Author's Note: Congrats to Angry Girl, Toxo, and Zaz9-zaa0 for either hitting the nail right on the head or somewhat to the side. I also have to thank them for their constant reviews. Thanks!

Chapter 10: The Path Lain Before Us

Basch dropped the letter onto Lord Larsa's desk with a frown. He did not usually take to reading the Emperor's letters, but the Dalmascan crest on the corner made for extreme haste. The importance of the letter was evident in Queen Ashe's own hand, as she seemed to do little to hide the informalities throughout her writing; keen on getting the parchment into the hands of Larsa as soon as could be done.

Basch seemed at a loss of what to do. He scolded himself for allowing Larsa to travel on his own, even if a certain need persisted. He knew the young Lord had needed some time away from a protector's eye and perhaps it was not all that bad that he was away from Arcadia for a time. However, Basch knew that his absence in this situation would not go unnoticed by Ashelia. Perhaps the Queen would even take offence.

He lifted his helmet from his head in order to think properly. The helmet was stifling, and he needed the cooler air right now. His eyes landed on the letter again and he proceeded to read it through once more. "…I am in need of the presence of yourself and Judge Gabranth at this due time for a meeting being held in Dalmasca…" so Basch was also due to be there. He shifted his weight uncomfortably.

He was in a tight situation now. Though he loved to pester the Senate, he knew that given one moment of confusion or weakness, they would tear him apart. If Lord Larsa was indeed in Nabradia, and unaware of this meeting, then Queen Ashe and Dalmasca would take offense, and ultimately tear him apart in other means. Though, Basch knew Ashe would never do that purposely, but her people, who hated the Empire, would take pride in it.

Basch rolled back his sleeves, thoughtfully. He was not wearing his usual judge amour, at least not the full metal deal. The words of Ashe's letter echoed loudly throughout his mind: "I am in need of the presence of yourself and Judge Gabranth..."

If she calls in so desperate a voice as that, Basch thought, bringing the Lord and Judge, power of the Arcadian Empire, away from Arcadia as she knows full well which foul men watch our backs… indeed, she must be desperate. With that, Basch left Larsa's study, hoping strongly that the young Lord would forgive him for leaving his post in Arcadia. For Basch knew this was important, and if Larsa was not present there, he suspected a rough ground for which the relationships between Dalmasca and Arcadia would lie.

The conference room was silenced with the utter of those three words, specifically names. Penelo's eyes went to Larsa, uncertainly. He looked rather shocked, just as he had done when he had discovered his father murdered. She bit her lip and resisted the urge to run up and hug him. Though, that would be very inappropriate at a time like this. Instead, she found amusement in watching Vaan's mouth hang open and his eyes staring unblinking up at Tainean.

Tainean was giving Al-Cid the nastiest glare that could ever be forged by a Solidor. Then, her eyes glided smoothly to Larsa. There was almost sadness hidden behind the grey. Queen Ashe stood in respect. "I apologize, I believed you to be a sky pirate," she frowned.

Tainean nodded. "I am a sky pirate. So, no apology necessary," she replied. However, she suddenly added, "The apology is mine only for not introducing myself to the Queen of Dalmasca." Her eyes shot a nasty glare in Al-Cid's direction. Which made Larsa suspect she had never wanted to introduce herself in the first place.

Larsa watched her in silent awe. His mind had not yet registered whether Tainean had been married to one of his brother's or if she was a Solidor by blood. He had been much too young to remember anything about his eldest brother, and still far too young to give much interest to the second eldest, for they had been too far apart in age to give much notice of each other. Larsa certainly knew that Vayne did not marry.

Tainean's eyes shifted to Larsa, and she said with a small smile, "Larsa Ferrinas Solidor? You've grown since I last laid eyes on you. If I had cursed your father and his ridiculous idea of hierarchy I might have had more of a hand in aiding you through youth. No doubt, I'm sure Vayne has had much affect on you?"

Larsa could feel the eyes of the party shift in his direction and he suddenly became very clumsy with his words. "I'm moved by your devotion," he said, "but I must apologize… I –I don't recall –,"

"Of course, you don't you were barely five," Tainean snapped. Larsa gave her a quizzical look. Tainean turned back to Ashe. "Like you, Ashelia D'Nargin Dalmasca, I too have been forced into hiding. Please, allow me to introduce my self properly," Tainean bowed her head, but kept her eyes steady on Ashe as she did, "I am Tainean Nasrina Solidor, fourth child to Emperor Gramis and only daughter to House Solidor."

The party, including Ashe, was in complete shock. Larsa's eyes were wide and he had let escape a small gasp. Everyone in the company was too shocked to reply to this. Even Ashe seemed unable to form her usual quick words. Al-Cid was the only one who did not look surprised by this, and even Balthier was gazing around with a seemingly bored expression on his face.

"I must say, I'm surprised that you are alive Lady Tainean," Al-Cid said, breaking the rather awkward silence, "When I had heard that –,"

"Silence!" she snapped, angrily, "You've shared enough with this company as it is!"

Al-Cid smartly fell silent, and most members of the party raised an eyebrow at his obedience.

"Well," Balthier cut in smoothly, as always, "No need to be stubborn, Taih. Knowing this party, you will most likely be answering questions you originally wished you'd be avoiding." His eyes fell on the back of Larsa's head, who was still in silent shock. Penelo resisted the urge to run up and hug him, comfort him in some way, but she refused and instead she squeezed Vaan's arm tightly.

Tainean sighed, lightly and turned to Ashe. "Shall we proceed with this discussion, or continue interrogating me?" she said, flatly. Ashe let her rudeness slide, for she too knew what it had been like when she was trying to hide her broken identity to the rest of the party. She also knew that Balthier was right and that after this there would be many questions the party would expect her to answer.

"Very well," she said, in a tired voice, "we will proceed with the explanation of the temp –,"

The door to the room burst open and there stood Judge Gabranth in his old travel wears. He looked somewhat shocked to see the amount of people already there. Not to mention Larsa and Penelo, as well as all his old companions from eight years ago. He realized that he must have barged in at the wrong moment, because everyone was staring at him. The only one to make any reference to him was Larsa. "Gabranth," he said, wide eyed, "You must have received Queen Ashe's letter."

"Yes, and you?" Basch replied suspiciously. He was doubly surprised to see everyone of the party reunited and he would have thought that Larsa would have told him if he had none about it before hand. To his relief, Larsa shook his head slightly. "Penelo and I were lucky enough to run into Al-Cid earlier today. It was then we were informed of the meeting."

Basch nodded. "Good to see you too," Balthier smirked. Fran waved lazily in his direction and Vaan grinned widely. "It's like eight years ago. All of us here again," Vaan said, rather unnecessarily. Basch bowed to the Lady Ashe and Al-Cid respectfully. "I'm glad to see everyone here and well," he said. Then, he turned to Tainean and Leas, who were standing off to the side silently, but he made no reference to them. Larsa was secretly thankful of this. He had his own questions to impose later.

"Please, continue, my Lady," Al-Cid said, taking the moment of silence to return to former matters. Ashe nodded her thanks, and continued, "The temple in Nabradia," she begun, plainly caring little for word choice and formality now that she had been interrupted more than once, "has been opened. Information has not passed to myself or Al-Cid on whether it was the imperial army or some other force." Her eyes fell patiently to Larsa and Basch, who replied, "Arcadia has not been notified of the temple's opening until your letter came to me, Lady Ashe."

"Then we must take this into our own hands… yet again," Ashe added as an afterthought, "and discover who did and what they are after. We do know that ancient magick was used to open the gates, but we know little if they… made it back out."

A nervous silence swept over the company. Indeed, something that well protected from the beginning would certainly be worth protecting on the inside as well. The former party seemed to note the humor in the intruder's neglect to expect further barriers, for they have had much experience with breaking into ancient, rotting tombs and such. A smile was even playing at the corner of Vaan's mouth as this was mentioned.

"Ancient magick?" Larsa asked, trying to make a connection, "Deifacted nethicite?"

Ashe shook her head solemnly, "No," she replied, "nethicite and magicite are both a by-product of ancient magicks. The white and black magicks we used during our journey eight years ago are but a hint of the power ancient magicks behold."

"Ancient magicks," Fran added, "they are the fuel of the Nu Mou's storytelling of Espers. Their oral history dates back for centuries. They used Ancient magick as a means to defend and heal their people."

"Great, yet another piece of power the Draklor Labs can toy with," Balthier muttered, sarcastically. Larsa shot him a look, and Penelo bit the inside of her lip. Please, don't start, she thought desperately.

"Ah, but this is the problem," Al-Cid cut in, sticking his sunglasses into his hair, "ancient magick is not an object that can pass from hand to hand. It is a gift inherited by the ancestors of those times."

"It can also be developed by practice," Tainean added, "like black and white magicks, ancient magick can be developed and used if the user concentrates hard enough on the source."

Balthier raised an eyebrow, "And you know this?" he smirked. Ashe and Al-Cid were watching her curiously. Tainean nodded.

"Deifacted nethicite… it is also a by-product of these ancient magicks," she explained, "only less… organic. It was cast into an item by the gods as a gift for the Humes. However, some Humes were able to source its power through other black and white magicks and with much concentration they were able to use them."

Her eyes fell to Larsa, saying, "I was taught how to use these magicks by my eldest brother. He showed me a strand of white magick and I grew curious. I wanted to know more."

"So, you know ancient magick then?" Balthier said, in surprise, "You should have told me before. You know how many times that would have come in handy?"

Larsa and Penelo exchanged a curious expression, before Tainean smirked at Balthier. "Lay to waste your treasure, Balthier, I am not interested," she spat.

"You wound me," Balthier said, softly, putting a hand on his chest in place of his heart. Tainean ignored him and looked to Ashe awaiting a response. She inclined her head on the back of the chair, thoughtfully, as she watched Tainean.

There was a soft sigh before the Queen spoke, and when she did there was a hint of excitement in her usually formal tone. "So, if you know this magick then I suggest you aid us by going further into the temple."

"Now, now, Lady Ashe, that is unnecessary," Al-Cid interrupted, "Perhaps there is another, less dangerous approach to procuring information. Perhaps an approach that would not cause this lovely damsel to risk –,"

"That is quite enough," Tainean warned, giving him a cold side glance. Then she returned the gaze to Ashe, "I will agree to aid you, but do not think that I will remain an aid after your mission is through."

"You seek to hide and disappear from the world again, Tainean?" Al-Cid said, refusing to silence this time, "I believe in coincidence and so naturally I take your meeting with us here today is not only for the cause of aid in this mission."

Tainean drew her cold gaze back to him and shuddered slightly as she replied, "I am of House Solidor no more. I owe nothing to the Empire. So, I am in no position to linger once this is over."

"And you are to easily forget you little brother, six years your junior, and leave him to the claws of the Senate alone?" Al-Cid cooed lightly, and Larsa gritted his teeth angrily. He could handle the Senate just fine without help. Penelo blushed, feeling Larsa's embarrassment.

Tainean seemed to think the same. "He has done a fine work in rule," she retorted, "I am content that he will not need my aid after this and I can get on with my life."

However, Larsa was not willing to let go of the last of his family that easily. Once found, Tainean would never be forgotten by Larsa, and he would not sleep if he knew that somewhere he really did have family. That he was in fact not alone. "Perhaps it would be too bold to say, but I am in agreement with Al-Cid on this arrangement," Larsa said, he was very proud that his voice was not betraying his ego as calm and level headed. It was rather the opposite were his feelings lay in his heart. He could have run forward and hugged Tainean with all his strength, like Vaan usually did with Penelo. But he knew that it would not be seen as an Emperor thing to do. Instead, he satisfied his need to admire through his words, as always, "when this is through and solved, I bid you to consider a renouncement of your name with House Solidor."

Balthier made a choking sound which only Penelo seemed to have heard, and it made sense to think that Tainean was not just angry with the whole Solidor family, but furious with the lot of them. She glared coldly at Larsa, and her words were dripping with ice, when she said, "And you are willing to break your people's view of House Solidor as a pure, noble family line of men? You too must consider, Larsa, the impact of a woman interfering with that line, especially when she comes before you for the throne."

It was now that Larsa, and indeed everyone in the room, suddenly understood. It made sense to Larsa now that once their mother had passed on, the first thing his father did was banish the female for fear of a woman taking the throne in House Solidor, which had never been done in the history of his family. In fact, history writes that House Solidor was a family which bred extraordinary men. It was a wonder how many female relatives Larsa really had without knowledge of them. For this, he refused to let his sister fade like the rest of them.

Penelo was not as surprised as everyone else to hear Larsa enthusiastically reply, "I wouldn't mind, honestly." There was some humor in his voice, which Penelo figured had to do with the facial expressions of the Senate in his mental image, once they discovered Lord Larsa was allowing a woman to rule Arcadia. Penelo hid a wide grin that threatened to play out on her face.

Tainean raised an eyebrow at his reply. "I am a terrible diplomat, Larsa," she said, with a hint of irony, "You wouldn't want me ruling. Not to mention, I would most likely slay the Senate at our meeting."

At this Larsa immediately mumbled (loud enough that everyone caught it), "Well, in case, consider yourself Empress." Basch, who had forgotten to wear his judge helmet in the absence of Arcadia, was grinning from ear to ear at this reply. Even Ashe, who was desperately trying to stifle a laugh, ended up snorting loudly causing everyone to look in her direction curiously. "I –I'm sorry," she said, trying to get her face under control, "but I must say… I do agree with you. They only sent a letter to me some time ago, suggesting a marriage of convenience for me. You can only imagine who they had 'ideally' paired me with."

All eyes shifted to Larsa, who stiffened. "They what?" he spat, doing a perfect impression of Vaan, when he was truly astonished. Penelo giggled softly at his lack of word choice, for she had never heard Larsa Solidor use such a… direct phrase. Ashe smiled, knowing full well that they were both in the same mind frame when it came to this situation. "I know," she said, "they are… very intrusive."

"Then that explains their reason for bringing up the same subject in our last meeting," Larsa said, shaking his head wearily.

"I really hate to interrupt this… very interesting conversation," Balthier cut in, "but what are we doing with the temple?"

"Let's go ourselves," Vaan answered, rather quickly. Everyone stared at him, and he seemed to feed off their attention, saying, "Like old times… it'll be –,"

"Very dangerous," Ashe countered, finishing his sentence. Vaan looked irritated.

"When did that ever matter?" he said, waving a hand around at the party before him, "When'd that ever stop us?"

"When we get too old and our backs get sore," Balthier added. Ashe nodded in agreement.

"Since when has an adventure ever scared you off, Balthier?" Tainean smirked. Balthier shrugged in reply, it seemed he was not going to argue with her. She added, just for a reaction, "Sky pirate retired?"

"Well, are we taking the Strahl or your ship then?" he said, immediately. Fran scowled, and muttered something which sounded very much like 'no backbone'. Penelo smiled.

"Then who will accompany us?" Tainean said, conversationally. Immediately Vaan jumped from his seat, excitedly. "I'm with you," he said, quickly, then nudged Penelo with his arm, "What'd you say, Penelo?"

Penelo, pushing his arm away, replied, "Sure. It'll be a change of pace."

Larsa met her gaze, but something stopped him from volunteering his services. Penelo was slightly downcast and hoped that he would come along too. It would be disappointing to part with him yet again, and not see him for some time afterward. Especially not after what had happened between them yesterday; at that thought, Penelo grew slightly irritated that Larsa had not volunteered right after she did.

"I will come as well," Fran said, "Someone has to keep Balthier out of trouble."

Balthier smirked, "Fran, please," he said, saving his ego.

"I guess I'm being dragged along also," Leas suddenly said, glaring at Tainean. Nobody had even given a thought to her presence as she stood in the corner of the room. Tainean nodded, "You may if you wish. Perhaps you will benefit from it."

"Leas, Leas," Balthier cooed, "ever thinking on your own profit."

"Leas has been a great aid to me in these last few years, Balthier," Tainean warned, "More of what I could say for you."

Balthier frowned, but attempted to shrug her stinging words away, falling silent.

"I'm terribly sorry, but I have work to see to in Rozarria," Al-Cid said, shaking his head, "the work of a ruler is ever tiresome."

Now the eyes were on Ashe and Larsa, each of whom stood in awkward silence. Penelo persisted. She was not going to led Larsa out of her reach again. "Larsa…" she said, as a quiet plead.

Larsa noted the plead in her voice, and frowned. He, like Al-Cid, had much to see to back in Arcadia and it would be foolish of him to continue his childish, little journey any longer. He had already witnessed and lived through his embarrassment of that mistake when he arrived uninformed at the meeting of the party.

Yet, something in the back of his mind told him that related paperwork and duties to ruling an Empire were unstoppable and even undeniable, while an adventure with his long lost sister, a reunited party and a woman he most dearly cherished was something of a rarity. He glanced at Penelo, who was awaiting his reply, patiently, and nodded. "Yes, I too will accompany you to Nabradia," he said, to Tainean though he was staring at Penelo, who smiled in his favor.

"Then I will follow Lord Larsa, and go as well," Basch nodded.

Ashe sighed, "I agree with Al-Cid," she said, sadly, "I have much to attend to here. I cannot easily leave my position."

"That's a shame, Ashe," Balthier said, with disappointment, "Remember: 'vicious beasts' and 'fiendish traps'? King Raithwall? Stilshine of Miriam? You can't say you've forgotten."

Ashe frowned at him, and Penelo was sure that if Ashe could she would give anything to shut him up in certain times. He always did know how to get under her skin. "I have not forgotten," she said, instilling her strength, "that was many years ago now, for if you can recall, Balthier, I did not have a recognized position in Dalmasca at that time."

Balthier sighed. "You win," he said, simply.

"Then it is settled," Ashe said, "You will go to the temple in Nabradia and do all you can to find out who broke into it and what they were after. I will stay in Dalmasca, but I bid you send word every now and again to keep both Al-Cid and I informed."

The company nodded in union. "When will you have us set out, your highness?" Basch asked.

"As soon as you can," she replied, "I fear that the intruders were not there for pillage; that they new before hand what they were after when they entered Nabradia. The longer we wait, the closer they will get to their goal. Whatever it is… ancient magick, Deifacted nethicite, centuries old tales… this will no doubt have an impact on the world as we know it."

Penelo intuitively drew closer to Larsa and he could feel her hand brush again his, uncertain of whether she should make a move to hold it in present company. Larsa saved her from that decision, and brought his hand towards hers, his fingers closed in around hers softly. Though, he knew they were standing too close to one another for anyone to see this subtle movement, he did notice Ashe's eyes dart to him suspiciously.

"Then, we should rest this night and leave tomorrow morning before daybreak," Tainean persisted, "I will take my ship and follow the Strahl to Nabradia. Anyone wishing to come, decide tomorrow if you would like to go with either Balthier or I."

"She is an expert flier, I assure you," Balthier added. Tainean's cheeks grew rosy at this statement.

"Well, I'm glad to see that action will be taken," Al-Cid said, "And if you don't mind, Lady Ashe, I will find my guest room now. It seems that this meeting is drawing to a close. I am faithful to the company that they have everything in firm hands."

"Indeed," Ashe nodded.

"We too should go," Tainean announced after Al-Cid left the room, "Leas and I have some business to attend to before we prepare for the journey ahead."

"A hunt?" Balthier asked, curiously.

"You came too late, we've already been to see the bill master," Leas cut in. Penelo half expected her to see her stick out her tongue at him.

"Well," Tainean said, smirking, "Lady Ashe," she bowed, "A pleasure." She drew her gaze to Larsa. "Lord Larsa," she also bowed to him, "Good to see you again."

Leas left and Tainean followed her out. They closed the door behind them and Larsa turned back to the true form of the reunited party.

"It seems that we are once again united out of fate," Balthier said, casually, "Well, Fran, Vaan? How about that engine, eh? It's just sitting there waiting to be calibrated."

"Yeah, gotta get that done before tomorrow," Vaan nodded in agreement and stood.

Balthier followed suit. "We better do a good job. Knowing Tainean, she's going to want to race me." He gave Larsa an uncharacteristic pat on the shoulder before leaving the room, saying, "She's certainly wild, that one."

"Keep it up and you'll be sleeping outside," Fran warned, playfully.

Ashe turned to Larsa after they had closed the door behind them. Only Basch and Penelo remained. "I need to speak with Lord Larsa on a separate matter," she said, hoping they would get the hint and leave, "you will have him back shortly, I promise."

Penelo nodded and Larsa released her hand as she followed Basch from the room. Larsa turned to Ashe, curiously. "The Senate has a way of stating their… displeasure… in many different and abstract ways. I must confess, I did not foresee that they would dare overstep their bounds and give your majesty cause for offence. I will see to it, on my return to Arcadia, that it will not happen again."

Ashe shook her head. "You misunderstood me, Larsa," she said, "I am not offended, merely amused. I was not aware of the problems between you and Senate until I received that letter, and I assure you that I will not tolerate their arrogance towards a friend of mine."

Larsa smiled, grateful for her support. "I am grateful, thank you," he said.

"What I was going to say was you and Penelo seem to have grow close in the past years," she said, smoothly, "have you not given thought to your relationship seriously?"

Larsa was shocked by this. "I was…," he begun, but instead said, "No, it's too soon."

"Then perhaps play a game of shock into those old beggar's lives and pretend," Ashe suggested, "Surely, you, 'Lamont', are a talented enough actor to make them believe otherwise."

"I do not wish to drag Penelo into the warped world of politics," Larsa confessed, "She's too pure for that."

"Yet, she seems to want to accompany you into that world, if you don't mind me saying so," Ashe retorted. At Larsa's astonished expression, she said, "Believe me, Lord Larsa, I noticed her feelings towards you eight years ago when your relationship with her only consisted of sweet words of friendship and gifts of base imitation nethicite."

Larsa could not help himself. He had to grin at that. Ashe smiled at his reaction.

"Fair enough," Larsa smiled, "I will do this to keep the Senate off your backs."

Ashe nodded, thankfully. Then, Larsa suddenly said, "Oh, I –I have a rather… uh, improper question for you, if you don't mind?"

Ashe raised an eyebrow as Larsa dug in his pocket and produced a beautiful, sparkling crystal. "I, um… I was going to give this to her later," he said, awkwardly, "Please, as ruler of Dalmasca and cherished friend, I seek your aid and opinion… do you think?… do girls like these sorts of gifts?"

Seeing that Larsa Solidor, Emperor of one of the greatest superpowers in Ivalice, was truly, genuinely confused, Ashe could only attempt to suppress the furious fits of laughter that threatened her.

Author's Note: I sincerely hope that I didn't leave you hanging for too long. Hope you liked it! Next chapter coming soon!

Reviews are wonderful! Keep 'em coming! I'm kind of running out of ideas on interesting ways to thank you.