Sorry I didn't post last week, just been busy with life. I am so happy for the review!

Also in a later chapter this series will go to rating M, (MA?) Or I can keep it in rating T and cut the M part out. However if you want to read the MA review or message me so I know if I should cut it out or not.

Chapter 13 Jahara

The party walked on into Jahara. This village was all males, they split up in three different types of villages, one for men, one for women, and then one for young families, and elder couples. Once the garif hit a certain age, they must to move to mingle with others of their age. When matting season came along then they would meet up. The garif wore masks, and they never take it off. On a bridge stood two garif guards, in which stopped the group from advancing inside the village. "Who are you? This is garif land. No place for hume-children to play at game."

Another garif walked to the bridge. This was a garif that they saw fighting in the plain. "They are wayfarers. They bring no harm. I saw them cross the Ozmone Plain. They are warriors of great distinction. The fiends of the plains troubled them not at all."

The guard shook his head. "You ventured upon the plains alone, War-chief? Again?"

The War-Chief remained silent, and chose to ignore him. He looked at the party. "What business have you with the garif?" Vaan nodded his head. "Let them pass. The responsibility will be mine."

The guards nodded their heads. "If this is your wish, War-chief."

The other looked at the party. "Then, you may pass. These days see many humes wandering through our lands."

The party and the war-chief walked down the bridge. "Ah, I have not made introductions. I am Supinelu, War-chief of this village. We garif have been friends to all since long ago, however, lately the hume world is in much turmoil. We must protect our village, and our people. As War-chief, and protector of our village, I ask you: Why have you come to this land?"

Vaan explained.

"Hmmm... I see. So you too have come to ask about the nethicite. You must speak with the elders. Though our masks may make it difficult for you to tell us apart, walk through the village and look with your eyes, listen with your ears."

The party split up to ask those for information. None knew of the nethicite. The party returned to Supinelu, and from there they were near a fire. Ashe took this chance to talk. "I must learn more about the nethicite. I cannot turn back now. Please, tell your Great-chief that I am of the royal line of Dalmasca, a direct descendant of Dynast-King Raithwall. If the garif have passed down knowledge of the stones, they must know of the nethicite that the Dynast-King once held."

The war-chief looked at her, "Do you have proof of your heritage?"

Ashe lowered her head, feeling ashamed. "I...I do not."

"Hrm... I have looked into your eyes and seen that you speak the truth, hume-child. I give you my trust. The Great-chief is ahead, across the bridge."

The Great-chief was sitting next to another fire. This one was pretty big. Ashe gave him the Dawn Shard. He looked it over. "This nethicite - you have used it."

Ashe shook her head. "It was not I who used it. Indeed I had hoped you could show me how. Thus I've come."

"You do not know the workings of the Stone. Then we are no different." He gave the stone back to her.

"What?"

The Great-chief looked at the fire. "In ages past, the gods made a gift of nethicite to my people. But the manner of its use eluded us. Displeased by our failure, the gods took back their Stones. They chose instead to give them to a hume king. Called the Dynast-King, he used the nethicite's power to bring peace to a troubled time. It is a curious thing. Though the blood of King Raithwall flow your veins, you cannot wield nethicite."

"Cannot wield it? So then, am I to understand you can't tell me how to use the Stone?"

"Though it shame me so to admit. Here before me stands a descendant of the Dynast-King himself... and I can accord her no help at all. Still, even if you knew how to use the nethicite, you would find it of small avail. The Mist collected in the Stone over ages past is lost, and with it the Stone's power. It will be your posterity who wield the Stone in ages yet to come. This stone is devoid of power. Empty, yet full of thirst. A terrible longing to drink the world dry.

Footsteps were heard heading to the tent. "The power of men, and of magick. Of good, and of evil. It is often those who desire nethicite whom the nethicite itself desires."

Ashe sighed, turning around. She wasn't sure what to do. Then an answer showed itself. Larsa Solidor was standing right there. "Larsa?"

Larsa smiled. "I am on my way to Mt. Bur-Omisace. Perhaps you will join me?"

"To Bur-Omisace?"

"I say we ought leave tomorrow. I was going to wait for my escort, but meeting you presents a great opportunity. This terrible war can be stopped, but I will need your help to do so."

"A war?" She asked.

"You know the Marquis Ondore leads a group of insurgents - your pardon, he leads a large resistance force against the Empire. Lady Ashe, neither of our countries can afford this now. The Rozarrian Empire would stir. They would aid the Resistance and use this aid as a pretext to declare war on Archadia... and Archadia would have no choice but to answer. Lady Ashe, let us go to Bur-Omisace. With the blessing of His Grace the Gran Kiltias Anastasis you may rightly wear your crown, and declare the restoration of the Kingdom of Dalmasca. As queen, you can call for peace between the Empire and Dalmasca... and stop Marquis Ondore."

Ashe looked angry. "For peace? How dare you say that! The Empire attacked us, stole all we hold dear... and you would have me save them from war?"

"Dalmasca would be the battlefield! What if nethicite were used on Rabanastre? You know my brother would do this!" Larsa yelled back. He then realized how he said it. "Forgive me, I presumed overmuch. I could think of no other way to avoid bloodshed. If you cannot trust me, then please, take me as your hostage."

Auda looked over at Ashe, "What do you say Princess?"

Ashe shook her head, "May I give you an answer tomorrow?" she asked Larsa.

"Yes, take your time."

Everyone sat around the fire besides Ashe and Vaan. Auda laid on her stomach looking at the fire, Basch was next to her. She wondered what Ashe would do. She will do the right thing, Dalmasca can't be a battlefield.

She leaned against Basch, not caring who knows anymore. She wanted his warmth. Balthier looked at them and raised his eyebrow. "I see why you said I can keep them."

Auda smiled lightly, "Yeah, but I know you would've joined us without the payments."

Fran gave a smile, "She knows you."

"Bah." Balthier rolled his eyes.

"I don't know how Vaan would react." Penelo spoke.

"React to what?" Vaan asked, walking to the group, with Lady Ashe. Vaan looked over at Auda, and what he saw shocked him. He saw Auda was leaning against Basch. "Oh…"

Auda looked up at him. "Vaan…" He turned around and walked off. She got up and gave chase. He went to the bridge and stopped. "Vaan."

He turned to her. "That's why you gave the rings up? When did this happen? I thought you were still hurting over Reks."

Auda walked up to the bridge, and stood next to him. "I was upset over Reks, and Ghis, and so I went to Basch… It just happened… the next day I told him I didn't regret going to him. We just shorta happen. But Vaan, I want you to know that I will always have a place for Reks in my heart. I mean, I do have a tattoo of his favorite flower on my stomach."

Vaan nodded his head, "I just didn't think you would move on that fast."

"I got tired of missing him all the time." Auda admitted, "I do miss him Vaan, but I'm tired of being so sad. I want to be happy, and with Basch I have been happy the last couple of days."

"You have?" Vaan then sighed. "Do you feel as lost as I do? I'm tired of just running away."

Auda nodded her head. "I get that."

"I want to know who I am, and I want to know why you guys choose to fight, even if it seems hopeless."

"Pure stubbornness…" Auda sighed. "And to protect those they love to the bitter end. You will find your answers."

"I'm okay with you and Basch, it's good to see you happy."

"Vaan…" She smiled, "Let's go back okay?" They walked back to the fire, Auda sat down next to Basch.

He looked at her, "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, Vaan just was upset. He's fine now."

Basch nodded his head. Auda looked at the fire. She gave a yawn, laid down, and closed her eyes.

When Auda woke up the next day, her head was on Basch's chest. His arms were around her. It was too long since she felt this warmth of another. She smiled, finally feeling something other than loneliness, other than pain, and sadness. It was good feeling happy. She sat up, wondering just when the attraction to Basch actually happened. She thought back, perhaps when he said he would protect her from Vossler, and how good he cleaned up. Was it really that far back? She should've gone to him from the start.

She walked to a bridge, and looked at the village from this view point. It was a quite village. She smiled at herself. The soft breeze was wonderful. She closed her eyes, for the first time in years, she did indeed felt at peace. She felt arms going around her waist, the warmth of another returned to her. She looked up with a smile, "Morning."

"Good morning." He kissed her forehead.

"Ready to get started?"

He nodded his head. "Lady Ashe is on her way to the main bridge." He let her go, and started to walk. Auda was on his left side.

Ashe stood in front of Larsa, "I will accompany you to Mt Bur-Omisace."

"I had hoped you'd say yes. I am glad." Larsa gave a smile.

Ashe held her hands in front of her. "My heart is not set. I still have questions. I hope to find answers along the way."

"I had other reason to invite you. There is someone I'd like you to meet waiting on Bur-Omisace."

"Who is that?"

"An enemy, and an ally also. You will just have to wait and see for yourself." Larsa turned around, walking off to the entrance of the village.

Vaan walked to Ashe. "That Larsa likes his secrets."

Ashe looked at the teenager, "He does not mean ill by it."

"He's not bad. At least for an Imperial." Vaan rubbed his nose. He, Penelo, and Ashe left to catch up with Larsa.

Basch folded his arms. "Holy Mt Bur-Omisace stands at the northern edge of the Jagd Ramooda. Once we're in jagd, we need not fear pursuit by their airships."

Balthier looked at him, Fran shook her head, at the blonde's comment. "Don't get your hopes up. You remember the Leviathan sailed straight over the Jagd Yensa, right up to Raithwall's tomb. Skystone that works even in jagd. You know nethicite's behind it. Little wonder they're so keen on the stuff."

"And what is it you're after, Balthier? You're a welcome hand, and a great aid, but why?"

Balthier put his hands in his pockets, "Worried I'm out to steal the nethicite, eh? Can't say I'm unaccustomed to people doubting my intentions. Nothing could be further from my mind. Shall I swear by your sword or some such?"

"Apologies. But I needed to know where you stand. Her Majesty depends on you. And you seemed to have an interest in the stone."

"I'm only here to see how the story unfolds. Any self-respecting leading man would do the same." He walked off, Fran at his side.

Auda looked up at Basch, "Dr. Cid was mentioned." She spoke, "He is a well known scientist, the head of the Draklor Laboratories. He is the link between the labs, and to the government. He is involved giving Ghis's word." She started to walk, "I wonder if we will meet him in the future."

"Have you met him before?" Basch walked with her.

"I have, plenty of times. He was my father's boss."

"I am sorry."

"Please don't start saying sorry again." She laughed lightly.