PART III - Third Letter of the Present

After three years of pulling cut strings, Deciputh Gredior, the Imperial Most Honorable Counsellor, finally made his move. An urgent request of the Emperor's return soon was bidden. The devoted Emperor, bound by law, set forth for Archades in the night to attend to significant issues as stated in his letter.

Now, due to the rumor about impostor Judge Magister, we all had a deduction of the particular issue that needed his Excellency's jurisdiction and justification. This, in tandem with the prior words about Archadia-Dalmasca dearest amity, made the best brew for an upheaval.

The upheaval that I feared was hanged o'er the gallows.

Fourth part in the twelfth account of Rareza Memoria


1. BETRAYERS

Penelo was sitting alone at her dressing table, holding the box with filigree wings. Larsa gave it to her for good fortune. She still could not believe what had happened the day after yesterday, but she knew it was serious or else Basch would not make so grim a face.

She stowed the box away in a drawer. Even though it had been morning already, she did not want to go out. She did not want to go out with all the words, guesses and rumors about Basch's identity and the Queen and the Emperor's 'liaison'.

"Oh," Penelo sighed and lay on the table.

"Penelo-san?" Razzia cracked the portiere and called her. The lady stepped inside. "Soft," she exclaimed as Penelo slowly lifted her face up, "I think you need an eye drop."

Penelo looked herself in the mirror. Her own reflection almost scared her. "Gosh," she touched the thin bag under her red eyes. It had just been two days of sleep deprivation. She looked at Razzia with admiration. The dancer had seen Razzia woke up late last night, staring at the door where he left, still the Lady looked not so bad as Penelo, even she was a bit pale.

"Well, let it for later. A nice breakfast before all," Razzia declared and dragged her out of the room.

"I-I haven't made the breakfast yet," Penelo stammered. What time it was already, she was wondering with worry.

The Lady waved her hand and laughed, "Be troubled not. It's been prepared for you."

"I cannot cook, but our breakfast can be bought," she explained as she walked Penelo out of the room.

The table was complete. Kytes, Vaan and Migelo gathered at the dining table outside. Sitting before each of them was a dish of seafood rice; two at the empty seats waiting for them. Penelo's gaze grazed past a fat lunch box that looked just like his gift while Razzia eased her onto the chair opposite to Vaan's. Then she casually seated herself next and poured herself a cup of breakfast tea.

"Ah, paella rice," the Lady said after sniffing her tea, "it's been a while. I miss your taste."

"Hey, where did you buy it?" Vaan asked. He, too, missed the dish, but could not find in anywhere in Dalmasca. The desert kingdom, after all, bordered no sea.

"Actually, 'tis Larsa's. Ask him the next time you met him."

It appeared that he planned to stay longer. Penelo touched the soft fabric of the embroidery napkin. "Hey, Vaan, you've been lending the Queen a hand in Westersand matter, have you?" Penelo asked, forgetting the presence of Migelo for a moment.

Vaan was startled at first then slowly nodded. He was so sure about his success in stowing the information away from his partner.

"Did she receive any news about Larsa-sama?"

"Well," he hesitated, swiping his nose, "no. But Basch is dealing with the rumor. I'll tell ya if he got something new. So don't worry."

Penelo waved her head absently. Yeah, she told herself, nothing to worry. Her mind should be with dancing. Still her gut was telling her something different. Her effort would become futile if something happened to Larsa.

"Now, have a rest. You're tired," Razzia said to her then to Vaan, she added, "that says you ought to act more mature and cook your own meal."

"Huh?" Vaan raised his brows, "why not you?" If Penelo did not cook, he would buy his dinner; just like how he had been when they went adventures. Vaan had gils in his pocket enough for some days.

"I'd be pleased to present you more tortoise soup, if you insist. But my hands are full."

"Don't worry. I'll be fine," Penelo smiled. She was glad for the consideration.

"Taking a break for one or two days isn't bad idea," suggested Kytes while Vaan was curious what sort of business Razzia was getting her hand into. She was a lady of leisure, just like her cousin Al-Cid, in his eyes.

"Where are you going?" Vaan asked, "y'know, Ashe might have something to ask you."

The Lady rested her spoon on rim of the dish, looked up Vaan with confusion. "What is it that her Majesty might ask of me?"

"Something about the Mist and stuffs."

"Very well," she grunted, "I'll be back at evening. I, too, have something to ask her."

Thus she booked an appointment at home. Vaan would relate it to Ashe. They were meeting at the West Gate today. Penelo, unfortunately, had a practice session, but she felt safe if the Queen was with Vaan.

"You assure?" said Razzia in high, astonished voice, "I'd be scared out of my wit if I were you."

Penelo twisted her braid. "So, where are you—"

"Larsa has you as his eyes around me?" Razzia interjected, wincing, "I'll be at the Home. Oh, right. We're holding a meeting about Black Magick this afternoon. You're welcomed to join if you're interested."

"I'll come once I'm done with my session," replied Penelo gladly. Maybe she needed a change of wind.

Thus she booked another appointment at the Home. After all, Razzia did not really have much on her hands as she expected. Gabranth was gathering information on the real scheme behind all words and rumors as well as keeping an eye on his Lord's safety, and she knew that no word would reach her till all was well. Razzia must help herself if she wanted to get her hand on the status quo.


Dubiety was disseminated like a handful of seeds scattered along the wind, and now it was rooting and growing into trees. The rumors did not even a little become subdued after his Excellency's department. Someone must be manipulating it from behind the curtains. And Basch had no doubt who that was.

"His Excellency should be fine with that. Lord Attacenn's sword will never stray. Even if Amytis might stray, he still has the support of Carsas," said Magister Lukio calmly. Therefore he stayed, carrying on his job of gauging the experiments in Westersand.

"Lord Larsa ordered me to uphold the peace in Dalmasca," replied the 'Judge'.

The Magister nodded. "I shall watch over the Guild of mages."

Disputes between magick practitioners of the two nations had been exacerbating lately. He had to ensure that they turned no skirmish nor any mages turned into Archadian dissents.

Basch nodded in reply and looked down at the emerald, distorted reflection on his silver plate. They were having lunch together in the greenhouse. Their Lord loved to eat here with them and the boy-mage. But it was only two of the old men here today. The Magister leisurely lifted his sterling fork. He seemed not a trifle uneasy about his true identity.

"Her Majesty the Queen is intrigued by who behind the Westersand," said the Magister out of blue, "her concern ought to lie within the boundaries of her kingdom."

Basch sensed a peculiar surge of urgency as if the mage was telling him to ask the Queen to stay out of troubles. "Her Lady has every right to do whatever she wills," he replied with a glare.

"Yes indeed. Just a friendly reminder," the elder mage justified, raising his brows quickly.

They resumed the lunch. Crispy crack of a yellow tomato leaf touched the ground. Forks and knives clinked clanked in interminable beats. Basch put his knife down on the umber table. He could never get used to the table manners. He was about to excuse himself when a soldier opened the door, bowed then with long strode he dashed to the Magister, and whispered to his ear.

"Was it under his Excellency's order?" asked the Magister.

"It's still unknown."

The great mage bade his leave. Before the door was closed completely, Basch could not stop himself from asking, "what's the matter?"

"Judge Magister Alessain departed from Amytis."

"Could it be... for Archades?"

A gentle nod was his answer.

Carcas had not yet to move, and Amytis had already left.


Penelo was breezing through the wooden floor on her toe, swirling her veils. The reflection on her hair clips gleamed as she whirled, creating an illusion of glow in the gloomy room. A change of wind did work. Penelo felt much better after dancing for the children at the Home. Bringing the joy by dances, it was her dream.

Walking closely behind her was Razzia, clapping softly. "It'd be splendid if you might spare your precious time to teach some of the children the art of Dalmascan traditional dance," said the Lady.

Penelo smiled and nodded. "Then you can tell me when another session of magick class is available," she replied. The meeting was great. Penelo learnt a few new tricks and tips. She wished Vaan could be here too.

"Let me, let me."

"No, let me."

They heard soft steps, and cheerful whispers from the hall outside. Razzia poked her head out. Three little girls were gathering in front of the room. She tiptoed out of the room, approaching them from their backs.

"What do Mighty Magus Sisters have to say?" she asked, trying to surprise the girls.

"Yikes!" The three girls jumped away from Razzia, who was bending her back towards them and smiling.

After a second of regaining the spirit, all three said at the same time, "we found Lige! He's sitting at the back garden."

"Wow, that's fast! Thank you," she praised.

"Tee hee," they laughed, making the poses of flying cockatrices, "whenever you need help."

"Seek for Mighty Magus Sisters," Razzia chimed in. "Now, I have to talk to Lige," she excused herself, "see you later."

Then she dashed to the back of the Home. Penelo was running after her. She did not know what it was, but something told her it was important. The back garden was the only place in the Home granted with the presence of natural lights. Deik utilized it to plant some vegetables and set a stone table. Lige would sit at the table and look up the confined sky whenever he had something to think.

"Lige," Razzia called out, stepping down the terrace and approaching him. The page turned to look at her, surprised. She sat down opposite to him. "I have something need your help," she continued, tucking a stray lock of hair behind the ear. There was a tinge of hesitancy in her soft voice. She did not mind tying her hair. Pinkish light painted her pale cheeks.

"I have something need your help, too," replied Lige. Razzia nodded, telling him to say first tacitly. The page glanced at Penelo, who was sitting by the terrace and gazing at them. "My Master wanted my opinion on a matter," he resumed in whispers, "that might involve your betrothed."

The hearsay had been condoned for too long. Now it corroded the Dalmasca-Archadia relationship. Repudiate or embrace the two nation amity, they needed decide. Quick. Therefore his Master was asked, was offered to eradicate it once for all.

"Dalmasca cannot abandon him at this moment," cried Penelo.

"That," Razzia closed her eyes, "is an appropriate move."

The circumstance was in favor of Larsa no longer. No one could know if the next emperor would spare them any of sovereignty, and Rozarria's intent to wage a war was next to the walls of Rabanastre.

"But," she added, "that if only the crown of Archadia changes. For that matter, your Master might want to see me before coming to a decision. Thus if you may relate him."

Lige accepted her offer. He would retell his Master.

"Thank you, Lige," she whispered.

"Now, lifted your worry, didn't I?" he answered with relief.

Razzia scraped her hair awkwardly, and excused herself, "well, I think it's time for me to back."

The next thing was Razzia running as a ghost was chasing her out of the Home. Her shoulder-length hair flew along the breeze as they both walked back home. Under last day lights, it became a reddish brown color. She raised her hand to reach for the wind, wishing that she, too, could fly the wind to Archadia and see what was happening there.

Penelo was worried at first, but now she felt secured. She asked Razzia what she would like for dinner, and they went to the bazaar together before getting back home. Ashe and Vaan were waiting for their return.

"Oh," Razzia cried as she saw Vaan and the Queen was sitting at the dining table, longing for her with a long neck. Well, she did say 'evening' and evening meant from sunset to bedtime. Razzia glanced out the window. The sky was black without stars. The stroll in bazaar took them longer than her expected.

"Well," she sat down opposite to Ashe while Penelo dashed into the kitchen for the dinner. Today they would a quick bite of corned werewolf sandwiches and salads. It only needed a little arrangement.

"Let us go into the matter at once," the Queen said immediately, shoving a charred paper at her, "are you by chance acquainted with this symbol?"

Razzia looked at the half-burnt red stamp of a garuda with twelve roses. The coat of arms of Noble House Ejersi. "So this is what you have to ask me?" Razzia replied, frowning.

"Even without your words of aid, we'll soon find out," Ashe said coldly, crossing her arms. She just intended to verify Razzia's involvement in the incident, and it appeared that she had the answer with her disobedience.

"Just say, Razzia. You have nothing to hide, right?" Vaan insisted. Ashe could never understand how he could trust her only after a month of acquaintance.

"'Tis the crest of an acquaintance of mine. However, I do suppose there's something else that should be on top of your priority."

"Your point?" the Queen frowned at her.

Razzia sighed. "Should Larsa descend, you're to go down with him."

"What're you indicating? I'm not his paramour as in the propaganda," Ashe said angrily.

Razzia smirked and looked away in dismay. Not his paramour and she was wearing the Summer Rose hair clip. An elegant lacy, pink-gold rose mounted on a tourmaline-set leaf clip, one piece of Archadian jeweler Carter Cie Picardy's Four seasons of Love collection. And she knew someone who was an avid collector of the mentioned jeweler.

"This upheaval, should it occur, will shake your reign to its foundation," Razzia maintained her view.

"Larsa will be fine by himself, and Dalmasca is a free kingdom."

"Free indeed," Razzia nodded mockingly, "free to lean whichever way the wind is blowing."

"How dare you," Ashe rose up and slammed on the table. Penelo twitched, almost dropped her tray of sandwiches and tea.

"How I dare not," Razzia countered, "are you ignorantly or deliberately overlooking it?"

"I can tolerate your disgrace no longer," the Queen pronounced and stomped off to the door, taking her leave. "Hey, Ashe," Vaan ran after her. He had better walk her back the Castle as Ashe came with no escort.

The door closed with a bang behind them. It was so loud that even Migelo, who was upstairs, had to poke his head down to see what was going on. Razzia, too, wanted to smack, or turnover even, the table. But the thought dispersed as she saw Penelo's scared face.

"Ha ha," she laughed awkwardly.


"Ashe!"

She halted at last. Her hair shifted to ash mauve under moonlight; the flower clip gleamed. She slumped down by the fountain, having almost forgotten all manners.

"Well, isn't it time to go home?" said Vaan.

"Do you, too, think the same of me?" Ashe asked in whispers, pulling her veil up to cover her bare shoulder, "that I'm abandoning Larsa."

"No," he replied, swiping his nose, "c'mon, it isn't important how the others think about you."

"I knew you'd say that," she sighed. "She must think that I'm ever in Larsa's favor. But I'm doing by own way."

Vaan sat by her side. He imagined ruling a whole country must be hard, but never thought it could drain so much energy out of her. She was not the least of the strong-willed Ashe that he knew.

"Larsa... they just do what best for Ivalice," she added. In their eyes, she was not Ashe, but Princess Ashe, and now Queen Ashe. "Oh, I can't believe that you're listening to me rambling. I'm... not allowed to display weakness."

"Who said that? That's why you need good friends," Vaan said in high voice, thumping his chest.

Ashe beamed, slightly nodding. "How long will you stay?" she asked inadvertently.

"Long," he announced, "just tell me if you need help."

"Now, Mr. Sky Pirate, could you bring me home?" she chuckled softly.

"Of course," he cried, standing up and stretching his hand out for her to take.

Then he walked her back the castle under half-moon lights.


Penelo glanced again at the window. The moon was high.

"Why is he so late?" she murmured. It should not take so long to see the Queen home. They could not wait and already finished the dinner, then cleared the table and moved to dessert yet he had not been back.

"I think he's having a nice bit of crumpet in her Majesty's bedchamber," said Razzia. Penelo stared at her in moon-eyed gaze, wondering why they were eating in bedroom. Razzia sighed as Migelo, too, was blinking at her.

Knock-knock, knock-knock. There were quick, short taps on the door.

"Who could be at this time?" Penelo pondered as Kytes ran for the door, and was surprised the see the blond boy walking behind Kytes to their table.

"Lige," Razzia stood up, pulling a chair for him.

"I'm sorry, Razj," the page said, shaking his head without bothering to sit down, "but my Master will not meet you in the morrow."

He did not want to let her down, but it was better now than tomorrow.

"So he decided," she whispered, lowering her empty gaze. Her hand covered the neck; her finger involuntarily scratched.

He decided to turn his back to Larsa. And the Queen must have given them her approval or had not the least knowledge of what was going beneath her country. If Dalmasca was to turn her back to him... good, now they exposed him as an incompetent monarch.

"He has yet to pronounce his resolution, has he?"

"You don't say..."

"I just need a minute," she interjected. "Please, Lige," she pled, holding his hands before he could turn away.

"Well," he bit his lower lip, "the morrow afternoon..."


Another little note:

This note should be put in the previous chapter, but I forgot (=.=) Due to some issues in life, I've been rather busy recently, and this trend might continue for a long time, so I will be slow in posting the next chapters. Maybe it's good time to hear what you are thinking about this story.

Thank you for reading my story, I'm looking forward to hearing how you enjoy it.