Slowly but surely making the chapters longer.

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

Pineapple Wine Chapter 4

I did what I had to for my kingdom and family.

Why did he leave me all alone?

Back on the Strahl the moogle mechanic was looking in on a sleeping Vaan. The boy seemed peaceful on the outside but inside Nono could sense that a storm was brewing inside the boys mind. He watched him a little longer before going on to finish the daily maintenance.

Vaan when he had felt the Curaga course through his body he slept in a comfortable darkness. In that aweful labratory place the drugs and pain had kept him from slipping into a state of comatosis Now that the drugs and torture had stopped and left his system the sky pirate was left to a sea of dreams and nightmares.

Dreams and nightmares are different from visions though. To an attatched mind one might sort out the difference. While he was more attatched he could replay things that had happened to him now that he was withdrawing he was slipping into what could only be described as a mess.

Vaan stood in an empty void his sword drawn not quite sure why he was there or what he was doing when all of a sudden he was transported to Rabanstre. To one of his more favorite spots in all the city where you can a breath taking view of the palace. He remembered fondly when he and Penelo used to sit here and talk about what they'd do if they were rich. There were no other people around him and everything felt so real. For a moment he thought he was back home and in that moment he began making his way towards the palace. Rushing past the familar buildings and fountains. Somewhere in his mind he had wondered where all the people were but all he was really concerned about was getting to the palace.

Upon reaching the steps to the front gates of the castle he took them two at a time moderately surprised there were no guards and the gates were slightly ajar just enough for him to fit through. At the moment it had not registered something might be wrong.

Continuing across the courtyard and up yet even more stairs he entered the main hallway and took the sharp left up a beautifully done staircase. He knew how to reach her room, how to find his Queen in this maze of turns and twists. He moved quicker knowing now something had to be wrong for there to be no guards anywhere outside or within the palace. More rights and lefts, a pattern he had memorized shortly after her coronation, and he found himself at the familar dark oaken door. It had been carved for the princess when she was younger and pictured a variety of animals from chocobos to panthers. He had told her that it had been Old Dilan's brother who had carved the door. He was a master artisan and before he died bestowed this gift upon the young Dalmascan Princess. She had told him so much about her that evening...

As he reached for the doorknob that night had come flooding back to him. She had begged him to help her get out for a little, so tired of politics and daily routines, she asked only for a couple hours away6 from these city walls. Who was he to deny his Queen? They had snuck out of the palace and to the royal stables the night before her coronation and birdnapped her favorite chocobo and with some skill Vaan had distracted the gate guard long enough for her to lead the bird out behind his back. Shortly after Vaan followed and they both made it out of the city and headed East towards the little camp set up just before reaching the Yardang Labyrinth.

He remembered having his arms around her with her back pressed against her as the chocobo took smooth long strides across the desert sands. Oh how he loved that feeling of her there safe in his arms and for that fleeting moment she was his alone.

There were gypsies in the outpost that night and a bit of a celebration was occuring because one of the hume women had given birth earlier that day. They had intended for everything to be quiet but the dancing and music was great too. Once the people of the camp recognized her Princess Ashe had been asked to name the newborn baby boy and she smiled at the mother. "He will be a strong boy name him Vaan after the man who helped unite all of Ivalice." She handed the child back to its mother who smiled happily.

"To baby Vaan!" One of the travelling women yelled and the music started again and there was much laughter and he and Ashe danced until they were tired and rested by the fire and watched as the others played on. In the light of the fire he had never seen her look so lovely, and when she noticed his staring he could not help himself. Vaan leaned in to kiss her sweet lips.

It still burned on his lips, the taste of her kiss, and scent of her hair. How her eyes had shown in the moonlight after the fires had died and the people slept. Even as the snuck back into the sleeping palace in the early hours of the morning he remembered her sweet smile as she bid him good night. But all that seemed so faraway now as he turned the doorknob to her chambers. "Ashe?"

No answer, he swung the door open and entered, "Ashe?" he questioned again a little louder. Everything was quiet and a wave of nervousness washed over Vaan. "Ashe?" he entered her inner bedchamber. He could see her silhouette through the white bedcurtains. She was laying down, possibly asleep?

Yet as he made his way toward her he sensed something amiss. As he pulled back the curtain she lay there her eyes closed but she was not breathing. He tried to revive her, breath the life back into her, but her body was cold and seemed so stiff. Tears were in his eyes and fell freely onto the once living Queen of Dalmasca. After some time he noticed in her hand was a letter, a letter addressed to Balthier.

Not caring he had to know what were her final words and prehaps what had caused her death. Opening the letter carefully he read Ashe's final thoughts.

My Dearest Balthier

I write this now as the poison slowly takes my life. In the morning I will be gone. I thank you for giving me the strength to raise my son. He will grow to be a great King of Dalmasca and I am sure under your tutoring be an even greater husband for your darling Bianca. I know there will be much saddness upon word of my death. Please do not grieve for I am at peace now. I have mourned much too long for first my Rasler a companion at the very least then for my beloved Vaan. I remarried to give my country stability and an heir for the throne. My husband will not miss me for he is always in Rozarria and my son will forgive me one day for leaving him and I pray you will too. I am growing tired now please tell the others I love them.

All my love

Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca

As he read the note he wept, his tears making the ink of the parchment run, even as he dropped the letter and pulled her into his arms. "Oh my Ashe, I'm so sorry..." And as Vaan continued to weep the lifeless woman in his arms a blackness enveloped him and the scene around him faded.

END CHAPTER

A.N. Please review?