A huge thank you to my reviewers/followers. I am so happy these are being enjoyed. I ran out of prompts for this one for a little while. But thanks to a couple friends I have a few more now :)

Mourning

Balthier sat alone in the Inn room. Fran had finally chased away the others knowing that what he needed right now most was to be alone, even if it was only for a little while. Balthier poured more wine and toasted the stars. "Farewell... father." he said softly, downing the glass and turning for the bottle on the table. Cid may have been cracked but he was still his father and the pain of his loss cut deep. A flutter behind him drew Balthier's attention but he didn't turn around. "Now is not a good night dear Moon Thief." He responded to the light step behind him, telling him the pale beauty was ignoring him. Balthier was just starting to turn around to tell her again, this time less politely, to go away when slender but strong arms suddenly circled around him.

"I'm sorry." Selene's voice was soft, not her usual demeanor. Which was the only thing that made him pause.

The tall pirate took a breath, "I am afraid my dear I do not follow you."

"I am sorry for the loss of your father Ffamran meid Bunansa." Selene buried her face in his back. "I am so sorry." Her gentle touch and tone burst the dam that had built in his chest. Balthier grit his teeth and put a hand to his eyes as the tears welled and fell. Thankful for her support and silence as his sorrow took rule over his pride.

Selene let him mourn, offering no words as she held him tight. She knew too well the pain of the loss of someone close and knew that any more words would be meaningless at this stage.

Balthier cured the fit a few moments later as he finally composed himself again. Drying his eyes with a rough hand he straightened, taking Selene's hand as he pulled from her hug and faced her. "How did you know?"

She cocked her head, eyes of ice blue confused a moment. "Know what?"

"My name." He tightened his grip when she made to pull her hand away. "How did you know?"

"I made an inquiry of course. It took time to find but it wasn't like it was impossible."

"Heh." Balthier put on his usual confident smirk, knowing just how much that 'little inquiry' would have entailed. "Then while we're on the subject. Perhaps now you'd like to finally tell me why the 10th in line for the Rozarrian throne, Selene Rafrasion heir to House Rafrasion, is here."

"Curiosity mostly." Selene said, not really that surprised he knew. She had the feeling he'd either figure it out or buy the information eventually.

"More then that I think." Balthier didn't have the energy to push the subject when she didn't elaborate further so he sighed and instead added "Thank you."

Selene's lips turned into a half smile. "You're welcome. Now get some rest. The 'leading man' needs his strength after all." She stepped back and pushed him toward the bed.

Balthier pulled her tight against him as his legs his the bed at the knees and he sat, not willing to let her go just yet, opening his mouth.

Selene quickly place a finger on his lips. "No more tonight Pirate." Ice blue eyes danced with humour and dare he think a tiny bit of mischief, as she pushed him back. "Rest." She repeated. "I'll stay until Fran returns."

Balthier let her slip from his arms, again not having the energy to play any more of the game tonight, as he lay back. He watched her sit and stare out window, the tune she'd started to hum a soothing balm on his troubled mind and heart as his eyes fell closed and he drifted into a restless sleep.

Selene turned from the window when his breathing evened out. She stood, drifting to the door on silent feet. He's sleeping. She told Fran as she opened the door, careful not let the light from the hall spill as far as the bed.

Fran nodded. He is greaty troubled. the Viera said as she entered. "You have soothed him much."

Selene shrugged. "I doubt that."

"One day we will talk you and I. There us much we must discuss I think."

"One day. Right now I have places to be, I leave this to you." Selene hopped on the window.

Fran nodded again, this time in good bye as Selene left. Sharp eyes watching the young man as he tossed and turned. Reaching out to sooth his brow, murmuring to him as she continued to wonder if this was friend or foe who helped so much yet gave so little.