Swords and Successions

by Ellcrys

Nearly everyone took up a new role at the end of the war, in place of another who had previously filled it. Of course, when embarking on a new path, it is wise to arm oneself. Series of ficbits about multiple characters.

4. Ashe

The royal crown had been taken from Raminas's head as he sat slumped in his chair in Nalbina, and held in Archades ever since. Larsa had assured Ashe, during one of the diplomatic meetings that followed the war's end, that it would be returned to Rabanastre as quickly as they could arrange for a transport both worthy and secure. Ashe bid him wait - for she was having a certain amount of difficulty with the specifics of the coronation, she admitted.

The traditional Dalmascan coronation ceremony was formal, and very, very specific. Under ordinary circumstances, the crown would be brought forth by the one who had kept it since the previous monarch's death or deposal, the king or queen's most faithful servant. The one to be crowned would kneel in humility and respect for those who so offered them this honor as the crown was placed. This, Ashe felt, was not appropriate for their current situation. Larsa agreed, also having been averse to any idea of taking part in the coronation for precisely the same reasons - it would imply that she was queen because he had willed it so, rather than because the crown was hers to begin with. He was there to observe and to wish her well only, as the crown had never belonged to Archadia.

They discussed possibilities for some time that night. The most faithful of her father's servants had died with him... all except one, but few there were who knew of the exception. It was this, however, which gave Larsa an idea, and Ashe agreed, making a few changes of her own.

Beneath the eyes of her nation, and the heads of several neighboring states, Ashe watched as the man clad in black armor approached the dais, carrying her father's crown. It had been he who stole the crown from King Raminas, after all.

Her own changes came into play then, for she did not kneel. Instead, it was Judge Gabranth who knelt at her feet - and she herself, carrying sword rather than scepter, who took the crown and lifted it to her own head, to the surprise and applause of those present who knew the ceremony.

As for the queen, her eyes were downward cast, looking upon the helmet she had once so loathed. When it tilted upwards, the afternoon sunlight shone through the sighthole for a moment on a pale brow, split and scarred, and she smiled at the thought that none but they knew that the ceremony was perfectly fitting in the old way as well as the new.