This is a long time in the making for which I am sorry, I have been flirting on an alternate writing site with some of my completely original stories with great success.
I am sad to see that SpannedSoul is no longer on this site for reasons unknown to me so, SpannedSoul, if you do still read stuff on this site I had planned to get this up for you earlier but you vanished the morning I went to send a birthday greeting to you. I hope everything is alright and that you are not the victim of cyber bullying or identity theft
The Capital of Landis glistened under a thick blanket of snow and ice, giving it a magical appearance, Valdar had insisted that she travelled to the Capital with her husband in the early spring, leaving Ingra and Günter behind to manage the estate. Thankful that this time around, she did not suffer with the dreaded morning sickness, but this baby seemed hungrier than the last and grew faster too, at six months she was nearly the same size as she was when Frayja was born.
She had spent most of the night awake with back pain and lack of bladder control; the baby refused to stop moving when ever she laid down to sleep. Ulrich had noticed his bed was empty next to him, "My sweet?" he called, sitting up to see her at the dressing table, "Are you alright?"
She smiled her reply, "our child is restless again."
Ulrich laughed, "Then perhaps this time I will be right, it is a boy." He joined her side, rubbing Valdar's stomach until the kicking stopped, "there, I think he's asleep now."
Mrs. Fon Ronsenburg joined her husband back in bed, cuddling up behind him.
Another month of shear agony gripped Valdar's form, walking became increasingly hard with her back refusing to give her any peace; she had written to her mother for help, but the reply had left her feeling lost. The Empress was in a coma and she had been charged with guarding her during the day, instead she sent an Archadian Doctor to tend to her and he would be arriving soon. Dr. Plaequet was renowned for his efforts treating women with hard pregnancies and he owed Ek a big favour.
Ulrich was at the Senate again, arguing with the Chancellor about an assortment of things, the man insisted on opposing everything that Ulrich supported. His stress could be felt as he returned home that night, tired, hungry and in need of a kind word. Valdar could no longer meet her husband at the front door; the size of her belly making it difficult to move from the seat she had claimed a few months earlier. Ulrich's heart ached as he saw his wife, breathing short breaths and yawning from her lack of sleep. "My love," he kneeled at her side, "How are you fairing?" he stroked her hand tenderly.
"I need to eat," she panted, "but I can't fit anything in." she waited a moment to catch her breath, "My mother has sent Dr. Plaequet to help me."
"When will he arrive?"
Valdar winced from a twinge in her back, "Tomorrow," she managed to say through the strain on her body.
"I will greet him personally at the aerodrome and rush him back here," Ulrich's eyes solidifying his conviction, "I cannot bare to see you in such a state for another two months, it's killing me to see you in pain."
"It's not very pleasant from this side either," she wheezed, leaning back to expand her lungs as much as she could.
"Come, my dear, you are tired and need your rest," he tried to lift her out of her chair and with difficulty, he succeeded. Valdar just leaned her head against his chest as he guided her to bed; Ulrich praying that his beloved wife manages to survive this.
Chancellor Adlersflügel remained behind in the Senate; Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg had been getting too self-righteous for his own good. His radical ideas will change Landis for the worse in Wolfram's opinion; they will tear away over a thousand years of tradition, robbing the Republic of its identity.
"Something troubling you, Chancellor?" asked a voice he had not heard from in a while.
"Lady Laiard," he responded, "I thought you had given up on the whole revenge thing, seeming that my endeavours to contact you appeared for naught."
"I am sorry for any offence I may have caused," she moved closer to him but did not reach out for him, "I have been set to task, investigating the attempt on the Archadian Empress's life."
"Why would you be investigating an Archadian problem?" the Chancellor queried, "One of your henchmen cocked up?"
She resisted the urge to slap him, "We have a rogue and he's slippery, like you," Her eyes accusing the Chancellor of an unspoken crime, "If you know anything, I would greatly appreciate it."
"I know nothing," he stepped away from her, "I have my own problems that I assumed you would want to rid me of."
"Awe, has Fon Ronsenburg been causing you trouble?" her patronising tone, aggravating Wolfram.
"I have decided to accept your proposal to dispose of him," he said it with certainty, unblinking with determination.
"I see," Laiard smirked, "It took you long enough. My Aunt will be pleased."
"What do you want me to do?"
The slinky Rozzarian paced, "I will need time to prepare a plan to make sure nothing is connected to either you or Rozzaria." She stopped, "If he were no longer in office that would make everything so much easier."
"And how am I to manage that?" Adlersflügel whined, "He is still popular."
"Call an election," she answered in a patronising tone.
"His constituency won't vote him out; he is much loved by them." He slammed his hand into the wooden table in the centre of the party room.
"Than make sure he does not," Laiard was becoming irritated, "Now if you have nothing to tell me about the Empress, than I must go now." She walked from the building, pulling a hood over her head and disappearing into the shadows.
Wolfram felt a sense of calm settle over him, it will take a lot of work, but he will be rid of the Hero of Landis.
King Dayaram had just signed the contract that the Archadian ambassador and he had been negotiating over the last year; finally his son will settle down, whether he likes it or not. With the Archadian Empress still in a coma, the arranged marriage did not make headlines in the empire, and was not known in Dalmasca for fear that Prince Raminas would run, not wanting to give up his lifestyle.
Ambassador Bunansa had left immediately after the signing and now General Azelas was summoned to the council chambers. "Malger," the elderly King greeted him warmly, "I have a job for you."
"Anything, You're Highness," the General kneeled, bowing his head and placing his hand on his heart, "I am at your service."
The King smiled, "You're not going to like this," he sat back in his chair, waiting for Malger's reaction.
"Mine is not to like my orders," he answered without moving.
"No, I mean it," Dayaram informed him, "Of all the missions I have sent you on, this is the worst."
The General looked up, "regardless, Sire, I will obey to the best of my abilities."
"Oh good," the King waited for Malger to stand again, "because you must track down Prince Raminas, he's getting married."
"Sire," Malger stiffened, feeling the sweat forming on his brow, "Does the Prince know yet?"
"No," Dayaram grinned, "that's your job … once you've found him."
General Azelas slumped, "He's missing again." His mission just got harder.
"That's not all," the King continued, "You must also prevent him from running off before the wedding to Duchess Adalheidis Solidor."
"The Emperor's cousin?" Malger was taken aback, "She's seven years his senior, he won't like that."
"I don't care what he likes," King Dayaram chuckled, "He's avoided his responsibilities to Dalmasca for long enough, he's twenty-three years old and it is time for him to settle down and produce some heirs to the throne."
"Legitimate ones you mean."
"Yes!" Dayaram sounded pleased with the plan, "I would love to hear children again in these silent halls."
General Azelas shuffled on his feet, "Any idea where the Prince could be?" he asked uncertainly.
"Last I heard, he was in Bhujerba with the Marquis's eldest son," Dayaram sighed, "Whether he is still there is up to you to find out."
Malger bowed and left, pondering the mission ahead of him and he knew that King Dayaram was laughing at him. Well, he maybe royalty, but it would not spare him payback.
The Senate was in an up roar once again, Ulrich was ready to draw blood, specifically Wolfram Adlersflügel's blood. The man was purposely antagonising him with every issue that came to the floor. Once again, the topic of health and mortality rates of the sick, prominently in children; since Frayja's death, Ulrich had begun campaigning to rally support for his cause. He had already invested a large sum of the Ronsenburg estate to the hospital in the Capital, employing more Doctors and researching treatments for various illnesses. The Hero of Landis was quickly becoming its saviour from the dark ages of tradition.
"How Noble of Senator Ronsenburg," Wolfram drawled, sarcastically, "That he would offer his own fortune for the good of Landis. Tell me Senator, do you think it will save the lives of your wife and unborn child?"
Ulrich saw red, the smug Chancellor purposely attacked him; he was unaware of the rest of the Senate roaring with condemnation of the Chancellor's statement, all he saw was his fist and Wolfram Adlersflügel's face colliding.
Although a cheer erupted for his actions, Ulrich was expelled from the Senate for a day; the Chancellor took the opportunity to announce the up coming elections. Nursing a broken nose, he watched the other Senators begin talking amongst themselves of the sudden announcement.
"I would like to officially complain about the Chancellor's conduct with Senator Ronsenburg," Senator Albrecht Carver of Seespende called officially to the speaker, "I Find the Chancellor's disregard for Ulrich's grief at the loss of his daughter deplorable and I motion to over rule the decision to expel Senator Ronsenburg until tomorrow."
"Ridiculous!" Adlersflügel protested, "Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg is allowing his emotions to rule his mind …"
"A man with a heart should not be punished by a heartless bastard such as you," The Senator growled, "Until you, yourself have a family or suffer from a loss close to you, I would advise for you to keep your mouth shut! To attack a man in his position is cowardly!" the Senate cheered with approval, causing the Chancellor to glow red with rage.
"Can't you see that he is incapable of fulfilling his duty to this Senate!" he cried in disgusted, "He is using this establishment for his own ends!"
"Enough!" Bellowed the speaker, "the motion to over rule Ulrich's expulsion granted on the grounds of provocation."
Wolfram stormed out of the Senate, knocking over one of the guards who stood stoically protecting the Senate from those who would cause it harm. The guard looked up in dismay as the fuming Chancellor marched off through the foyer and out the gigantic bronze doors. Ulrich helped the man to his feet, "I guess I'm to be admitted once again," he said with a smile, looking to the point of exit Wolfram took.
Malger stood out the front of the aerodrome of Bhujerba, absorbing the heat the sky city bathed in; he knew the Prince had to be here; he and the heir to the Mining Company were good friends with the same interests, namely women, booze and gambling.
In his heavy Dalmascan armour, he first made his way to the Ondor residence, hoping to discard the unnecessary weight and proceed more comfortably. He wound his way up the path that lead to the entrance, past the many fountains and topiary trees, which looked much more impressive in the sunlight than the moonlight. He heard the Marquis with his daughter and a Chocobo chick. Malger smiled at the scene, the ashen blond girl looked like her mother in miniature form, with her dirty blue silken dress and mussed hair. The Marquis laughed as his little girl ran after the yellow chick that dodged her attempts to catch it, it squawked at her teasingly and jumped into one of the beautifully manicured trees, flapping its wings triumphantly.
"Alright, Amalia," the Marquis chuckled as he saw his daughter's disgruntled expression, "Time to get you cleaned up before you mother returns home!"
"No!" she yelled, "I want Giggle!" Malger guessed that Giggle was the Chocobo chick.
Halim laughed, picking his daughter up and placing here his shoulders, "Look who's here, sweetie!" the Marquis smiled at the presence of his friend, "No need to say why you're here."
Malger laughed, "Am I that obvious?"
"I may be partially blind in my right eye, but that does not mean I would not see the young Prince's presence," he walked up the house with his guest and his daughter, I can tell you exactly where he and my son are right now, they are at the Cloudbourne."
Malger turned to leave, "Thank you."
"You're not leaving just yet are you?" Ondore cried, "You've only just arrived!"
"May I discard my armour and leave it to your care? I must be swift to return Dayaram's son ASAP," The General explained, "My apologies."
"No need," The Marquis smiled, "could you drag my eldest back with you? He hasn't been home for weeks, His mother is getting worried."
"Yes, friend, I will also retrieve your wayward son," Malger said as he left.
Malger pushed the saloon doors of the Cloudborne open, not knowing exactly what he would find. The bar was over-run with drunken Humes, Seeqs and Bangaas and the air smelled of stale Madhu. He vainly pulled his hand to cover his nose, as though it would prevent the stench from assaulting his nose. He saw them then; the Prince and Ondore's wayward son slumped at the bar with two semi-attractive Bhujerban women openly groping them as they kissed. Malger approached slowly, the stale Madhu odour getting stronger with every step, he cleared his throat as he stopped before them, "You're Highness, You're Grace," he greeted them with a slight bow.
Raminas's eyes lit up, "General!" he slurred, pushing the girl who was mauling his face away, "how are you? Come I'll buy you a drink!"
A shudder ran through Malger, is this how ridiculous I look when I'm drunk? He thought guiltily. "I'm afraid not, my lord," he explained calmly, "I must ask you and Halim to accompany me to the Marquis residence."
"Has my father asked you to retrieve me?" Halim IV asked, downing another shot of the honey flavoured spirit, "Too embarrassed to fetch me himself." The two laughed.
Malger looked at the both of them, laughing in an obvious drunken state, "all will become clear back at the manor, You're Grace."
The two young men looked up, "has father got a surprise for me?" Halim asked with a stupid grin on his face.
"Oh I have no doubt about that," The General tried not to laugh at the prospect of the little turd getting a hiding from his father. "I know that you, Prince Raminas have a big surprise from your father once we get back to Rabanastre." He sent the Prince a loaded grin.
Raminas was awe-struck, "A present?" he asked like a small child.
"Ah," Malger had him, "Yes … of sorts, but you must return with me to Dalmasca to find out what it is."
The Prince jumped from his barstool, "sorry ladies, more important things have arisen," he stood next to Malger and was joined by Halim within seconds.
"I'm glad you are so eager to leave," Malger left with the two young men in tow.
Ulrich sat quietly as the Chancellor officially announced the elections a week after he first declared that he would be dissolving the Senate and asked who would be opposing him as Chancellor. Senator Ronsenburg laughed; no body had opposed Wolfram Adlersflügel for quite some time.
"I propose that Senator Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg run for Chancellor," the Senator for Seespende spoke up, standing to draw attention away from the Chancellor.
"I second that motion," the Senator of Vegard added.
The speaker sat taking note of the support Ulrich had unintentionally rallied behind him, "Senator Ronsenburg, do you accept your peers' judgment for you to run for Chancellor?" the elderly man asked, his pale blue eyes burrowing into Ulrich as he waited for an answer.
Ulrich thought for a moment, his wife and child were in need of his attention back home, however, he could achieve more as Chancellor and that opportunity does not come by often. "I accept the proposal to run against Chancellor Adlersflügel."
"What?" The Chancellor shrieked, "What of your wife and child?"
"I appreciate your concern, Wolfram," Ulrich grinned, "However; Valdar has always supported my decisions when it comes to the Senate and the good of the Republic."
Wolfram growled his frustration; he had hoped to make Ulrich reconsider, but the favourite son of Landis was growing in popularity, so to voice his displeasure of his competitor would only serve to hurt him in the polls. The speaker began to talk again, "then it is settled, Senator Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg will run against Chancellor Wolfram Adlersflügel." With the ringing of the Bronze bell that hung in the domed ceiling of the Senate, it alerted the Capital of the election and signalled the dissolution of the Senate until the elections were over.
Ulrich wasted no time collecting his things and leaving to join his ever-growing wife. He knew he would have to break the news to Valdar gently, her hormones were raging and she would be likely to throw something at him rather than congratulate him for running for Chancellor. He walked as fast as he could, trying to avoid the heavy traffic that cluttered the CBD of the Capital. He would have to enlist the help of Günter to campaign for him back in Ronsenburg, as he would be touring the country for his shot at being Chancellor.
He was about to open the door when Dr. Plaequet walked through, "Ah Senator, you're home."
"Yes," he said dryly, "how is Valdar?"
The Doctor grinned, "She is fine, although, I would advise you to spend more time with her; she has been very emotional today and … well the baby has been active or rather the babies, she's expecting twins."
Ulrich nearly choked, "Twins?"
"Yes Senator," the Doctor opened the door for him to enter, "That means there are two, which explains her rapid growth, however, even with twins she is still larger than average, your children will be big babies."
Ulrich did not know if he was excited or scared by the news, he hoped they would be sons or one of each. He raced to his wife's side as she sat in the chair reading her book. "I just heard," Ulrich crouched by her side, "this is fantastic; at least you won't birth a giant."
Valdar laughed, "No, that is a plus, but," she trailed off.
"But what, my sweet?"
"I heard the bell; you have an election to campaign," she lovingly stroked his arm, "Who's running for Chancellor?"
"I am," he said, looking away with shame.
"That's," he held his breath, waiting for her blow, "Fantastic!"
"Huh?" he peaked from the corner of his eye, "you're happy about it?"
She giggled, "Yes I am," she gave her husband a kiss, "you will make all of Landis proud."
"I would make love to you right now if I know I wouldn't be castrated by Dr. Plaequet."
Valdar rested her head against his shoulder, "I am sure the Doctor won't castrate you for showing your love for me," she traced small circles on his wrist, "I'm climbing the walls."
"He told me that it could induce labour" he sighed, trying not to cave in to her attention, "and endanger you and the baby … babies."
"Then once they are born," she smiled sweetly into Ulrich's eyes, "you owe me several months of everything you can do for me."
"It will be my first campaign promise," he kissed her hand, "along with health reforms, scientific advancement, education reforms and closer ties with our closest neighbour, Archades."
"Always the hero."
The Grand Barge from the Archadian Empire docked at the aerodrome, the select members of the Order assigned to escort the Duchess to the Palace waited for her at the bottom of the gangway. Captain Reynor stood patiently for the Duchess and her entourage to make their appearance, as it were just after sun up, he did not expect their appearance for a while.
Much to the Dalmascan soldiers' disbelief, the Duchess led her party out of the Barge. Her presence was awe-inspiring, not a slim woman but one of luscious curves that could demand the attention of any man she desired. Her hair of rich mahogany flowed down her back to her thighs, her skin a fine ivory and eyes of the deepest of sapphires. She looked the part of Queen consort already, lifting the many layers of skirts and petticoats as she walked down the stairs to meet the Captain.
"You're Grace," the Captain bowed, placing his hand over his heart as he did so, "Welcome to Dalmasca."
"Thank you, Captain …" she returned his greeting with a think Archadian accent, one that spoke of her heritage and education.
"Reynor, ma'am," the Captain stood, smiling.
Duchess Adalheidis Solidor returned the gesture, her stern features melting to a smile that bewitched the young Captain, "A princely name." Her entourage joined the soldiers as though socialising at a gathering rather than a formal and diplomatic greeting.
"I trust the flight was not too tiring," Reynor asked, sparking conversation with the Duchess as they left the aerodrome in a convoy of Chocobo drawn carriages.
"Not at all," the noblewoman laughed, "the benefits of being quite accomplished at a great many things, it keeps one's mind alert." She laughed.
The Captain envied the Prince; the Duchess was clearly as intelligent as she was beautiful, "Ma'am, I dare say you could accomplish anything you desired."
"The good opinion of the people of Dalmasca and the love of my betrothed is all I seek," she watched the Palace growing larger, "What is he like, Prince Raminas, that is."
"He is rarely here," the Captain explained, "I have met him but once."
"What would a Prince be doing if not his royal duties at the Palace?"
"A multitude of young ladies, I would imagine."
Adalheidis nodded, "Perhaps he needs a stronger woman to keep his attentions from wandering," she gave the Captain a seductive glance, "I am not ignorant of the ways of the bedroom, I suspect that I could teach the young man a thing or too." She chuckled at the look Captain Reynor gave her.
"My Lady," he bowed his head, "If I may be so bold, exactly how old are you? And how does one of such high status in Archadian society know of things a man does to a woman and be unwed?"
Still smiling she answered, "Though it is not polite to ask a lady her age, I will tell you … I am just one and thirty as of three days ago."
His jaw dropped, "one and thirty? That is not possible! You jest surely you must be only three and twenty at most."
"Flattery, sir," she continued, "And to answer your other question, Women of Archadia are not bound to their virginity as women of other cultures are, for which I am glad." She sent the soldier a coy grin, "but alas, such enjoyment must now be reserved for Raminas, the disappearing Prince of Dalmasca."
"That and if I were to indulge you in such enjoyment, my wife would skin me alive." The two laughed.
Dayaram sat on his dais, with his wayward son on one side, Malger stood behind Raminas, holding a tether like cloak attached to the Prince's back. "You will treat the Duchess with respect, Raminas," the King commanded, turning a stern look towards his son, quietly threatening the young man.
"I would listen to him, my Prince," the General added, "though I have heard that the Duchess is the very definition of beauty."
"Beauty or not," Raminas responded, "she is forced onto me and she is old, two traits I find highly unappealing." He crossed his arms like a spoiled child not getting his way.
"Ah, my son, you are forgetting one thing," the King explained.
"And what is that?"
"By law, if you show any disrespect to the Duchess, the Emperor's own sister, I will take her as my wife strip you of your titles and inheritance and bestow it on the first child she bares," Dayaram watched the nonchalant look on his son's face, "And I must hand you over to Archadia for trial."
Raminas sat up, "for what?"
"Insulting a member of the Imperial family is an offence," Dayaram tried not to smile at his bluff, "one punishable by death. And do not think that because you are a Prince or a citizen of Dalmasca that that will save you from the hangman's noose."
Raminas stared at his father in disbelief, "that cannot be true."
"Would you rather try your luck?" Dayaram let a small smile drift across his lips.
The Prince could not distinguish between his father's jesting face or his sadistic face, deciding it was not worth his neck, he nodded his acceptance of the arrangement.
"You will do Dalmasca proud," Dayaram smiled victoriously.
They waited for the Duchess to present herself to the court; most of the courtiers would not arrive until midday, which Dayaram was grateful for. After several minutes, the fanfare signifying the arrival of the Duchess and her entourage sounded in all its bright and cheerful glory. Raminas sank into his chair, he did not care what the woman looked like, all he new was that she would be nearly ten years his senior and a snobby spoiled Archadian spinster.
The doors to the throne room opened; the three men stood waiting for the Duchess to enter. Her entourage entered first, a gathering of finely dressed young women whom caught Raminas' eye instantly. His father saw his response and elbowed his hard, "Focus! This is your future, Raminas, do not screw it up!" he warned the Prince quietly.
Raminas nodded, looking back to the doors. There she was, in all her beauty and charisma, the Duchess Adalheidis Solidor, dressed in indigo velvet that was studded with diamonds, her hair braided and decorated similarly to her dress. Yes, she looked beautiful, but in Raminas' eyes, she was the embodiment of political and diplomatic slavery.
The Duchess approached the King and Prince with her head held high, "You're Highness," she gave King Dayaram a formal bow, "Prince Raminas," she returned to her standing position, "And General Azelas, I am thrilled to finally be here in your fine Kingdom, which soon will also be mine." She gave the reluctant Prince a smile that could melt the Paramina Rift.
"My Lady," Dayaram responded happily, "Only a few days until you can proudly proclaim the Kingdom of Dalmasca your home." He rose from his throne, "Raminas," the King warned firmly encouraging his son to also rise to properly greet his bride.
"Duchess Solidor," he mumbled out, giving a rigid bow.
"Oh I do hope your much more fun whilst drunk because right now, you are a bore," She flicked out her fan to cool her face in the desert heat, "Are all the rumours just that?" she batted her eyes at him, hoping to make the young man smile. "Oh my dear sweet Prince, I do hope that you are not always this shy, or our wedding night will be a quiet one."
Malger laughed as did Dayaram, but Raminas closed his eyes and prayed to the gods to save him … it went unanswered, by the week's end, the Duchess Solidor of Archadia and Prince Raminas of Dalmasca became husband and wife. Malger, having been a constant companion to Raminas during the week did not leave his side during the whole ceremony either, to prevent the Prince from escaping.
Ulrich slumped into his chair, he had just returned to the Capital after touring the Northern Provinces on his campaign. He glanced over to his sleeping wife on the couch with her belly so large that she could hardly move from the weight. She was almost due, a few weeks until his children were born. Valdar had no idea he had returned early, Ulrich was expected to return the following evening but because of an urgent message from Dr. Plaequet he cut the tour short to be with his love.
Although his back was sore and his legs tired, he rose from the chair and settled on the floor by Valdar's side and laid his hand on the two massive babies that grew inside her womb. One kicked at his hand with the force of a wild Chocobo. "You are most definitely boys," he whispered to the rounded belly.
"Ulrich?" Valdar asked rousing from her sleep, "you're home early." She sat up cautiously, scooping her arm under the twins to support them. All too quickly her breath became laboured and her head spun from an unexpected blood pressure drop. Ulrich steadied her until she gave him a nod to say she was alright. "That has been happening far too often for my liking," she sighed, "Dr. Plaequet said that once you were home he would induce the birth," she took a deep breath, "I have a chance of not making it, the babies are too big for me too handle and I might rupture and bleed out." she reverted to her cool Judge persona as she informed her husband of the risk, whether it was for him or herself she could not decide.
"Is he upstairs?" Ulrich asked, calmly.
"Yes," she replied, resting her head on his shoulder, "in case we needed to …" she trailed off as a wave of pain and fear washed over her, "Ulrich, I'm scared."
He held her tight, well as tight as he dared, "Do you wish for me to get him now? Bring the birth forward to tonight?"
The pause for thought that Valdar experienced felt like an eternity for both of them, she could easily die from a multitude of complications or one or both of the twins could die and in turn kill their mother from grief. It would be a miracle if all three survived and he prayed to the gods that they do just that, let his wife birth the two powerful sons she carried and all healthy by the end of it, he could not live without Valdar. "Yes," she finally answered with a distinct quiver in her voice.
Ulrich's heart sank, in the next few hours he would more than likely be grieving for someone he loved, with a reluctant nod he left her side and slowly climbed the stairs.
Valdar chocked back her tears, the pain she felt just to breath intensifying to a new height and the tell tale signs of labour beginning their onslaught. She screamed as a cutting agony sliced through her abdomen, the convulsion of her muscles left her feeling frail in her already weakened state.
Ulrich and the Doctor raced down the stairs, Plaequet was pulling a robe on around his shoulders when he saw Valdar clutching her stomach and crying, "Ulrich, help her to the ground, if she falls it could injure the babies."
Ulrich did as he was ordered; doing what he could to help his wife to lie on the floor. He gave her a few pillows from the couch to make her comfortable. She stared up into his eyes, petrified about what could happen. "I'm here, love," he stroked her hair, "I won't leave your side." She calmed a little with his soothing care, "Everything will be alright."
"Ulrich," she panted, the sweat forming on her brow, "I think they are trying to break through my stomach!" She screamed again as a new assault on her weak body shook her.
"They may have to," Plaequet explained as he examined her belly, "neither of them are in the right position to be born, if you try to give birth the natural way you will die." He stood up, "I must retrieve my bag from up stairs, Ulrich?"
"Yes," he replied, holding his wife's hand gently.
"Are you skilled at magicks?"
The question was not one Ulrich expected, "it depends which spells are required."
"I need you to cast sleep and stop on Valdar while I'm retrieving my equipment," the Doctor's cool green eyes kept Ulrich's locked to him.
"I'm sorry I can cast sleep but not stop," he replied sadly.
"Oh, I can do tha'," the house keeper called out from the top of the stairs, "I can cast a lot of brown and blue magicks too."
Ulrich felt relieved to here his housekeeper's voice, "Please, Valdar needs your help."
As the Doctor rushed up stairs, the housekeeper rushed down and began to cast the two spells on the pregnant woman. "I learnt them to keep my son under control when 'e misbehaved," she smiled.
Now that Valdar lay still and unconscious on the floor with no sign of movement just yet, the Senator turned to his housekeeper and asked: "what are brown and blue magicks?"
She laughed, "Brown is gardening and blue is 'ousework, not the type of spells one needs on the battle field."
Ulrich agreed he could not see the need for accelerated plant growth or stubborn stain removal when you are fighting for your life.
Plaequet returned within a few minutes with his bag in hand, "We don't have much time," he informed them urgently, pulling out a nasty looking knife, "But it's the only way we can save all three of them."
Ulrich halted the doctor's hand, "What exactly are you planning to do to my wife?" he gave the man a warning gaze.
Plaequet sighed, "I will cut through her abdomen and pull the twins out that way and heal her before stop and sleep wear off," he quickly explained, "she will feel nothing."
"For your sake," the Senator cautioned, "I hope so."
A moment of silent warning passed between them before Plaequet made the first incision, cutting through the flesh just above her sex where there would be little evidence of the scar if one formed. He kept cutting through the uteral wall until he came to a white looking membrane with a blond head on the other side. One more nick and the life supporting liquid flowed over the rug. The head was not moving but Plaequet's expression said this was normal as he pulled the large infant from his mother's womb, "A boy," he said handing the immobile babe to his father, "Make that boys, their identical." He handed the other child to Ulrich who felt odd that he held his children for the first time and they had sleep and stop cast on them, like their mother. "They're fine, Senator, just wait until it wares off."
Ulrich took the opportunity to clean them as best he could and wrap them in the first thing he could think of; his shirt.
"By the gods!" the Doctor exclaimed as he pulled a third, smaller baby from Valdar's womb, "this is unexpected." The doctor's face was grim, "He is very small, too small to survive."
Ulrich's heart lurched, the unexpected child could fit in the palm of his hand and was deathly pale to the point that he could have been dead already, "What should we do?"
Plaequet sighed, "I do not think Valdar would handle the death very well with what she told me of your first child." They briefly fell into an awkward silence, Ulrich remembered the pain when he heard that Frayja had passed away and he was helpless to stop it.
He deliberated of what could happen when Valdar woke up to find the tiny body, "hand him to me." Plaequet passed the tiny boy to him and cast esuna over him; the little child spluttered weakly into a frail cry, "I am sorry my son," he whispered to the child, "But I cannot let your mother suffer anymore." He kissed the infant's forehead, "Tatiana?" The housekeeper came closer, "Stay with little Johan until the end." He handed him to her and she left the room to make the child comfortable.
"Why did you name him if he won't survive?" Plaequet asked sadly.
"Every child deserves to have a name," Ulrich sighed, "Johan was the name of my childhood friend. We were the best of friends."
"It is the right decision, Ulrich," Plaequet finished his healing Valdar, "She will be tender for a few weeks but she will be fine."
Out in the hall, the housekeeper had little Johan in his swaddling cloth and holding him close to her chest, "you are far stronger than you appear, Johan," she lulled to the child, "'ow would you like me to be your mother?" Johan cried in her embrace, "shush little one," she crept to the front door, "I'll take you somewhere safe." Both Tatiana and the infant Johan disappeared into the night.
Ulrich held the twin boys that were yet to be named; they were large and strong in appearance much to the surprise of their father, they had the size of singletons and large ones at that. "What should we call you two?" Ulrich asked them as he rocked them. Plaequet cast esuna over them and they immediately began to cry, their lungs were as strong as they he discovered their arms were as they punched and kick at their disapproval to being ripped from their mother's womb. The only difference he could see between them was one of the boys had a widows peak where the other did not. "The both of you are going to cause me no end of trouble," he smiled down at the boys lovingly.
"Ulrich?" Valdar called sleepily from her position on the floor; "you have our twins?" she sat up slowly, her eyes bright with anticipation.
"Identical sons," he smiled, passing the one with the widow's peak to his mother, "I would like to name one after my father."
"As long as I can name one Noah," she looked down into the pale bluish grey eyes of the child she held, "That will be you, I think." She kissed the boy's forehead and he went silent.
"Oh great, a mummy's boy," Ulrich chuckled, handing the one he named Basch to her. "I think they are hungry."
Both boys fed from their mother as she sat on the floor, Ulrich sat by their side, stroking Basch's hair. The child whimpered and Valdar laughed, "Make that two mummy's boys."
"Um, Mrs Fon Ronsenburg?" cut in, "After what you have been through, I would recommend that you do not try to conceive any more children, it could kill you."
"I have twin boys, Doctor," she chuckled, "I would be mad to want any more."
The news of the birth of the twins reached the Gabranth household with in a day; Judge Magister Ek heard the news whilst standing vigil over the unconscious Empress. Elizar ran into the ward with a huge smile on her face, "Mother! They are born!" she exclaimed as loudly as she dared in the quiet hospital ward, "Boys, Basch and Noah and they are identical!"
Though her face was hidden underneath the equine helm, Ek smiled. Twins were common in her family but boys were a rarity among them.
"They are huge!" the young woman continued, "the size of large singletons each! Nearly eight pounds!"
Ek would have stumbled if she were not stiff and sore from the many hours she stood each day since the attack; she would be relieved soon by a lesser Judge for the night shift. "They will become formidable warriors of Landis," she spoke proudly, "Much like their father."
"I hope they don't get Valdar's temper," Elizar snorted, "or we all would be in trouble."
The shift ended with a young man in his mid twenties relieved the older Judge and Ek and her daughter left for home, an apartment in the Imperial Palace.
Inside, Ek's husband Gabranth relaxed at the dining table with the letter that had been sent express from Landis, his blue eyes red with joyful tears. "I am glad to see your happiness on this joyful day," Ek said, slipping her helm off and dumping it unceremoniously in the closest armchair, "I will petition the Emperor to let us visit as soon as it is convenient."
Gabranth stood and embraced his wife, "he has asked to see us immediately." Ek stood back cautiously, "Nothing bad, I have told him of our wonderful news and he wishes to congratulate us and to send his best wishes when we leave in the morning for Landis."
Ek blinked, "Tomorrow?"
Her husband smiled, "Yes, you had better pack tonight or we might be late." The Judge Magister raced into the bedroom and began to throw her essentials into the case she pulled from under the bed.
"It is nice to have good news for a change," the Emperor said, stepping out of the kitchen with a mug of hot tea.
"We feared the worst," Gabranth admitted, "I remember when Hilda was pregnant with the girls, for as strong as she is, I feared for her life during the last month, she could hardly move from the size of her belly."
Gramis smiled sadly, he thought of his precious Empress lying in the Draklor Medical wing and showing no signs of recovery. He loved it when she was pregnant; the love in her eyes was so strong. It would always be an early night and a late morning with plenty of laughing and loving in between. "I have some gifts for the children, a few essentials to help the new parents and a few toys built by Aurelius."
Gabranth smiled at his friend, "You are overly generous, You're Excellency."
Gramis managed a weak smile, "It is good to have good news to hear for once." Gabranth knew what he spoke of, the news out of the Rozzarian Empire sounded grim to the point of civil war. House Margrace was fractured between the two competing heirs for the throne were getting close to attacking one another. From the intelligence gathered over the last few months, Matías was named heir over his older brother Ab-El for reasons of strength. Ab-El was know throughout Ivalice for not being the brightest of stars in the night sky, his habit of acting before thinking things through made him dangerous for all nations in the world, a man like that at the helm of one of the largest Empires ever to exist would be terrifying. Matías on the other hand showed intelligence and wit and makes the obvious choice for Emperor and the only one who could compete with Keln for charisma.
"What is the news from Rozzaria?" Gabranth asked seriously, "Hilda will not speak of it."
"It appears that where we thought that Rozzaria was looking to cause trouble with us is not true." Gramis held his hand up to Gabranth's protest on behalf of the Empress, "Ab-El appears to be responsible, our intelligence has found the insignia of Ab-El's private army at a few other attack sights." The attack on the Empress was only the first of many to hit Archadian wayfarers throughout Ivalice. "I have sent the evidence to the Rozzarian Emperor himself in hopes that he can prevent the war that would consume the Empire."
Gabranth nodded, "As civil wars rarely stay within their own borders."
Ek returned to the main living area, "You're Excellency," she bowed formally, "I did not hear you arrive."
Gramis placed his now empty mug of tea down, "Actually I was just leaving." He said his good-byes and left for Draklor Laboratory.
After a long flight and even longer trek through the Landis Capital, Judge Magisters Ek and Gabranth knocked on the door of Ulrich's town house nearly a week after the birth of their grandsons.
Ulrich had taken some time off to be close for his wife's every desire, which consisted of mostly massages for her back, shoulders and neck. During one of Valdar's shoulder massages, Ulrich heard the knocking and excused himself. Valdar sat up and checked on the sleeping boys. They shared the same cradle as Noah would cry when he was placed in one on his own, though the younger twin was more vocal than his slightly older brother who seemed to be happy just watching the shadows on the walls. She could not help but smile at the two identical babies, Basch snored lightly and Noah sucked on his thumb, she made a mental note to find something else for her son to suck on or it could ruin his teeth later on.
"Are they sleeping?" Ek asked from the doorway in a quiet voice.
"Mama," Valdar threw her arms around her mother's neck, "I'm so glad you could make it!"
Ek smiled, "Your father is down stairs with Ulrich." She edged closer to the sleeping children, "they have your hair."
"But they look like their father," Valdar smiled proudly.
"Remind me to apologise to them when they are older," Ulrich said from the doorway.
"Don't be so hard on yourself," Ek chastised him, "they are healthy and will grow into two very handsome young men."
Ulrich came up behind his wife, wrapping his arms protectively around her waist, "That I have no doubt," he turned to Valdar, "We should warn the townsfolk to lock up their daughters when they are of age or we could be very unpopular."
The former judge laughed, "I would not allow our sons to dishonour any young lady, but if they are the town bike than I will be more worried for our children's health rather than the honour of the tart."
"If they are anything like their mother," Gabranth added, "then you will have one hell of a time keeping them locked in their rooms."
"Hey!" Valdar complained indignantly, "It wasn't just me, thank you very much."
"You manager to pick a class five lock," Ek stated, "that's a tough feat considering that many of the maximum security prisons use class four."
Ulrich cocked his eyebrow at his wife, "Quite the industrious young lady weren't you," he chuckled, taking her into his arms, "But I think we will instil the traditional morals of Landis in them so they will be complete gentlemen."
Valdar smiled, "Yes, I like that idea."
The Magisters stayed for another few days until they were called back to the Palace but they had one last thing to say to the young parents. "I just got word," Ek smiled at the letter she held in her hand, "You sister is finally getting married."
Valdar eyes widened, "To whom?"
"Magister Zarkov," Ek replied, "I wonder if it has anything to do with the extra free time he has?" Ulrich asked what she meant by that. "The Magister had, shall we say, a disagreement with the Emperor which has resulted in him being permanently transferred to the Magistrate. Without duties at the Palace he would have an extra two hours a day, he must have spent them courting Elizar."
"I am not surprised," Ulrich commented, "He mentioned to me, during my diplomatic envoy to the Empire, that he greatly admired her but feared your husband's reaction."
Ek laughed, "he is nearly twice her age, I can see why he would be nervous, but he is an honourable man and will make a fine husband for her."
"I agree," Gabranth added, carrying their luggage from the upstairs bedroom, "though I do wish he would lay off with the dirty jokes."
"I dare say that's how he caught her attention in the first place," Ek turned to her daughter and son-in-law, "Well we must be going, give those grandsons of mine a kiss each from me. The Emperor needs us and we cannot delay."
The Magisters left in a Chocobo drawn carriage. "So," Valdar wrapped her arms around Ulrich, "When is the election?"
"Next week."
She nodded, resting her cheek against his large chest, "I'm sure the publicity shot of you with the twins and I at your side will do wonders for your chances."
"I thought about pulling out of the election race," Ulrich admitted to her.
"Don't you dare, Ulrich Fon Ronsenburg!" She snapped her head up to look him in the eye, "You will make a fantastic Chancellor."
"But I do not wish to be too far from you and the twins," he kissed her forehead tenderly, "I do not want to miss a second of it."
"You are destined for great things, my husband," Valdar told him directly, "You must think of more than your family on this. You wish to drag Landis into the present to give this nation a glorious future."
The Emperor entered the room where his wife lay comatose on the bed. A multitude of beeps and tones indicated her breathing and heartbeat. He hurt all over so much that he was numb to anything else, it image of his beautiful wife so injured killed him inside.
"You're Excellency," a nurse curtsied him in greeting, "I am afraid that she is not showing any signs of recovery as yet, her head injuries are quite extensive."
At first he did not register the nurse's presence, the smooth rhythmic rises and falls of his beloved's chest held him. "Will she ever recover?" he finally asked.
"It is doubtful My Lord," the young woman's voice reflected the emperor's own sadness, "she may pass over night or live on for years in this comatose state. The possibility of the empress ever regaining consciousness slips further away with each passing day."
"What are you telling me?" Gramis asked in a distant voice.
"I'm saying that perhaps you should bring you sons in so the three of you can say your good-byes," the nurse was taking a risk suggesting that they euthanize Empress Seraphine. "She would rather pass now than be a burden to you or your sons."
The emperor's first reaction was to slap the girl but her words were true, his Seraphine would have preferred to die than cause her family ongoing pain. "You are right," he sighed defeated in his stature, "but I cannot do that just yet."
"I understand," the nurse sighed and left him alone with his wife. The emperor sat at her side and wept
Matías had heard that his older brother was up to something in the palace somewhere, Ab-El had returned to Rozzaria but had kept to himself. His older brother had been acting suspiciously for some time and this worried the heir of the Rozzarian Empire immensely.
Ever since the announcement that Matías would succeed their father, Ab-El had nearly disappeared from court all together. He did make a public show for holiday celebrations but the rest of the time he was nowhere to be found. A least for now the wayward son of the emperor was in his room with his new circle of friends.
Matías had been given the news that Ab-El had returned to the palace by Lady Laiard that morning and now he was standing at his brother's door listening carefully.
"So what condition is she in?" Ab-El asked an unknown person.
"She still holds on," another voice said emotionlessly, "your next targets are under heavy security."
The heir held his breath, hoping to discover who the targets were.
"I want those boys dead!" Ab-El stressed in a hushed tone, "I want Gramis so distraught that he will end his own life!" Ab-El chuckled, "Then I will march our armies into Archadia and prove to father that I am the rightful heir to his title, not Matías!"
"Sir," the unknown man spoke, "plans like this take time, to rush them will result in failure. We do nothing until Empress Seraphine is dead and the Archadians have had time to mourn her, then and only then do we take out the children in an apparent accident."
Matías listened to pacing which he assumed was his brother, "Then you finish the job you started nearly a year ago, João." Ab-El sounded angry, "This is already taking longer than planned."
The Crowned Prince felt a shiver run down his spine, his older brother was planning to drag Rozzaria into another war with Archadia a war they could not afford to fight. He quickly retreated from the door to find a guard to arrest his brother and the companion in the room with him.
His feet carried him quickly through the grand palace halls to the entrance of north wing, "I want you to arrest Prince Ab-El and his companion in his room right now!" he ordered with as much urgency his voice would allow. The guards ran to the prince's room with Matías in the lead. Once arriving he kicked the door open, "Prince Ab-El you are hereby under arrest on the charge of treason!"
Ab-El was alone in the room, his companion must have left during the time Matías had searched for the palace guard. "What is the meaning of this?" Ab-El demanded as he struggled against the tight grip of the guards.
"Where is your friend, brother?" Matías asked after searching the room, "Well?"
"I don't know what you are talking about," Ab-El sneered, "what is it brother, not enough that you steal my birth right now you have to eliminate me to ensure you keep your title?"
"It was not my choice to be heir to the Empire," Matías defended, "why not take it up with our father instead of trying to incite war with our archenemies in the north?" The tension in the room was building as the two brothers eyed each other with restrained anger. "Get him out of here."
Ab-El screamed at Matías as he was dragged out of the room. "Are you alright, my lord?" one of the guards asked.
The Crowned Prince slumped in a nearby chair, "my own brother a traitor to the empire," he sighed, "this will kill our father."
A little longer than I anticipated but I guess it is reasonable since it has been too long between posts, I hope you enjoyed it. :Þ
Chapter Eight: The Twins Fon Ronsenburg.