Author's notes: Sorry this took so long to update, I've just had so much on my plate.. Well anyway, this is from Ashe's POV again, but i'm planning on included a couple from Vossler's POV too.

Ashe yawned, gazing blearily around at her surroundings before she truly roused herself. It wasn't much, but for the past few months, it had been home.

She sat on the mattress, pulled back the sheets and felt around for her clothes. She pulled on the outfit she had recently bought; a rose mini-skirt, cream overcoat and some bangles. Ashe reached up, pulling the dividing curtain out of the way and stepping into the main room. She snatched a small pail from the cheap wooden table, and taking it to the outside fountain.

After a short wait, she had the precious liquid, and brought it back to her humble abode. Using this, she was able to clean up her small two-room house in Rabanastre's Lowtown. Occasionally, she went to stay with Vossler in his mansion, which he had to pay an immense amount to keep from the Empire. Unfortunately, Ashe couldn't stay with him often, as it would arouse suspicion. She was currently using the alias of Amalia, and was only recognised as Ashe by Vossler and Minta, the two people who she spoke with frequently.

Today, Ashe had decided to chose as the day she would learn to fight. She knew already how to fight weaponless, but having recently obtained a sword, she had decided to put it to good use. She headed up the streets of Rabanastre, admiring a pair of beautiful Viera on the way. Until she had married, Ashe had never considered herself pretty. People had told her she was, but she had been the princess, so they were hardly going to call her ugly. She wondered if she would ever marry again. Highly doubtful, as the grief of her husband's death still lingered, though the shock had lessened considerably.

She turned up the street which led to the elegant building that belonged to Vossler. Ashe pushed the door gently, stepping inside. Immediately, the energetic maid, Minta darted over to her.

Ashe briefly took the other woman's hand, glad to see her happy and well.

"Hello miss!" Minta exclaimed brightly. "How are you on this fine day?"

"Oh, I'm very well," Ashe responded. She decided not to point out that Lowtown was underground, so she had to walk quite a bit to experience the beautiful sunshine and warmth of the summer air. She also decided not to tell about the rat infestation in her neighbour's house, as anything she told Minta would undoubtedly reach Vossler, and he had complained many times that she should stay somewhere that was more befitting of her stature.

"And you?" Ashe asked. "Is Captain Azelas treating you well?"

"Oh aye," the maid nodded. "I get plenty more gil from working here than I did from my stall."

Ashe was glad. After Minta's recovery, she had set up a small stall in the Muthru Bazaar. It had lasted only a month, before it failed. At this point, she was employed by Vossler, as a favour to Ashe.

"I might even stay here permanently," Minta continued. "If the Captain will let me."

"I shall have a word with him." Ashe promised. Both of them knew that she had more influence over Vossler, and he would do anything she asked, even if it did take a little coaxing.

"I'll tell the Captain you're here."

Minta dashed off into the adjoining room, and Ashe followed. She glanced around the room, glad to be in a place that was not infected with damp and vermin. It's furnishings were not as elegant as those in the palace, but they were far better than those in her two-room Lowtown hovel.

Vossler was obviously relieved, as he had the recurring fear that would be set upon by angry peasants in Lowtown whilst she slept. Minta waited by the wall after introducing Ashe.

Vossler gestured for Ashe to sit, and she did, glad for the soft comfort of the chair. It made a change from sitting on a box.

"So, what news of Vayne Solidor?" Ashe asked.

"He thinks we will be defeated before next spring," Vossler scowled. " He will soon discover that we are not so easily beaten. Some of the other Resistance leaders have been talking of compromise with Rozzaria and Archadia."

"What are your thoughts on the matter?" She asked, hoping that he didn't share this same belief. There was to be no negotiations with either place, as they both would offer false promises. For Rozzaria to aid Dalmasca would only incite Archadian hatred, and for Archadia to restore Dalmasca would make them an enemy to Rozzaria. The only way was to continue fighting, and hope to destroy Vayne Solidor and his Judges before he gathered too much power.

"I disagree with them. There is still hope for our cause."

Ashe nodded, thankful. It was much easier that Vossler shared many of her own opinions about the future of Dalmasca. When so many people were against her, it made all the difference.

"Majesty?" He exclaimed suddenly, eyeing her with an uncomfortable stare. "Your skirt...why...it's barely even there!"

"We have had this conversation before," Ashe sighed, shaking her head at him.

"But it was already short when I last saw you." Vossler gave her a questioning stare, that her always made when someone did something he disapproved of. "How in gods' name do you breathe?"

"I breathe with my chest, not my waist." She replied haughtily. "I like my clothes, they are befitting of my new role as a leader of the Resistance. And they are far more practical than anything I ever owned previously. When I am royalty again, I will wear clothes that suit that position, but not now. I am Amalia now, or have you forgotten?"

"How could I forget that Your Majesty is forced to wear the face of a peasant, because of the Empire?" He asked, his resolve softening.

He didn't say anything more about her clothes, although she knew he would bring it up again at some point. He could be very protective of her, but Ashe didn't mind, it reminded her of Rasler...no, she couldn't think of him, it would make her cry, and she couldn't do that, not until Dalmasca was her kingdom again. She couldn't compare Vossler to Rasler either, it wasn't fair to either of them. She would love at some point, in the future, but for now, the grief was still too fresh. Comparing her closest friend to her deceased husband was not a good idea.

"Vossler, now that I'm a more active member of the Resistance, I think that I should have learn how to fight, with weapons. It is no use that I can fight hand-to-hand, without a weapon, but my enemies will have weapons, so I must learn." Ashe exhaled, glad she had presented another thing that would challenge his protectiveness.

"But Princess, that is far too dangerous," Vossler frowned. "We could not possibly have you at risk, you are the most important person in the Resistance."

"Yes," she sighed, "but I am no good if I just sit here, watching as my soldiers fight for their kingdom, I should be doing the same! What kind of queen could I be if I am not prepared to protect my kingdom?"

"I refuse to aid you in this foolish idea, you must remain safe, and hidden until we have a significant advantage over the Empire." He answered resolutely.

"Minta?" Ashe asked, looking to her former lady's maid for support. Perhaps if the two of them could convince him, he would agree. Even if he didn't agree to teach her, she would find someone who would. She just would prefer him to do it.

"Miss?" Ansered the surprised maid.

"What is your opinion?" Ashe continued. "Do you think Vossler should teach me how to fight?"

"Umm...er...well..."

Ashe glanced over at Vossler, who was giving the maid an intimidating stare. Of course, he could take Minta's job from her at a word, but he didn't have the same power over her. She shook her head at him, and he replied with a surprised expression. Ashe narrowed her eyes. She knew his ways, he could argue as much as he liked, it didn't stop her joining the Resistance, it didn't stop her wearing a new outfit and it wouldn't stop her learning how to fight. He was so stubborn, just like her.

"Vossler?"She asked imploringly. "Teach me how to fight, or I will find someone else to do it. I want you to teach me, so, will you?"

He sighed in surrender. "Very well, if that is what Your Majesty wishes. I will only do it so that you know how to defend yourself, not so that you can join the men and I in battle."

"Oh, thank you!" Ashe exclaimed, with an attempt at a smile that came out as an expression of shock. She still couldn't smile, since Rasler's death, but once the war was over, she vowed to be so happy that it would make over for these hard times.

Vossler got to his feet, fetching a pair of wooden swords, and handing one to her. She took it, enjoying the chance to make herself a stronger person. She needed to be able to take care of herself, even though she knew Vossler would always be there at her side.

Author's notes: Hopefully, the next chapter won't take so long to write, but don't hold me to it!! As always, please read and review!