A.N. Thank you for those that reviewed.

Disclaimer: I don't own it... End of story.

Pineapple Wine Chapter 3

I knew in her heart she wished to take me with her that day.

Does she see how much stronger I've become?

With new trade from Archadia, Rabanstre, and Rozarria the streets of Bhjurba had become a bit too crowded for Balthier's taste. Yet he remained patient as his companion made her way through the noisy marketplace picking out goods to trade to the Viera in exchange for Vaan's healing. Nono had been placed in charge of watching the Strahl and Vaan who was sleeping. He had full faith his mechanic moogle would notify him if anything was wrong.

Before leaving this morning he assisted Fran in cleaning the younger sky pirates battered and bruised body. Guilt panged him as he washed the boys arms where needles had been jabbed into his flesh. Those insane scientist probably pumped him full of drugs and other things to keep him alive. The burn marks and scar tissue around his wrists and ankles showed he had been in that Thundaga machine for quite sometime. Silently he prayed that Vaan would recover physically, but after they had healed his body what would be left of his conscious mind? Oh if only he had gotten there sooner... like four years ago sooner...

He pondered all this lost in thought to the point where he didn't even notice the blonde girl running straight at him. He collided with her only realizing a moment to late to catch himself so instead he caught the girl who seemed to have her arms wrapped around him in a tight embrace. After feeling the cold cobblestoned ground introduce itself to his backside he attempted to gain some of his sauve composure by pulling her to one side so she sat across his lap.

Blonde hair, her chocolate eyes, and loving smile bringing him to instant recogniztion of who had plowed him over.

"It would seem that I have been missed," Balthier grinned and looked up at Fran who was staring down at them only to notice that behind her stood Larsa, Basch, and Mjrn. Somewhere behind them he assumed several more of the Emperor's royal gaurd followed.

Larsa had a look of amusement on him as he assisted his beloved with a firm hand that helped her to her feet. After the Emperor becomes of age next year, his nineteenth birthday, he will wed the Lady Penelo and make her the Empress of Archadia. Although no one was quite sure if Penelo was ready for such a responsibility everyone was definitly sure that the two were ment for each other. On the long nights when Larsa spent doing his required duties as ruler she was at his side ensuring he stuck to his work but also making it fun.

"It is good to see you Balthier. We recieved Fran's transmission earlier this morning and thought rather then letting these two," she gestured to Basch and Mjrn, "Larsa and I would get some fresh air and come too." She was excited it had been a good year since seeing her friends.

Balthier threw Fran a questioning look but she ignored it momentarily and had placed her hand on Mjrn's stomach.

Mjrn had left the woods to follow in her older sisters footsteps. She was an outcast as well now and never allowed to return to her home in the trees. It took her a long time to get her bearings in this world but the day of Lady Ashe's coronation her and Basch had hit it off feeling slightly left out as the evening wore on as the others coupled up. Back then she had been living in a spare room that Tomaj the tavern master of the Sandsea had and in turn she sang for his customers. It was a talent most Viera posessed ment to sing praises to their Mother Wood. Here in the city where viera were rare she was a beautiful sight for the customers let alone her incredible singing voice. Basch came often to see her sing, often teleporting from Archades to Rabanstre for the weekend just to hear her sing. Eventually she fell for the handsome newly appointed judge and allowed him to take her from the tavern to the palace where she was happy to now entertain upon request for the nobles.

"A boy," a genuine smile on her lips as she embraced her younger sister in a soft hug. Mjrn had already known this but it was a comfort to have sisters confirmation.

Penelo was bouncing excitedly beside Larsa, "So when is the wedding?"

Basch took it as his opportunity, his hair had been cut to resemble that of his desceased twin brother Noah fon Rosenburg, "I would not want our child to be born without us being officially married. So with your premission Fran and my beloveds consent..." In the middle of the crowded bazaar before friend and stranger alike he got down on one knee and took her hand in his, "Will you bless this old soldier with your company for the rest of our days? Will you Mjrn of Eruyt marry me?"

Everyone around them seemed shocked so much to the point the entire bazaar was quiet, Their group of friends had known this was going to happen sooner or later. Mjrn looked from the man whom she knew she was destined to be with to her sister who nodded to her in approval. Almost in tears of joy she responded a simple yes.

The entire bazaar erupted with applause and cheers!

Basch slid a beautiful diamond ring onto her finger and stood up to embrace his new fiance.

"Let us get out of this crowd," Larsa suggested, "The Marquis awaits us for lunch."

END CHAPTER

A.N. Well go on review... o.O More reviews the better my mood the more I write.