Hello everyone. It has been a while. Mainly because I have been busy at work, distracted by another fandom and had some nasty cases of WB. But I'm getting back into my "Basch" mode and this was the result. I don't know if its really my best work, and I think I promised to get to the baby stuff last time, but that will have to wait. Next chapter will do…promise!

So I hope you all enjoy it. As always, I dedicate this to my wonderful sisters: Georgia, Maudie, Eari and Feebs.

Revealed

Balthier had finally gotten things under control. Everything was prepared and set for the greatest night on Ivalice. He chuckled to himself as his imagination went into over drive, thinking on how the party would play out.

It was going to be incredibly fun, not necessarily for Basch, but Balthier was going to love it. All elements were accounted for, all scenarios and problems had been thought of and the solutions had been planned down to the last detail. Well not entirely. There had to be some kind of surprise for everyone other than Basch, and if a friendly little skirmish or fight broke out then the sky pirate would relish in it.

But there was one person who was also going to have a little surprise. Vaan was going to be taught his most important lesson yet and it will certainly make him think twice about messing with the Strahl again.

Oh yes, it was going to be an incredible night.

Now as best man, Balthier had to make the appropriate announcements and the first one had be to Basch. He wasn't going to tell him everything exactly, but Balthier did feel that the Regent-to-be deserved to know about tonight's festivities. Basch also had to know that his Queen shouldn't find out what's going on either. If Ashe knew what went on at these "bachelor" parties Balthier's life wouldn't be worth living.

It would be difficult, but worth it.

So Balthier approached the main palace doors, he took in a big long whiff of the Archadian roses he had purchased and smoothed out his new waistcoat. He had to make sure he looked presentable for the new couple, but being almost perfect anyway, there wasn't much he could improve upon.

He strode confidently up the steps, smiling at some of the citizens in passing and then he paused before two of the Guards standing in front of the doorway.

"Can I help you, sir?" asked one of the guards, taking a step forward.

"Yes…I'm here to see her majesty Ashelia." said Balthier, politely. "I come baring flowers. Though I have eaten the chocolates and unfortunately I left all the nutty ones, but I'm sure she won't mind."

The guard looked back at his partner who shrugged his shoulders and Balthier knew that beneath their masks they were smirking. Did they really think that he was some kind of suitor for the young royal? As if he ever had a chance! Basch wouldn't allow it, even if the knight himself wasn't about to have a child with Ashe.

"Deliveries to her majesty can be left with us." said the guard once again. "I will make sure she gets them."

"I would much rather hand them over to her in person." Balthier replied.

"Her Majesty is in a very important meeting at this moment. She hasn't the time to see anyone."

"Oh I might be an exception." he said flashing a proud grin. "I am the Best Man after all."

"Huh?" The guards hadn't a clue.

Suddenly the huge main doors opened and all of the men looked to see who was emerging. They didn't expect to see the most beautiful vision of loveliness striding through the archway. Balthier recognised her immediately and his mouth dropped open, just as it had done when he first laid eyes on her.

Her long red hair swayed and billowed in the wind as she walked casually past the guards. Balthier stepped back but he could not take his eyes off her.

She was so dazzling, her hair was in tightly curled spirals bouncing round her waist and as Nia Marlene strode towards him, Balthier felt his heart almost burst.

"Well well well…" Nia came to a halt in front of Balthier, placing her hands on her hips. He saw some of her fingers tapping quite irately on her curvy sides. "This is a…surprise."

Balthier went to say something. His vocal chords seemed they were choked by invisible hands, he couldn't speak yet his mouth was open. He felt his heart going crazy, crashing and bashing hard against his ribs, he felt the perspiration dripping off his palms and soaking his brow. The normally sophisticated and composed Balthier was for the second time in his life, weakened by his uncontrollable nerves.

There was a small sound that escaped from Balthier's dumbstruck mouth, almost like a little squeak, but no real words formed or followed, just stammers and murmurs.

"Oh no…I've become Basch. Is this what he was like before he told Ashelia of his feelings? Yes. Oh hells balls of fire, I won't become like that at all! Pull yourself together man!

"Don't become like this." Nia snapped, as still Balthier could not stop gawping at her. "It doesn't become a man such as you."

"Become like what?" Balthier put on his best innocent look for her, but just like with Fran, Nia didn't fall for it at all.

"Ffamran," Nia looked extremely stern as she leant in close to him. "We've talked about this and I'm not comfortable seeing you so, weak and soppy. It's not you."

Balthier could have sworn that he heard the guard snigger. Why shouldn't the guard laugh any way? Balthier was feeling like the infatuated teen that he had once been. He was having difficulty in controlling his feelings and Balthier never liked being in such a vulnerable state. Yet it was Nia Marlene who was the cause of it.

His first. She was the woman he loved and being apart and distant all these years, he thought he would have gotten over her. But seeing her now brought back all those memories and his feelings crippled him like a violent kick to the groin.

"You flatter yourself too much." said Balthier, managing to regain his suave demeanour, yet his hands were still trembling as they clung onto the flowers.

"I'm right." Nia said.

"You're full of yourself aren't you?"

"And you're so perfect?"

"Naturally."

"Yet you tremble and shake in my presence like an over weight flan?"

"It's all a front."

"You lie terribly."

"Correction…" He held up a single finger to make his point. "I lie terribly well."

"Not to me, Ffamran."

"Alas, women have always been one of my weaknesses. They do rattle me so."

Nia didn't reply immediately to that retort. Balthier was surprised that she didn't, for a part of their relationship had always included this insulting banter. It certainly helped him to get over his trembles at being in her presence.

There as a distinct frown and glare upon her features and now her arms were crossed over her chest in clear frustration.

In Archadia and even through the whole of Ivalice, Nia Marlene had a reputation that was highly thought of. She was liked by just about everyone, but it was only Balthier who knew just how manipulative she could be.

There was a side to this woman that the nobility of Archades would be aghast to learn of.

"This reunion needn't be sour." Nia said after a few moments of awkward silence. Her anger and discomfort lessened somewhat and Balthier noticed she was staring quite intensely at the Archadian roses in his hands. "You were spotted coming up the steps and well, I was sent to go and fetch you. The Queen and Judge Magister are preparing for their speech later on this afternoon and your partner was requesting your presence."

"Ah…Fran. You have met her then…" Balthier cleared a slight lump in his throat. "Did she…?"

"Tell me all about you?" Nia shook her head. "Not so much. But don't fret yourself, Ffamran. I didn't say anything either. Your Viera lady is quite charming and for the life of me I can't fathom as to why she would insist on gallivanting about with you."

"Fran has exquisite taste."

"In you?" Nia almost choked herself.

"What can I say? Fran clearly recognises a good thing when she sees it."

Nia didn't respond to that, though the lady looked clearly disappointed, but not at the sky pirate. She turned her head ever so slightly towards the main doors and the wind swept several lock s of her hair into her face. Nia pulled it away with just a couple of fingers and her green eyes fixated on one of the elaborate windows. Balthier looked as well and just faintly he could make out the Queen pacing back and forth. Nia's anger faded and there was a deep look of sympathy on her face.

"Let's go in." said Marlene, walking off without waiting for Balthier. "We don't want to keep them waiting."

Balthier followed without hesitation and he smiled triumphantly and smugly at the Guards who stepped aside and opened the main doors. He swaggered with a confident swing and he propped the dense cluster of roses on his shoulder, not noticing that some of the red petals had fallen to the ground.

"Good day gentlemen." Balthier waved his hand as he disappeared from sight.

Though Balthier had his doubts on whether it would be.

It would take all of his strength to cope with being in Nia's presence. It would take all of his wile and cunning to make sure Ashelia doesn't find out what he has in plan for Basch tonight as well. He had to have his wits about him, Balthier couldn't afford for his soppy feelings of love to mess everything up.

The Leading Man had to be victorious.

0000000000

The door flew open and as a result of such brashness, Vaan and Tomaj got a wing in their face. The two boys were flattened immediately to the floor and Penelo and Filo had just about the right amount of time to duck and avoid the same thing happening to them.

They felt several rushes of air against their faces and saw blurs of red in front of their eyes, before the startled looking face of Llyud came into focus. His large wings were still flicking and waving about in an erratic manner, obviously having been frightened by the sudden surprise.

"It's all right, Llyud!" Penelo cried holding her hands out to steady the unsteady Aegyl. "It's only us!"

"Oh!" Llyud tucked his wings against his back as much as he could and then proceeded to help both Vaan and Tomaj to their feet. "I'm sorry."

The two others looked quite red in the face and distinct feather marks were smattered across their cheeks. Vaan and Tomaj were wincing still from the pain of impact and were trying hard to keep a manly composure.

"What are you doing in Iliana's quarters?" asked Filo looking round at the most lavish and ornate bedroom, with utter delight. Her eyes fell upon the young brunette servant girl who poked her head out from behind Llyud's wings. "Hello?"

Pala's head tilted at the sound of Filo's voice and she smiled. Though the smile was not the happiest she could muster. She was breathing deep long breaths, trying to control her anger.

"I thought she would return 'ere." said the maid, despondently. "I thought I could speak to her real polite like, about what she's done to the Queen. Also I woulds make her apologise for knockin' me over! Damned cheek of the woman! Lady or no lady of Rozzaria, she will apologise!"

"She spoke up about Ashe and Basch's child." said Penelo clasping her hands behind her back and rocking gently on the soles of er feet. "Before Ashe could even say anything. Well, she blurted it out and she did it on purpose."

"It caused quite a ruckus." Filo responded. There was another little squeak of excitement from her. "But there's no need to worry, the Queen and Judge Magister have been given the blessing to go ahead with the marriage."

"Really?" Pala's smile beamed like pure blinding sunshine, expressing such a joy that she could barely contain herself. Her hands clasped together and she held them to her chest. "Oh that makes me so happy! I can't say 'ow much…but I'ms on cloud nine for hearin' that!"

"As we all are." said Penelo matching Pala's grin and taking hold of the young girl's hands. She squeezed them tightly and then looked to the others. "But, we can't rejoice yet. The rest of Ivalice still have to be told and they might not take it well."

"I can't speak for the rest of Ivalice," Vaan said, rubbing at his still smarting cheek. "But I can confidently say that Rabanastre folks are ready for Basch to come back."

"Oh Vaan." Penelo shook her head. "Did you really go around the whole of the city telling everyone?"

Vaan, Tomaj and Kytes stood proudly together and with their arms crossed over their puffed chests. They all nodded in unison.

"And I must say we got a great response!" Vaan then wrapped an arm around Tomaj and Kytes' shoulders. "The majority of the city are thrilled that Basch could be alive, for they never believed he was a traitor in the first place. Don't worry Pens, we were really subtle about it and once it was mentioned, the public just lapped it up! The people in Low town were ecstatic."

"Well, most of them had signed the "Free Basch Fon Ronsenberg Because He's Innocent" petition at the time." said Tomaj scratching at his chin.

"That petition was never taken seriously by the Consul, was it?" asked Penelo.

"No. It wasn't." Vaan shrugged his shoulders. "But the people are excited! They're whispering and talking about his return! I even think that people are planning parties and celebrations for his come back!"

"My mum and dad are setting up a Happy Basch Hour in the Sandsea." said Tomaj. "Well more of a Happy Basch night to be exact."

"Oh really?" Penelo tried not to smirk at such a thought. She could see how Basch himself would be embarrassed about such an event. She could just imagine the blushing on the man's face as everyone applauded him and threw those papery party streamers. "That's all fine and well, but what of the people who don't like Basch?"

"Oh mum won't invite them." Tomaj bobbed his head. "And if mum doesn't want certain people in her pub then there is no way they'll get in!"

"Maljia frightens me." whispered Kytes.

"Aww…who could not like Basch?!" screeched Filo. "He's adorable!"

"Adorable huh?" Vaan grinned. "I'm sure he would love to hear you say that!"

"But he's a great knight of the order! Dalan told me all about him and meeting him and fighting beside him on Lemures was amazing! He's a hero!"

"Calm down little excitable Filo." Vaan held back his laughter. "It's natural to have a little hero worship."

"Filo…" Penelo smiled softly at the little girl's adoration. "Basch was arrested for the killing of King Raminas. He was branded a traitor."

"But he didn't do it! We know he did none of those things!"

"Well…of course we know that! But you've got to remember that not everyone else does! Some people actually believe Basch did do that, so they won't take this news well."

"Penny…" Vaan sighed and slipped his arms away from his friends. He then walked over to her and placed his hands on Penelo's shoulders. "There won't be any need for concern! I have made sure that Basch will be accepted! Trust me!"

Trust him. She did. However, it was more the reactions of others that she never quite trusted. Especially the thousands of people who lived in Rabanastre. Their reaction to Basch's "resurrection" would never be predictable. Penelo couldn't even begin to think of how the rest of Ivalice would take this piece of news as well.

"Well…we shall just have to wait for them to make the speech then." Kytes stated matter of factly.

"But what about the Rozzarian woman?" asked Llyud.

"We'll find her." Pala took hold of Llyud's hand and his lack of sudden surprise caused the others to stare in shock. Kytes and Filo even ducked in anticipation of a wing spasm, but that never happened.

Since they had met him on his home of Lemures, Llyud's wings had never quite managed to stay under control. As stoic as Basch was, Llyud very rarely spoke or showed what he was feeling. Instead his wings did it for him. His large feathered protrusions spoke volumes unlike his own voice. So seeing the young maid take his hand and a small smile display on his face, was a surprise. A pleasant one, but a surprise nonetheless.

"We will help you." said Penelo confidently. "Vaan and I met Iliana in Giza and she might have other plans. Plans that could ruin the wedding and Dalmasca's peace."

"You really think so?" asked Kytes. "Can she be that horrid?"

"I'm saying she's that manipulative." Penelo said, sneaking a look towards Vaan. He was beaming a sheepish and flushed grin, his hand clasping nervously on to the back of his head. "A woman as beautiful as her would know how to stir up trouble. Besides, you know who this Iliana is and what scandal she can cause!

"Oh." Kytes looked to Tomaj in some hope of clarification, but the older teen shook his head and shoulders. He hadn't met or seen the woman so they couldn't quite comment.

"If she's not 'ere, then where could she be?" Pala's white eyes blinked a couple of times and her head tilted towards Penelo. No one was able to answer as they didn't have a clue to where the Margrace woman could be.

"I would imagine Ashe has everyone looking for her." said Vaan. "But do you think it might be a good idea to talk to Al-Cid?"

"Not you Vaan, nor you Penelo."

Everyone turned at the sound of this new voice and filling the doorway was Fran. Her ears had to bend down so they wouldn't catch on the frame, but to the Hume teens she was still a beauty to behold.

Penelo walked over to the tall Viera with a look of concern and puzzlement, she clung on to one of her long plats and cleared her throat.

"Is Ashelia all right?" she asked twisting the plat in her grip.

"She is as well as can be expected."

"And Basch?"

"He is fine."

"But?" Vaan piqued up.

"They are undoubtedly apprehensive about this whole situation. But they have asked that you and Penelo to join them immediately. They wish to request a favour."

"A favour?" Vaan gasped. "Really?"

"Immediately."

"Then we'll be there!" Vaan turned to face his friends and clamped a hand down on Llyud's shoulder. He received a whack in the back from the Aegyl's wing, but it didn't faze him at all. "But, could the rest of you find Iliana? It would really help both Ashe and Basch."

"I'll go, Lady Viera." Pala curtsied in front of Fran who still wasn't quite used to people treating her like some sort of nobility. Sure this young teen was a maid in the service of the Queen, but there was no reason to be so humble in her presence. "Could you relay to 'er Majesty that I shall be goin' wiv the others to find the rude Rozzarian bi….Lady? I want to 'elp. 'Er Majesty needs to know why that woman did such a thing!"

"We're all going to find her." said Filo. "Go on, Vaan. Penelo. We'll do this for them! Real nice….just like you want!"

The young girl winked at the both of them.

"Thanks, guys." said Vaan giving them all a thumbs up. "It's really appreciated! We'll meet up later?"

"Meet at the Sandsea." said Tomaj and everyone agreed with bobbing affirming heads. Kytes' stomach simply rumbled, showing his desire to go there now and get some much needed lunch.

The agreement was made and so Vaan and Penelo followed Fran out of the abandoned guest quarters, leaving just the five standing quite perplexed and unsure in the middle of the room.

"Erm…this is Pala." said Llyud, deciding to introduce the young maid to everyone else.

His friends were grinning, most suspiciously.

"Hi." Pala stepped forward and shook hands with all of them. "So…shall we get goin'?"

"It's lovely to meet you…Penelo has told us about you." Filo beamed and Pala responded with a shy happy smile herself.

"She has?" asked the three boys. Filo nodded and lead Pala and the others towards the door.

"Penny's mentioned you to me anyway. Come! Let's find this woman and see if we can prevent Iliana from ruining the future of Dalmasca!"

The two girls were out of the room before the boys could even respond, but a few seconds later the three males trundled after them.

"So…" Tomaj nudged Llyud on the arm. "This Pala seems to have made an impression on you."

"Not at all." Llyud replied.

Though Tomaj and Kytes knew better. They were already walking a little distance away from him, anticipating the emotional wing jerk that would belie his stoic face. Sure enough, Tomaj's comments and the looks, made Llyud's right wing flick out, but unfortunately it caught a passing servant on the back of the their head. The man stumbled and fell to the floor, but the boys didn't notice the poor soul and carried on.

Their lack of attention would cause them trouble.

Élan had just about had enough of these damned kids. He had enough of this whole situation.

0000000000

Fran walked into the brightly lit drawing room and her attention was drawn immediately to how the people were separated. To her left, Ashe was pacing from bookcase to bookcase and standing close by her was Marlene and her Doctor, Maya. The two women were trying to keep her calm but it wasn't working.

On her right, quite a distance away from Ashe, was Basch. With him were Balthier, Larsa, Garner and Ondore. Standing by the window was Talven, reading a letter and just next to him was Sarvani, fully awake and alert even though his eyes were still closed.

Fran took Penelo with her towards the women and Basch signalled with a gesture of his hand for Vaan to approach him. The young teen strode over and stood next to the Judge.

"You asked to see us?" he said.

"Yes." Basch replied, his eyes not looking away from Ashe. "We need to talk."

"Oh…" Fran noticed the look of worry on Vaan's face. Again his nervous rubbing at the back of his head showed his apprehension. "I didn't do anything, Basch. I promise."

That invoked a small amused smile on the Judge's face.

"I know that to not be entirely true, Vaan. But that's not the point."

"Oh good….I'm not in trouble then?"

"Not at all."

Vaan sighed with a release of such relief and he slumped casually up against the wall.

"Your Majesty…" Talven put the note he was reading down on a nearby table. Fran could make out the elaborate and artistic handwriting, knowing immediately who had written it. She couldn't read it all but Fran reasoned that she would find out soon as Talven told the Queen. "Will you be able to address the public in a couple of hours?"

Fran side stepped out of Ashelia's path to avoid collision. Ashe paced a few more times, muttering and holding her stomach, before she turned to face her council member. She was looking quite fatigued and sullen, but Fran knew that Ashe would try to remain strong.

"I…I think I will be." she uttered. "I know it has to be done."

"We will all help you, Ashelia." Ondore spoke up. "You won't be alone in this."

"I know…but it doesn't make it any less frightening." Ashe caught Basch's gaze and Fran saw her begin to move over to him. Yet she stopped herself. "Have my citizens been told of my upcoming address?"

"Yes, Highness." Garner bowed. "The guards and even the knights have spread word throughout the whole city."

"Good." Ashe bowed her head. "Thank you."

"And we are here, because?" asked Balthier as he checked his waistcoat. Upon finding a piece of unwanted fluff, he picked it off as if it was worse than fiend bile and rid himself of it with one quick flick.

"Basch and I need to ask you all for a favour." said the Queen, looking back up to meet her Judge's eyes. "It involves your participation in the Landis marriage ceremony."

"We get to participate?" asked Vaan excitedly, nearly falling as he stood up from leaning against the wall.

"I'm not sure how, but Basch will explain it to us."

All eyes were now on him. Fran was quite intrigued, for the customs of the Landisian bonding ceremony was of immense interest to her. No one else in the room, apart from Basch knew what it really entailed and with all the people looking at him, he was more than nervous. His armour was clanging with the shakes of his body.

"In Landis the family is very highly valued. It was from them we are given our beliefs." Basch stated. "Close family members oversee any couple's bonding. We have asked you here because we want you to be our family. To see this ceremony to the end."

"For all of it?" said Marlene. "You said before that this lasts a month."

"Aye. It does." Basch responded. "Your roles will be altered slightly, but they are not any less important."

"I've heard what this entails, Judge Magister and some of it is a little beyond what I would call conventional marriage rites."

"My Lady, you've been told only what others have heard. This ceremony is rarely done outside of Landis itself. The truth is a lot more…intense."

Fran wasn't quite sure how to take the word "intense."

Basch sighed and instinctively he went to move towards Ashelia. At the same time, Talven blocked him off by standing directly in front of him and placing his hand up in the air. Penelo and Vaan gazed with their mouths hanging open, as they couldn't understand why the council leader was preventing him from going to her. Fran watched as Basch nodded his head, understanding that he wasn't allowed to go across the room to his Queen.

"Four close family members are chosen to bare witness." the Judge continued backing off towards the men. "Four for myself and four for Ashelia. Eight over all. However, Marquis, as Ashe's only living relative you will have a more important role. We hope that you all wish to do this."

"We are honoured, Basch." Garner stepped forward and placed his hand on Basch's shoulder. "I will do it, for both of you and for Dalmasca."

"Thank you my friend."

The two men hugged each other as friends only could do and when they parted the dark skinned knight ruffled up Basch's hair with a playful rub. Basch couldn't do it back, because Garner's close shaven head offered little to mess up. Basch was thinking about slapping him on the head, the way he used when they were younger, but he was distracted by someone knocking politely on his armour. He looked down and stared at the bewildered young charge he served.

"Are you sure that it would be all right for me to attend, Basch?" asked Larsa, who hadn't forgotten what Nia Marlene had told him about the ceremony. Basch nodded his head and got down to Larsa's level. He took the Emperor's hand in his and smiled.

"There is a part that will be fine for you, sire. You need not concern yourself."

"Oh…I won't see anything……y'know…revealing or…too…personal?"

"You will not, sire."

"Very well." Larsa shook his guardian's heavy gloved hand. "I accept."

"I accept too!" said Vaan, a little to loudly. His excited enthusiasm caused Basch to smile and when the nineteen year old whacked him on the back with a playful punch, Basch saw Vaan trying to ignore the pain his armour had caused him.

"I had hoped you would, Vaan."

Penelo didn't need to say anything to Ashe. The blonde teen spoke volumes from the big squeezing hug that she had desperately wanted to give the Queen in the council chambers. Fran saw the tears slipping down Ashe's face as she returned the embrace with equal measure.

"I will take this role you ask of me." said Fran, though she wasn't entirely one hundred per cent sure.

"You can't do any of this without me." said Balthier taking hold of Basch's hand and shaking it with the strongest grip he could muster.

"I could not." Basch replied, though both of them smirked. "This does mean a lot to the both of us."

"You didn't even need to ask me." said Ondore, walking over to Ashelia. Fran saw the strong embrace between uncle and niece and saw just how happy Ashe was that Ondore was here for her. Fran also noticed how envious Basch was looking. Ashe had too and so she pulled herself from her uncle's grasp and went go over to the man she really wanted to hold. But Talven blocked her, again.

Fran watched the frustration in Basch's body language and his face was creased with a large frown. He tried to speak but instead Talven interrupted, waving the note he had in his hand.

"I have read over the details" said the old man, his cold grey eyes glaring at Basch. "It is very extreme, in my opinion. Have you ever had experience with this…?"

"I have, sir. I was asked to be a witness for another family member." replied Basch quietly.

" Indeed. Well, thank you for giving me the rules for this ceremony. Are these all of them?"

"Rules? Oh joy."

Marlene and Balthier both spoke up at the same time. They even said it in the same disapproving way, the same tone and they had the same look of foreboding on their faces. Fran turned her head from her partner to the Lady, watching them and it finally dawned on the Viera what was bothering her about them.

Fran noted that Marlene and Balthier adopted the same pose. It was one Balthier did often when he was getting bored or annoyed. One hand placed on their hips and the other looked at their fingernails as if that held more interest than being told what to do. It was uncanny.

"Well, there are a number of rules." said Talven as he skimmed through Basch's handwriting. "The most important being that, when the decision to marry has been made, the couple are to be kept apart until it commences. "

"Kept apart?" Vaan scoffed. "That sucks! It stinks! It stinks as rotten as dirty pants on washing day!"

"It is a necessity, Vaan." Basch said, though his face certainly agreed with his comment, especially about the dirty underwear analogy. "Besides these traditions have been in place for centuries."

"So no contact at all?" asked Maya, looking quite perplexed.

"No physical contact. Aye."

"Oh bummer." Vaan shook his head and slumped down in a chair next to Sarvani. He briefly waved a hand in front of the Helgas/Hume half breed, but even with his eyes closed the old man easily managed to slap Vaan's hand away.

"Bummer indeed." replied Larsa mimicking the older boy, though such a Vaan-ism sounded strange coming from the Emperor. "Is there a reason to this?"

"I am not entirely certain." said Basch. "But I suspect that it may have originally been the way the families prevented couples from having any more…."

Basch coughed and instantly they understood.

"Would you like a glass of water?" asked Fran quite innocently. "That cough sounded quite hoarse."

"Fran…" Penelo gently patted the Viera's arm and as if a person had touched the leaves on a Giza fern, Fran's ears curled up in response.

"The first two weeks of the ceremony will also require us to…keep apart." Basch continued, his voice wavering. To think about being apart from her was difficult, but upon hearing this Ashe looked positively horrified.

She became quite unsteady on her feet and Fran immediately took her over to a chair and eased her down into it. Maya approached and took out her medical scanner to check on the Queen's condition. It looked as if Ashe was going to be sick, her body was jolting as her stomach tried to retch.

Fran watched as the old female healer quickly poured some water from a jug on the table nearby and allowed the Queen to drink it down. She looked at the readings on the diagnostic tool and Fran caught the change in the other woman. The doctor became concerned and worried.

Was there something wrong?

The Queen didn't notice at all, she just clutched her hands in her lap and gazed back at Basch with sadness. She looked so pale again and if Fran didn't know better, she would have said she was ill.

"Ashelia." Basch's voice was so deep with anguish. "It will be hard for us both."

Fran heard a high pitched sound, an angry and brief cry through clenched teeth that could only have come from Ashe.

"I meant to say…that it will be harder for you, my Queen." Basch having interpreted Ashe's irate disapproval at his choice of words, corrected himself quickly. ."The purpose is to test us and we shall get through it. Besides, the second two weeks will…"

His sudden halt in the middle of speaking piqued everyone's attention. The Judge Magister's hands were making trembling gestures and his face was flushed with red.

"Will?" asked Garner, smirking.

"I er…..we..will….erm…er…."

Everyone knew what he meant, but only one person decided to actually say it out loud.

"Why don't you just say sex, my good man?" Balthier chuckled rubbing his hands. Basch couldn't say anything, for again his nerves of even mentioning this was overwhelming. He hadn't wanted to speak aloud of any of this, that was why he had written the note for Talven.

"There's a part of this ceremony that is just about sex?!" gasped Vaan in surprise. "Right! When I get married, I want to do a Landis ceremony too!"

"You would, Vaan?" asked Penelo, again her nervous hands gripping and wringing at her plat, which was now coming loose. "You would marry one day?"

"Sure…but it's got to be with the right gal."

"The right gal?"

"Sure! I won't just marry anyone!" said the young man. "Marriage is all about being with someone you love! It's got to be someone who's like my best friend! Someone who knows me as much as I do!"

"Like me?" asked Penelo smiling hopefully. Vaan nodded.

"Yeah…someone who is just like you!"

Fran watched as a fist balled tightly and Penelo was struggling so hard not to look disappointed by Vaan's comment.

"This ceremony is not just about the intercourse." Marlene said, who seemed to have the same reaction as Balthier did. Fran could see the gleam in her eye and her charming smile was too much like his. "Isn't there a certain tradition that involves a special and rather intoxicating oil?"

"Rhosyn oil is used…aye." said Basch not able to keep eye contact with anyone, except the floor.

Fran saw everyone in the room, with the exception of Larsa, look at Basch with utter shock and disbelief. Fran didn't know why, for all she knew of this "Rhosyn" oil was that it was highly sought after by Humes all over Ivalice. She knew that getting it was extremely rare, for the plant that made it, would only grow in remote places in Valdendia and only bloom for two weeks in five years. There were no exceptional properties about this Rhosyn plant or the oil gathered from it. It had no medicinal applications and couldn't even be used in machinery or tech. Sure it might be useful for polishing a few weapons, but other than that, it had no purpose whatsoever.

"You are jesting…are you not?" asked Garner, rubbing his head nervously.

"I am not. " Basch's cough sounded again and Fran really thought that a glass of water would do wonders for his dry throat. "Rhosyn grows more plentiful in Landis than anywhere else and yes, its properties are not exaggerated."

Fran couldn't comprehend why everyone was now so subdued. Sure enough their faces had flushed red and even the normally un-shockable Balthier was acting strangely. Perhaps she was mistaken about this plant, but she couldn't possibly imagine how.

The nervous silence dragged on a little too long for people's liking, so it was Ondore who broke the uncomfortable tension in the room.

"After your speech, Majesty…" The Marquis smiled as if nothing had even been mentioned about this strange plant. "What will happen?"

Fran waited for Ashe to reply, but she was too stunned to make a sound. Her hands were trembling in her lap and her teeth were nibbling at her lips, it seemed that she didn't even hear her uncle's words. Even Maya appeared oblivious as her worried eyes were transfixed on her medical device.

"Providing that the reception to Her Majesty's news goes well, arrangements and preparations for the ceremony will begin." said Talven. "Sarvani, myself, Reion and the visiting Landis representative shall oversee this. Highness, you and Basch will remain apart until it is ready. According to his note, it falls upon everyone else here present to prepare the both of you."

"So no bachelor party then?" Garner asked.

"No!" Both Basch and Ashe cried at the same time.

"Shame." The knight looked really disappointed about it.

"This is some kind of tease…isn't it?" Balthier stood by Garner's side and both of the men looked like pouty school boys. "No bachelor party?"

"What's a bachelor party?" asked Fran. When Ashe shook her head again, Fran thought it wise not to press the matter. If the "wedding" was going to be as bad as Basch made it out to be, she suspected that the same would be for this so called party. Unfortunately for her, Balthier answered the question.

"It's a celebration of Basch's last night as a single man." said the pirate, folding his arms.

"This involves drinking, I take it?" Fran quizzed.

"Yes. Lots." Balthier sighed.

"I do not wish one." said Basch, quite sternly.

"But…but one has already been arranged!" Balthier's voice almost cracked and whined as a child would, but he regained his composure and the confidence very quickly. "I've asked Migello to provide the food and the entertainment has already been booked!"

"I do not wish to know what kind of entertainment you have rustled up, Balthier!" Basch growled. "There is not going to be a bachelor party."

"Oh now this is just not done! Every man has to have a bachelor party, it will be a vivacious night for all!"

Fran seriously doubted it. Balthier's idea of party often meant trouble.

"Would it help if I gave you my solemn word that nothing would happen to Basch during these festivities?"

Balthier fluttered his eyes at the Queen, thinking the futile attempt would make the hormonal young woman change her mind. Garner and Vaan stood either side of him and looked extremely humble, both of them hoping that Ashe would finally give in.

Fran didn't believe it, she didn't believe him. Nothing would happen to Basch? Slavens would learn to fly if Basch was left alone.

"Highness, I have already paid Migello for all the food and the venue. If you do not trust me to look after Basch, then trust in Vaan and…." Balthier flipped his hand in the air, trying to recall the other knight's name.

"Garner." hissed Basch.

"Yes, him…trust him and Vaan to look after you, Basch."

"I do not need looking after."

"I will make sure nothing happens to you." Garner said, giving Balthier a disapproving look. The sky pirate bowed in mocking jest to the knight and chuckled. "After the speech, it may be beneficial to part-take in a small celebration."

The three hopeful men still awaited for their Queen to reply. Fran knew they had no chance and Basch certainly wasn't overly keen on the idea of this party, not that she blamed him.

Ashelia remained seated, she looked away from the glares of the men and out of the window. Fran's own eyes followed the Queen's gaze and she saw the wide open plaza before the palace where, already, citizens of Rabanastre were gathering. The apprehension and fear became evident on the young royal's face at this sight and her hand clamped over her mouth.

"Balthier…" Ashe signalled for him to come over with a single beckoning finger. Balthier bowed and approached bending down onto his knee in respect. "Have this bachelor party…Basch do not interrupt!!" Ashe glared deeply into Balthier's eyes and at such a harsh stare, Fran saw Balthier's eyes nervously twitch. "Have this bachelor party, but I warn you now, nothing had better happen to Basch."

"I promise, Highness. Nothing will happen to him."

"For your sakes, I hope not." Ashe recoiled slightly as she was hit with another bout of sickness. She composed herself and then leaned close to Balthier. "Because if I find out anything I shall…." Ashe whispered in Balthier's ear so no one else could hear. "…and I will then feed them to the Wolves in the Westersand. Is that clear?"

Fran edged away from the Queen. What she had heard was quite harsh.

Balthier gulped nervously.

"It is crystal clear, Highness." he uttered.

"Good." Ashe waved him away and turned to look out of the window again. Balthier slowly walked back to the other men and Fran watched as he sank down into a chair of his own, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.

Basch was shaking his head, it seemed like once again, he would have no choice in the matter.

"Can we have a party too?" asked Penelo, smiling. She walked in front of Ashe and laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You need something to ease your worries about this. Being stressful is not good for the baby."

"I do not wish to…"

"A baby shower!" Penelo squealed. "We could have one of those!"

Fran, who had only recently found out about babies, just couldn't fathom what the young woman was going on about. A shower? A shower of babies? Such a thing was impossible and of course, detrimental to any babies involved. Fran pondered about it for a few more minutes and realised that she could be taking this too literally.

"That…" Ashe smiled fondly at Penelo. "That does sound wonderful."

"Then we'll have one?"

Ashe nodded and Penelo clapped her hands in joy. Fran knew now that it couldn't possibly be anything so cruel as throwing tiny little humes from the air and she deduced that it may indeed be a party to prepare for Ashe's new child. That was a lot better than her crazy imaginings.

"Then it is settled." Sarvani rose to his feet and held out his hands to everyone. "Your Highness, by your leave, we shall get everything underway?"

"Yes, your grace." Ashelia replied. "Thank you….thank you, everyone."

Then before anyone else could say anything, before Basch could offer any comforting words, Ashe got up from her chair and slowly walked out from the room. She paused momentarily at the door and went to look over towards him, but she thought twice about meeting his worried gaze and left.

It was only a few moments later that Talven and Sarvani followed and so those that remained behind were left. There was a brief paused before it all erupted.

"Marry someone LIKE me? LIKE me??!"

"Trust you to organise a bachelor party!"

"Do you honestly believe that you would look out for me, Garner?"

"What, you want me to marry you?!"

"I am the Best man!"

"Arrgh!! Vaan! I sometimes wonder why I didn't hit you harder before! You're so stupid!"

"Oh ye gods…another high and mighty title you've appointed yourself…really Ffamran, it's tiring!"

"Wha….? What are you saying here, Penelo? That….that…? That you would…want to? Really?"

"Has this trepidation have anything to do with the fact that you and Vossler chained me naked to the Chocobo pens the night before my own wedding, Basch?"

"They're not self appointed titles…I earned them. I took tests and everything! Except Basch did ask me to be his best man. A title I plan to live up to! Spare me your snide comments, my dear woman!"

Fran remained speechless as they all talked together in a cacophony of heightened nerves and pent up frustration. Her attention was ripped to and fro from a young couple with a startling new revelation in their relationship, to another trying to insult each other with a spew of eloquent words. Even the knights disagreeing was distracting her.

"Basch…Efa still hasn't forgiven you for what you did!"

"It was Vossler's plan…"

"Which you carried out and laughed at if I remember."

"And you wonder why I am apprehensive of you and Balthier with this bachelor party."

Fran was unsure of what she was supposed to do. Stop them? Leave them? Common sense told her to go and sure enough, Ondore and Larsa were already half way through the door. Fran was going to follow, yet she remembered one more thing that had been playing on her mind. Not the frightening aspects of the ancient Landis ceremony, or the silly notion of a shower of babies…but rather the way the Healer Maya was behaving.

As the Queen's Foalen, it was her duty to make sure nothing was wrong with the baby. The healer definitely had something on her mind. Fran had to ask her.

Instead, Maya muttered under her breath as she swept past the Viera.

"I must get a second opinion…there's only one person who can tell me. Why did I miss it?!"

There was something wrong with Ashe's child, there was no other explanation.

Fran was determined to find out what was going on.

"Vaan, is the thought of being with me so frightening to you?!"

Penelo's high pitched yell resulted in everyone else clamming their mouths shut and quite shortly afterwards a crash and thud sounded as Vaan staggered and fell against the table behind him.

"Just typical." the girl huffed and marched out of the room, slamming the door so hard that a vase on a pedestal fell and smashed on the floor.

Humes. Fran really despaired.

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The Viera was so proud. She stood at the back, concealed only by the shadows of the pillar, and felt her whole body swell with a sense of delight. The Queen of Dalmasca had surpassed everyone's expectations when she stood with Larsa, Al-Cid and Ondore and announced to her people the truth. Her voice never faltered, her stature was strong and confident and she never broke.

Though not everything was perfect.

As expected, there were a good number of people who didn't believe Basch's innocence. Even when Basch got up to the podium himself, he had been jeered. Such a negative response was quite widespread, until a voice had screamed up from their midst.

"You fools! The lot of you really are fools!"

Fran recognised the voice all too clearly.

"You were so gullible and quick to accept the words of Vayne and his lies, but this? After all these people have done for you, what Basch had to endure! There is proof, listen to them! Don't you know this should be right? This is meant to be!"

More voices cheered the lone crier, but the confliction continued. In the end, guards had to come and break them apart, arrests were made and when Ashe addressed them again, no one else dared to mess around.

She, with the other three's backing, quelled the discord with another speech. One that was more passionate and certainly more convincing than Vayne could ever have been. She proved that she wasn't just a young woman way over her head, she was their Queen.

Fran marvelled at how she handled it. She was amazed at how even Ashe's announcement of her betrothal to Basch was hard to deny or reject. Ashe had accomplished a great feat for it could have come out seriously wrong.

But instead of uproar, there was the sound of rapturous applause when Ashe went back inside. There were cheers for the re-deemed Captain of Dalmasca, the people accepted him as Vaan's hard work of spreading the news paid off. The truth had been revealed, the doubts (although still there in many) would too, eventually, be calmed.

"That went really well, I thought." said Larsa as he and Fran watched the citizens of Rabanastre slowly disperse. "A few little skirmishes and disagreements, but that was expected. I'm sure they'll see reason eventually."

"Indeed." Fran could hear them all chatting, the excitement, the joy. She heard those still unsure, those who disliked the idea of such a marriage, but it did not matter. The overall consensus was the important thing. The majority wanted their Queen to be happy and this was the way.

But as Fran herself had her worries, what she didn't need were any more thrust upon her.

"Mistress Viera…Little Emperor. "

Al-Cid tapped Fran on the shoulder and when Fran turned round, he removed his sunglasses. She recognised that expression on his face. It was regret, shame and confliction. The leader of Rozzaria was troubled greatly.

"I'm afraid I have some bad news…regarding my sister."

"Please tell us." said Larsa.

"I fear she is going to do something that will greatly disrupt this day."

"Tell us!"

"You are not going to like it."

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For Basch, it seemed like a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. All that he had suffered felt worth it as he could at last be himself. There was no need to hide under this armour any more and all he had to do now, was look to the future. For him, for Ashe and their child.

By the gods, he was going to be a husband and father.

He was going to be a dad.

He and Ashe were actually going to get married.

Basch would never have believed it all those years ago.

So now, he simply had to wait until tomorrow, when the ceremony would take place, when he and Ashelia would spend one whole month together…alone. He just had to cope without her tonight.

Basch did dread this party that Balthier had arranged. He never wanted one, but it was a celebration and Basch was going to make sure that if this party was going ahead then it would be in celebration for his wife and child, not as his last night as a single man.

It didn't take him long to reach his own quarters. It was a room that he hadn't even been near since they had left to travel to Jahara, but this would be where he would stay for tonight. Basch pushed open the door, which felt so heavy against him, but once inside, he let it go and he headed straight to the bed. He ripped off all his armour and let it fall on the floor and the metal plates were soon followed by his shirt and his whole body felt even more lighter.

Collapsing down on top of the bed, the Captain of the Order allowed his mind to wonder, to try and grasp the reality of his life and how it had been until up to now. He ran his hands through his hair and rubbed at his eyes.

He was going to be a father.

"So…Captain Basch Fon Ronsenberg. What do you say we carry on where we left off?"

Basch bolted upright and he blinked in sheer disbelief as Iliana Margrace stood at the end of his bed.

Oh no. Please no….not now!

The Rozzarian woman approached and sank slowly onto the bed next to him, her hand crawling up his leg and resting finally on his bare chest. Basch jerked, his own hand grabbed onto her wrist and pushed with all his might. He lifted her off him and up away from the bed. She was surprisingly strong and pushed back against Basch's struggle, but it didn't stop him from shoving her up against the wall. However Iliana's legs latched around his waist and her thighs began to squeeze.

Basch began to crumble to the floor. As he desperately fought to pry her off him, Iliana grabbed on to his hair and pulled back sharply.

"Don't resist, Basch. I know you really want me, so I am going to make this extremely enjoyable!"

"NO!"

Basch cried out, but just at the same time, the door crashed open.

"Get the HELL OFF HIM!"

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