Moments of extreme joy experienced by others always caused Basch to reflect on his own life. Was he that emotionless that he could not think of a single joyous moment in his life? All of his greatest moments involved serving Landis and Dalmasca to one extent or another. He barely could picture friends, with the exception of his companions during Dalmasca's restoration and the now deceased Vossler. It had been weeks after the recapture of Shemhazai and everyone was reunited once again in the celebration of Lord Larsa and Penelo's wedding. Standing back and watching the pair, the slightest glance took him back to another celebration that stood at the forefront of his mind. He almost felt invisible here as much of his time was spent protecting Larsa as was expected.
He could not recall the details of the wedding itself, mainly tears from the bride in her ornate dress. The reception that followed had only caused him to become much more distracted then ever before. He looked over to the bride and squinted.
His eyes are weary for he thought he saw Ashelia. Another glance tricked his eyes once more. It was Ashelia that his mind's eye had set on. It was her wedding that he experienced once again, which was a tragedy considering this was meant to be Penelo's celebration. The invitation had not read, "You are cordially invited to relive the wedding rehearsal and celebration of Lord Rasler of Nabradia and Lady Ashe of Dalmasca."
"The look on your face betrays you, Captain."
Ghostly memories began to replay once again.
"Am I that transparent?"
"Lately, you gaze at Lady Ashe much like the squires have."
Basch scoffed at the comparison. Lady Ashe was known widely for her beauty and grace. Many of the men who were in her company would gaze after her with their tongues hanging out, as if though they were disgusting wild wolves from the Dalmascan Westersand. He would not be lumped with such men whose main thoughts were centered on her physical being. The Lady Ashe was not to be ravished in real life or in fantasy as that would desecrate the crown. The comparison had truly left a bad taste in his mouth.
"I shall amend my last statement." Though Basch rectified his earlier mistake and cleared any sign of emotion on his face, Vossler had the advantage of being a close friend. "Your longing gazes are much worse."
Basch glared at him as the insult stung at him. What did Vossler think of him? Was he some pathetic patron in a gentlemen's club?
"Your lack of respect is disturbing."
"My counsel would do you well, Basch. Where other fiends look at our Princess with nothing but perverted fantasies on their minds, your fantasies center around improbabilities. Your fantasies and emotions reek of more than lust." He tilted his head towards the newly arrived prince of Nabradia. The two countries had been discussing many things in private as of late. "He is your new charge, Prince Rasler, betrothed to Lady Ashe. The announcement will be made later today."
Basch understood now what Vossler's intentions were. He was not here to reproach him on formalities and codes that bound all of the knights of Dalmasca.
He made no hint of his disappointment. She was much too young, perhaps. Surely, her title and importance in life exceeded that of his own, but he went down that wearisome road against his own judgment and these were the repercussions. His only solace was that Vossler would be the only person aware of this emotional trespass. It would make it easier for him to hide his stupidity in private. Had anyone else caught on, the shame would have engulfed his entire being. He was a Knight of the Dalmascan Order. From this point on, Ashe was dead. She was respected as her role of Princess. Princess Ashelia, future Queen of Dalmasca and bride of Lord Rasler was all he ever needed to know.
"That is quite the facial expression."
Back in reality and at the center of Penelo's wedding reception his eyes met with Balthier.
"Really now, 'Such things I will show you,' is what won Ashe over? I'm fairly disappointed. I thought she was the leading female role, during our journey."
Basch smiled tentatively. Balthier always had a rather amusing interpretation of how his presence affected the overall situation. Having met another casanova with a romantic tilt to his voice, must have very well unnerved the leading man.
"This Ambervale must be very extraordinary."
"You are not satisfied with their engagement?"
The two men stand back as they watch Al-Cid and Ashelia greet the newly married couple. Al-Cid's little birds were fluttering only a step behind ready to help one of the leaders of House Margrace as needed. Ashe had a blank expression on her face, with only hints of pleasure shown as she greeted the newly married couple.
"Who would you have her with?"
"Myself, of course." Balthier studied the couple, hoping he could find substantial evidence to scrutinize the odd pair. He like many thought the relationship was doomed, but unlike the gossipmongers, Balthier was one of the few people willing to voice his dissatisfaction with the upcoming union.
Fran now made her presence known as she walked between Basch and Balthier. Her ears twitched at the sound of Balthier's romantic scrutiny. She herself was dressed uncomfortably in garbs ordered specially for her as a wedding attendant for this wedding. This was certainly the last time she would ever don a "bride's maid" dress.
Basch is tempted to smirk, but he keeps a resilient face. He now wondered how this scenario would work out.
"Has the leading man finished his monologue?" She asked dryly.
"I've only just begun. I always thought I would steal the heart of the princess. It seemed so fitting."
The viera's ears seemed to curl at the remark.
"The Princess Ashe, the leading man, a sensuous yet mysterious Viera. A most dramatic love triangle." He smirked ever so slightly, before turning his attention to Fran. "I thought you would have approved."
"I prefer the sequel starring Margrace."
"You always were a critic." The pair exchange knowing looks, Balthier now finally entertained with Fran's presence. "Speaking of failed romances, why aren't you being seduced by one of the many desperate single women at the reception? I don't suppose you'll be doing guarding duties at the honeymoon, so you might as well keep occupied during that month long vacation." Balthier's index and middle finger tapped his own forehead and saluted, leaving Basch to his own devices.
There was nothing left to do as Penelo and Larsa were bombarded by well-wishers. Even then, it was difficult to hold their attention, as they were completely fascinated with each other. He could sulk, which was a behavior he found unsuitable. Weighing his choices, it seemed that retreating to his abode was the most practical option. As he discretely began to make way for the exit, he bumped into a woman.
"My apologies." He looks at her with interest. She was one of the many noblewomen from Rozarria. They were famous for their ink black hair and olive skin, a physical trait uncommon in Archades, with the exception of the royal family. Playing the role of Gabranth once again, he mentally goes over the list of Rozarrians invited to the wedding.
There was Al-Cid, his many escorts, a distant cousin, and military personnel, unfortunately though, his mental list of invitees was coming close to an end.
"So you do see me." The voice has a distinct Rozarrian accent. Her hair lacked the wavy qualities of Al-Cid's and her eyes were the same shade of hazel as the Rozarrian prince.
"Again, forgive me," predictably he had to be careful that his words did not come back to harm his Archadian leader, Lord Larsa. "May I escort you somewhere?"
This woman gave him a calculated look. Her eyes surveyed him from top to bottom, ready to criticize his physical appearance, attire, and persona in one foul swipe. "You will have to do. You are the infamous Judge Gabranth. I know much of you."
"Yet, I know nothing of you Lady-"
"Haba. Speak to Al-Cid and tell him that I am here." The request seemed outlandish as Haba was only a mere ten feet away from him. Feeling a sense of degradation, he marched over to Al-Cid and took note of Lady Ashe's absence.
"Lady Haba requests the presence of Al-Cid." The man is shaken as he acknowledged Basch.
Al-Cid looked behind Basch and stared intently at the open space. "You have indeed seen Haba?" His head tilts to the side, causing him to play the part of a drunkard. "That is not her real name. This is most curious, as she loves the people of Rozarria, not those of Landis and Dalmasca. She is much too powerful of a Rozarrian for you to trifle with. She is in your charge now." A young maiden handed him a bottle, he took a swig, and laughed devilishly. "I bore of these politics. I shall retire now." His female entourage quietly helped the suave prince to find the nearest exit. The manner in which they care for the party-boy was apparent. He received complete and total devotion from his servants. He almost trips, but he somehow managed to avoid slipping and stood rather erect considering his level of intoxication.
"You shall not disappoint."
"My duties lie with Archadia."
"You have no choice in the matter. It is Haba..."
He is taken away, leaving Basch slightly confused. For the rest of the night, Haba is nowhere to be seen.
"What happened?" Ashelia's voice boomed over those of Vaan and Balthier. Basch is taken aback as she slammed a letter down on the table. Balthier picked up the letter and cocked his eyebrow. He gave Basch a quizzical look and passed it to Fran who in turn placed it on the table. Six weeks later and still, there was no word of the missing Espers.
Two weeks after Penelo's and Larsa's wedding Basch and his team were unable to track them down. Reports had them seen as far as the Golmore Jungle and Sochen Cave Palace, but these hunts returned nothing. Ashe was still brimming with rage having discovered a week ago that after the capture of Shemhazai, Basch and the others decided not to put her at risk. It was Vaan who had revealed the true state of affairs, which was not surprising, but still a step back as everyone's main concern was taking down these Espers without the involvement of government. Once Archadia, Rozarria, and Dalmasca learned of the situation, Ashe and Penelo would be prohibited from participating based on government security.
"The House of Margrace is in an uproar and demand that you find this Lady Haba. Who is she and what did you do?"
Blind to the small hint of jealously, Basch believed Ashelia is upset at the injury that this may have done to her reputation. She clearly was unaware of who Haba was and that would be held against her. Knowing the House of Margrace, they would not reveal any information for they were notorious for shielding their secrets. They were especially infamous for pulling every political string to appease their higher-ranking government officials.
"Your Grace, my meeting with her was brief. She only asked that Al-Cid be informed of her arrival."
Balthier leaned back in his chair and smiled devilishly at the news.
"That explains the letter detailing Larsa's insistence that you be Haba's protector."
"What?"
While Ashe would have loved to thrust the letter in his face, she properly handed it to him. The enlarged loopy handwriting and intricate signature could have been no other than that of Larsa's. He always took great effort to over-exaggerate the "L" and "S" in his name. Along with his signature was an official seal from House Solidor affirming its authenticity. The beige paper was curled at the end, where it was once tied with a black ribbon. The request was simple; Haba was to be his charge until House Margrace was appeased.
I am unaware of the reasoning for the Margrace clan to demand that you be appointed the role of "protector," but I do have my theories. I can only infer from their insistence and lack of communication that this "Haba" is of great influence and simply used it to spend extra time with you. Such ruses were common amongst Archadian gentry, when they wished to seek the hand of my deceased brother, Vayne. Although, it is imperative that the Esper search continue, you will have to bow out for the moment. I pray this request does not irk you. I will grant the Margrace family the demand just this once. I am certain that you shall treat her with the utmost care. She will be in the Molberry District.
Folding the letter into a perfectly aligned square, Basch peered over at his comrades and grabbed the helmet on the table, putting it on before anyone could make any last comments.
"Lord Larsa is in need of my assistance." He stood up and defiantly left the room slamming the door behind him. Just before he left, he could have sworn that Vaan exclaimed, "Right. That just sucks," but had no way of verifying. He was off to Molberry, playing a matchmaker for a rude twit who somehow convinced two countries that his presence was far more crucial at a "date."
"You've taken long enough."
Haba was leaning against a railing overlooking the crowded Archadian district. It had taken him three hours to find her as she found it incumbent to change attire and blend in with the crowd. The only detail that caused her to stand apart from the crowd was her affinity for a bi-colored head wrap that pulled her long bangs away from her face. It was inconceivable to think that no one noticed her, as she clearly stood apart from the crowd. The Archadian soldier on duty along with several other patrons could not point out her whereabouts, as they claimed no such woman had been seen in Archades. Someone with long black hair who refused to style it like those in Archades should be noticeable, but this was the culture of Archadia, he suspected. Everyone was much too wrapped up in their own personal lives to take notice of the world around them.
"We will be traveling."
He would prefer to curse, but stayed calm.
"Follow me." She smiled sharply, before taking off.
Haba walked ahead of Basch, increasing his level of fury. Larsa had always made it a point to respect the role of Judge. The young man intentionally saved all of his most dire emergencies for Basch and consulted with him constantly about safety measures, policies, and political comrades. He came to see himself as a highly valued knight with more political leaning, but perhaps this was a session about humility. He never thought himself above any particular task and was accustomed to the direct and rude manner of the Archadian people. However, this seemed almost personal. Basch wanted to conclude that he was being overly sensitive, but Haba had a strange knack for arousing his aggression. Her brisk walking caused Basch to bump into several people. The mad scene, which was directed only at him, further proved she was a genius at low-level torture.
The young woman turned to Basch and gave him a knowing look. The cab driver does not acknowledge her, which meant he would have to show his sandalwood chop for payment. The two take the cab to the opposite side of Archades; once they reach their destination she climbed out of the vehicle never once paying any attention to him.
"We shall now teleport."
"Where are we going?"
"We're visiting the past, of course. Stilshrine of Miriam."
She touched the crystal and is gone forcing Basch to follow in pursuit of the wicked witch. Teleporting to the location with a teleport stone, he was only fortunate enough to have carried with him, he spotted Haba already running off to some new location.
"Lady Haba," his gruff voice startled her and she spun around wanting to know what the cause for her unforeseen delay was.
"Yes?"
"You are heading to the Paramina Rift. It is most dangerous."
"And your point?"
"My point," he wanted to clench his hand, but that would only satisfy the wench, "is that I advise against this venture for your personal safety is at risk."
"Gabranth." Her hands meet as she stretched her fingers in an upright position. "Have I need of your counsel, I shall ask for it."
"And there is a blizzard. You can see it from the horizon."
"Very well, you can forecast weather. Again, I have no need of your advice."
The mad woman does not falter, as she is intent on visiting this area. He wonders how much of a scandal it would be if he opted to drag her by her long hair back to Archades, but concedes to her madness. He could handle this area alone as well as with a cancerous tumor at his side. Trudging on he slightly admired her willpower, as she does not flinch at the stinging cold temperature. Years earlier, he remembered a young Penelo being susceptible to colds and even the Lady Ashe would shiver, when she believed no one was paying attention. The two young women did their best under the worst of circumstances. This Haba however, moved along with the snow, her footprints were erased by the snow even before she could take her next step. This could mean she was a light walker or underweight, but she seemed physically fit.
"Stop."
He halted. She listened to the sound of snow falling. Closing her eyes Haba enjoyed the feel of wet snow against her olive skin. She smiled again, a proud smile that only adventurers wore during a major conquest. Basch felt he was on a madman's journey.
"No, those imbeciles are going to ruin everything. They're using magick. We must hurry. An entite and elemental are near."
She sprinted and he ran after her. They cannot possibly take on such a beast without the aid of a full party, but what they find instead is more shocking than the Rozarrian's personal disregard for her own safety. A foul scream filled the air and at once Basch recognized the voice. Ashe's shoulder was pinned against a mountain with a sharp object made entirely of ice. The pain is overwhelming, but the others have no choice, but to continue fighting. It must have been a blizzaga spell gone awry. Without a moment's notice, he rushed over to Ashe wanting to pull the sharp object out.
"Pull it out and she bleeds to death."
Ashelia groaned as she was hoping that this injury would not maim her. Noticing Basch, she made another pitiful moan, and struggled with the ice crystal.
"We cannot leave her in this state."
"Must I do everything?" Haba replied.
They can feel the wind blow harder. The snow is no longer soothing to the touch as it prickled everyone's skin. The entite had begun decimating the party with its sharp magical attacks and the elementals' are instinctively in tune with the surrounding weather using the forces of nature against the party to their detriment.
"Basch," Ashe whispers in a panic, "the Esper...Mateus. He was here. I must get this-" she grabbed onto the ice crystal slicing her hands as she failed to pull out the shard. The scream is even more grotesque this second round and Basch tore off the ceremonial cape from his suit to help stop the bleeding from her shoulder.
"The Esper wanted to be free of your control?" Haba asked with the least amount of interest in her voice.
"Yes." Her breathing became erratic which was cause for alarm.
Vaan, Fran, and Balthier were raging war against these monsters, but it seemed to predict their every move. Just as Fran was slinging back, the string to her arrow the viera noticed the slowing of time around her. Each snowflake's precise shape and form were made clear to her already heightened sense of vision.
"A time spell is being cast," the viera shouted to her comrades. Her quick reflexives would have given her the proper amount of time to cast a reflect spell, but once her hands were raised she felt nothing flowing inside. Fran had always found the silence spell most offensive as it felt she was cut off from the world. Her body felt more detached from the wood and nature surrounding her. It was as if all her senses were dulled; to the hume, silence was much like having a disabled arm or leg. Without magic, the body felt dead, for vieras it was as if both spirit and the physical body were all attacked at once.
Searching for a greater vantage point Fran roamed closer to the area where Ashe was injured. She could smell Basch's arrival and that of his guest. The familiar scents were all intertwining among one another causing Fran to want to gasp. The entite was readying himself for a new offensive attack.
"We must take the Queen and leave," Basch shouted. The party ran to offer aid to Ashe. They all attempted to dissect the ice crystal from her shoulder. More ice crystals and spells take down Balthier causing him to be in need of aid now that an ice spell has injured his leg.
"The mist is on fire!" Fran shouted as now the energies surrounding her body have the capability to freeze and burn at the touch. She looked to her left as the scent of the guest now came closer to her.
The temperature was dropping at an exponential rate. Even the humes such as Vaan noticed that their own hair was beginning to freeze over.
"Step away from me viera," demanded Haba. Fran stepped aside not for her convenience, but because that scent she carried, which was light, fresh, and airy alarmed her. An intoxicating false scent worried Fran more than the enemies that loomed nearby. Such false scents always came attached to false idols and traitors and she would be no different.
Walking gracefully towards the center of all the madness Haba looked down and spoke to the earth. Fran listened to the voice and observed the graceful movement of her hands. This Haba danced with the enemies in such a fashion that walking into an assault allowed her to be seen as one of them. The graceful movements stopped and she spoke the native tongue of the Rozarrian. "Fuego" is all she comprehended and suddenly the enemies stopped and the temperature ceased from dropping. The mist burned at a more accelerated rate. The entite and elementals are consumed by a mass amount of fire that burned the surrounding area and any lesser enemies that lingered nearby. All of the ice and snow melted away as Haba commanded the fire to dance to her song and kill all the enemies in one controlled swift motion. The fire reached the party close enough to give Balthier and Fran a selection of first and second-degree burns.
The woman faced the party stalking her next prey, Ashelia. Basch pulled out his sword, but it was flung to the side by magic unknown. Anyone coming near Ashe was halted. Fran listened to each step and did not fear the woman before them. Ashelia crashed to the floor and Haba called upon water from thin air asking it to drink the wounds that infected the surrounding party. Everyone is enveloped with a soothing fragrance of eucalyptus and fresh rainwater. Ashe was on the floor asleep, exhausted by the wounds her body had to endure.
No one moved.
"You possess old magick. A mixture of arcane and black magick forgotten by humes us viera thought. The amount of mist required to control these spells is difficult upon the body."
"Who are you?" Basch demanded with an unconscious queen nestled in his arms.
There was a traitor in their mist. The land around them was scorched. It is true Haba had saved them, but for what reason? She was in no need of a "protector" by any means of the imagination.
"I should ask the same of you, Basch Fon Rosenberg."
"How do you-" Vaan asked but was interrupted by Haba. He scrunched up his nose indifferent to her rude behavior.
"Al-Cid tells me many things. If you need questions answered, we head to Mt. Bur-Omiasce. There is nothing left for us to do here."
The group traveled together in a tight formation. Everyone at one point, with the exception of Fran, found himself staring at this strange hume. She is a traitor no less as she holds information that was meant to be privileged amongst Larsa, Penelo, Al-Cid and present company included. The group was inclined to trust her as she had just saved them, but Basch and Fran are weary.
Now clean of the destruction that is silence, Fran's sense of smell returned, but Haba's scent had yet to change. It is still an airy light fragrance that was once familiar to her. Basch has only intuition to lean on and he finds his rage, confusion, and thankfulness all intertwining in a mad frenzy leaving him worried and restless.
It is that sense of unease that worried Basch the most. The last time that emotion crept up his veins, he was incarcerated in Nalbina and he feared the fates were toying with him again, before they took away his freedom once more.