Back in Archadia
Fran, Balthier, and Basch stood in one of the many garden courtyards of the Imperial Palace. It was still light out, a warm breeze blew gently, rustling the vast and unique array of foliage and flora.
The trio had their backs turned to the wind in such a way that any prying ears would be denied the opportunity to eavesdrop. They were however; not free of any spying eyes.
"You made a statement earlier that has had me quite concerned since you uttered it. It seemed to entail an underlying remark about the queen of Dalmasca."
"Oh you can quit the formal charade now Capitan."
" Judge"
"Judge. Why even try to cling to a title that obviously does to suit or satisfy you? No matter, we have an important message I think you would rather read in the privacy of your own quarters."
Balthier slyly slipped the letter into Basch's hands, before turning to leave. But he stopped and looked over his shoulder.
"You have nothing left to hide from us." He said in a plain voice tinged with the knowledge of one who knows a hidden truth.
"Wait"
The sky pirate duo stopped. Only Balthier turned around.
"Ifyou are going back to Dalmasca, I would hope that you would watch over Ashe for me, please tell her I will be by her side once again soon."
Balthier opened his mouth to make a reply but Fran spoke instead.
" It is done," she whispered.
"Thank you"
"Come Balthier. We must go. Now."
They walked away in silence.
Basch stood in silence for a while, turning the letter over in his hands before returning to his quarters.
He didn't bother disrobing so he could read the letter in comfort. It was too important to be ignored; even if was for a few minuets.
He seated himself in a chair near his bed. Carefully he broke the wax seal, surprised to see that the sky pirates, most likely Balthier, had not tampered with it.
He opened it.
My Dearest Basch,
It began.
The day you departed I wanted to tell you that I…
His eyes widened, his heart froze, his breath stopped.
"No. No…. NO!" the only part of him that seemed coherent was the screaming voice inside his head.
The letter went fluttering down, as its reader shot up, and ran to the door, before going back and retrieving it from the floor.
Daybreak
Fran and Balthier were just about to re- board the Strahl after making their rounds of the Imperial City, when they heard heavy footsteps behind them.
Instinctively they reached and pulled out their weapons. Coming face to face withCapitan Basch Von Rosenburg. His judge armor discarded and his old attire in its place.
"Please, take me with you." He said in a demanding yet distraught tone.
"Please take me to her," he said this time, sounding more composed, yet utterly defeated.
Both nodded and all three boarded the ship. Basch sat silently in the cockpit as they took off.
"I'm on my way Ashe. Please hang on"
Meanwhile, in Dalmasca, Ashe shot up in her bed.
"Basch" she whispered. Looking down and placing a hand over her kicking baby she cooed warmly:
"He'll be here soon."
Author's Note: There's a reason for the short chapters I swear! Ahh the suspense!