Two Years Later

A lot had happened since that fateful day at Nalbina. The Resistance, lead by the Lady Ashe, had managed to overcome Archadian occupation and free Dalmasca. Although she had won back her kingdom, thoughts of Rasler weighed heavily on her mind. She had been living her life as was expected-banishing all rebellious thoughts from her mind. Deep down, she didn't want to be queen. She wanted to run away. Far away. There were too many memories in Dalmasca.

Those closest to Ashe had noticed a change in her. The vibrant, world-loving princess they had loved was gone, a new battle-hardened, cold, distant princess had taken her place. Whispers echoed behind closed doors-whispers about the lady's sanity, how well Dalmasca could hold, and even alliances to prevent another invasion.

Whenever Ashe was asked when she would remarry, she laughed and replied "I'm married already." Concerns rose-concerns about uprisings, thieves, and the security of the people. Ashe took them all in stride-it was something she had been trained for her entire life.

The princess spent much of her time at a newly erected memorial to those who had fallen in the Archadian invasion. It was a large, marble block with a marble rose and sword on top of it. Engraved were simply the words "never forget." The people of Dalmasca had been deeply scarred by the invasion, and the princess was not the only one to visit often. Every day she would spend hours brooding by the statue, and always would leave a bouquet of roses, always in the same color. One was black, which symbolizes farewell, one was lavender, for love at first sight, a red and a white rose symbolizing unity, and in the center a yellow rose with a red tip, symbolizing falling in love. Curiously, of the bouquets, the black was always the first to wilt and the yellow and red were the last. Red and white roses had shed their seeds around the memorial, which was now dotted with red and white buds.

During a dinner party with several prominent Dalmascan nobles, the princess was bored to tears. She was tired of hearing their stories-laughing at their jokes, and flashing fake smiles when necessary. Just when she was ready to excuse herself at the risk of offending the company, one of the palace messengers tapped her shoulder. Handing her a note and bowing, he left the room. Ashe read the note quickly.

"Please, princess, receive me at the gates to the palace. I must speak with you-it is urgent." Sighing, Ashe stood up. Making appropriate excuses to the nobles she darted out of the dining hall twords the main gates. Thoughts pounded through her head-who could possibly need her this early? She hoped it had nothing to do with Archadia, although she had full confidence in Larsa he was still a young, unestablished ruler.

At the gates stood a young man in Archadian armor. He carried a bow slung carelessly over his shoulder. Looking tired and world-weary, he removed his helmet. His face was badly scarred, his hair was drawn back into a loose horsetail. Green eyes glittered sadly as he gazed upon the princess.

"How may I help you?" the Lady Ashe asked politely.

"My lady"-he bowed and then returned to standing-"It is my understanding that you were the wife of the Lord Rasler, Prince of Nabradia?

Ashe inhaled sharply, before nodding.

"You believe he was killed, yes?"

"Of course he's dead, I saw it with my own eyes. If you come to toy with me promising false hopes I shall have you chased across the Archadian border immediately."

"I mean no disrespect. I knew him in an-indirect way."

"How so?"

"I was one of the soldiers fighting for Archadia at Nalbina.

"How did you know Rasler?"

"He was leading the Dalmascan force. My lady, if you would permit my saying, there is the possibility that the Lord Rasler still lives."

Ooh, suspense. Sorry for the slow updating-school started again. Ugh. Reviews motivate me to get up off my butt and type this, so please review!