in; Archadia had been caught off guard, as such, has left the Empire more vulnerable than it ever has before and will not likely recover from any time soon.

"Richter," Zargabaath called, marching towards the podium, "I want more judges on the streets and rally the fleets to patrol the skies of Archades, cancel all leave for the foreseeable future."

"Yes sir," Richter nodded, marching off to do as he was ordered.

Zargabaath's stomach churned as he stood at the plinth, facing a crowd bigger than any other he had ever faced; he cleared his throat, "Citizens of Archadia," so far so good. "This morning, at a quarter past nine, an unseen foe destroyed the Senate, with an unknown technology." The crowd murmured with caution, he waited for them to quieten back down, "All Senators and other Senate employees were lost, that totals to over two thousand casualties and climbing." The shuffle of the public contacting family with their personal communication devices worried him, he knew the numbers would climb once the list of working employees for the day became public, not to mention the tourists visiting the building, the number could double. "As a precaution, I am declaring marshal law throughout the Empire, on Emperor Larsa's behalf, for all your protection, a curfew of 10pm will also be enforces as of tonight, these will remain in place until a new Senate can be elected," he took a deep breath as the populous settled into an ominous silence, "Thank you for your time."

Without wasting any time, he returned to the council chamber of the Magisters. He met with Judge Magister Maar, she had been waiting there for Zargabaath for over an hour.

"Judge Maar," he greeted her, sitting next to her, "I must inform Lord Larsa personally, I need you to take charge while I'm gone."

"Do we have any idea who would do this?" She asked, the worry on her face hard to ignore, "We are in a period of peace, the first of its kind in the history of Ivalice. I don't think Rozzaria would turn so quickly or dramatically," Zargabaath chuckled. "What?"

"You are too innocent at times, Maar. It was not that long ago, every nation on Ivalice was at each others' throats," he raked his fingers through his hair, he had not realised how anxious he was until he felt the sweat slick his hair back. He sighed, "I must leave immediately; will you take charge?"

"I will," she nodded, "Any orders?"

"Don't overwork yourself," he said, standing up, "Delegate, it's your job."

He marched out to the hanger, leaving Archades in good hands; he climbed into a fighter and directing the craft to Rabanastre.


The sun had begun to set over the hills, the golden aurora making the autumn leaves glow and Balthier knew he had stayed too long and had to leave.

He began to slip away, he wanted to say good-bye to Basch and Ashe, but they were nowhere to be found, Fran and Tal were also MIA, the only one who would farewell him was Basch's lovely Aunt Ingra.

"I do wish you could stay," Ingra huffed, disappointed at the loss of the young pirate, "It's nice to have an attractive young gentleman around."

The pirate bowed, "Alas, I have to do this," he flashed his charming grin, "You have been a most agreeable hostess and I look forward to seeing you again."

"Careful, young man," she giggled as he kissed her hand, "I may take that the wrong way."

"Am I in competition with another am I?" he joked in a theatrical way, "Or are you afraid that your nephew will do something bad to me?"

"I'm not saying," she cocked her eyebrow at him, also playfully, "but you are wasting time, I am much too old for you and I doubt you have the type of experience I like."

She walked off towards the manor, leaving Balthier curious to her meaning, "Cheeky minx," he called after her.

"Fly swift and return safe, sir," she vanished into the structure. Balthier laughed and climbed the gangway.

The Strahl hummed into life and floated into the sky. "No Mistress Fran again, sir?" Nono asked, stretching from a nap.

"She's busy right now," Balthier answered him, "We are heading to Bhujerba and your taking the helm."

"Yes sir," the little moogle nodded, "Kupo!"

Balthier stepped aside for the small creature to take the pilot's chair with an all mighty leap. "Treat her well, Nono." The pirate retired for the first time in three days.


Tal giggled as Fran removed his boots, tickling his feet with her lips and tongue. They had escaped to a secluded, forested area some distance from the house and nestled on a soft mound of moss at the base of a large tree. The Viera took delight in depriving the General of his clothing, the chilly air not having any affect on his reaction, "Will you not joined me in this natural state?" he asked, watching her hands move gracefully over the more delicate appendages in firm, but gentle motion, as though caring for a baby animal.

"Be patient," she cooed, locking her eyes with his, "This is for you this evening and I wish to draw out every blissful pleasure from you …" she curled her lip coyly, "And feast on your ecstasy."

His leg twitched, "I wish to please you, as I have always done when we are together." He reached for her, removing her headgear and grabbing a fist full of her snow-white hair. "Please, disrobe for me?"

She drew him close with a few subtle gestures and allowed him to remove her clothing. With his newly naked love, luminescent in the evening hue, he pulled her down onto him, weightlessly gliding up and down.

"I could die right now," he groaned, holding her hips as she effortlessly moved.

"I don't want to think of that right now," she growled, pushing his hands away from her, "Don't ever talk of death around me!"

He had struck a nerve her mood began to change, "I'm sorry, Franny, please forgive me," he begged her, kissing her hands.

"No, I'm sorry," her demeanour softened, bowing her head in shame and sadness.

"Don't cry, Franny," he sat up, enveloping her in his arms, caressing her long hair as she trembled, resting her cheek against his. "Hush, love. What saddens you?"

"Nothing," she lied, averting her eyes so he would not detect.

"You cannot lie to me, Franny," he kissed her neck, "But if you do not wish to talk about it, I will not pressure you."

"Thank you, Tal," she tried to smile, but he just pulled her head down onto his shoulder.

"Don't talk," he whispered, squeezing her close, "don't talk."


No one had noticed their absence, at least they'd hoped so; Ashe had wrapped the heavy grey coat around herself as Basch clipped the fur lined cloak his father use to wear. The two of them went for a dusk walk around the grounds. "I could almost give Dalmasca up to live here with you and your wonderful family … Almost," Her cheerful grin warming Basch's heart.

"I wouldn't dream of depriving Dalmasca of her strong and wise Queen," he said, linking his arm with hers, "We fought so hard and risked much to let you give it up."

"I did say almost," she kissed his cheek as they continued to walk along the path.

The gardens were more of a wilderness, no set design as to where the multitude of plants grew, but that did not make it any less beautiful, it was like an enchanted forest. Ashe envied Basch's childhood, the picturesque scenery looked like the lands from her fairy tale books when she was young; her beloved would never have been bored.

Basch told her of youth, the spring where he would swim in the summer, the place where he experienced his first kiss, his first hunt with his father and brother; "My father planted all these trees," he continued as their path took them up onto a hill. The sea could be seen in the distance with the sun just touching the horizon, "All with the exception of this one." He dropped to his knee, gazing up to her, his face framed by the grey and tan fur of his cloak. "Ashelia, you once told me that you loved me the moment we met on your sixteenth birthday," She flushed as the understanding of what was occurring began to sink in. "I have a confession to make," he took a deep breath, "I felt the same way, I knew it was wrong, but you were so beautiful. From that moment, I didn't want anyone else, it broke my heart the day you married Rasler and to think I told him what to do that night …"

"Basch," she chuckled, her happiness overwhelming her, "You're babbling."

"Yes, I'm sorry," he looked away to compose, "the point is Ashe, my beautiful Queen, I love you and I wish to wake up, by your side until I die as your husband and you, my wife." Basch retrieved the ring his aunt had given him, "this has been in my family since we colonised Landis," he placed the unique ring on her finger. "We were to get married anyway, but with this, know that I offer more than my body, but every part of me, my heart and soul, know that I give you my eternal love."

Ashe could not contain herself, her tears of joy flowed like a river; she held his hand as he stood up. He kissed her passionately as the sun dipped into the sea.


This chapter was brought to you by Bundy and coke and a shit load of Cab-Sav :Þ