Author's Notes:

This set is for Kuchiki Jeanne, who requested some drabbles revolving around Larsa and Penelo's first encounter in Bhujerba, and for angelbaby1291, who echoed that request.

13. Complications

What have I gotten myself into? Penelo wondered, eyes flickering to Larsa. He seemed honorable, but his accent spoke of Archadia, of prestige and power. What would he do if she tried to run?

"Are you all right?"

She stiffened. "I . . . I should thank you. For your help outside the mines. I'd have been arrested if you hadn't spoken up."

A smile touched his lips. "I only hope I didn't complicate your situation. Come. We may speak of it over tea."

Penelo hesitated. She didn't dare refuse, yet she worried. But what choice did she have? "Certainly."

14. Trust (200 words)

"Be not troubled. My brother is a remarkable man."

Penelo said nothing. How could she trust the brother of the man who now presided over Rabanastre, who commanded the very soldiers who had so oppressed her? How could she trust Larsa, who shared the same name, the same blood, no matter how kindly he'd treated her?

"He frightens me."

Larsa's gaze fell upon her. Penelo kept her face forward, waiting.

"Why?"

The bafflement in his voice made her throat tighten. Could he really not understand what his brother represented? No, of course not. They're family. "I'm sorry. He is your brother. It's just—you don't understand how much we lost to the war. My friends. My parents." Everything.

"So you fear the Empire?"

She nodded. Abruptly, Larsa came to kneel before her, his expression somber. "Listen to me. The men of my family . . . We are taught to place the needs of others before those of our own. I will see that you are kept from harm," he promised. "It is my duty to House Solidor."

"But how—how can I trust you?"

"Because I give you my word," he said. And to her surprise, she believed him.

15. Hope

Ondore watched Lord Larsa and his companion board the airship, a whirlwind of thoughts spinning through his mind. They were a strange pair—the son of Emperor Gramis and an insignificant girl from Rabanastre. He could hardly imagine more disparate circumstances, yet as Larsa extended his hand to help her aboard, Ondore found himself smiling. A nobleman and a commoner from two countries scarcely removed from war, interacting as if they'd known one another for weeks instead of hours. They could hardly be called companions—that required more time—but the bond between them gave Ondore hope for the future.