Chapter Nine

As the skeletons rose up from the floor Ashelynn shot at them while Vayne swung his sword. Between the two of them they made quick work of disposing of the skeletons, picking up the loot left over. Before heading further into the mines, Ashelynn cast float on both of them so they wouldn't trigger the many mines that dotted the pathways that coursed through the mines. When they entered the Oltam Span Ashelynn led them down the stairs. Vayne looked at all the traps.

"I know we have float, but wouldn't it have been easier to walk up there with so many traps down here?" He asked.

"If we walk up there, we run the risk of being overwhelmed by all the skeletons." Ashelynn said, then realization dawned on her. "Of course with you here it would have been easier. Oh well, it's a habit to come this way." They continued on, making their way to Site 2. Once there, Ashelynn decided to turn back as going further would pit them against much stronger enemies.

The next day was Vayne's last day in Bhujerba. As the two of them walked through the gardens in the Ondore Estate that evening, Ashelynn was disappointed. "I wish you didn't have to leave tomorrow." She said. Vayne looked at her. "I know you have duties and responsibilities in Archades, but I wish I could see you every day."

"In a few months we will be wed, then you will see me so often you may wish to be back here, away from me." He replied. She looked at him, but his face was unreadable, like usual.

"Hopefully I won't get to that point for a few years at least." She said, laughing. "But I will miss you in the meantime. Promise you will write?" Vayne nodded. Then he gently took her face into his gloved hand and lifting it upwards, he leaned in and gently pressed his lips against hers and said,

"Until next time."

It was the night before the wedding, and the Marquis couldn't sleep. He was pacing the halls, his thoughts on the upcoming nuptials. His little treasure, no not little anymore as she had reminded him that day he informed her she would be marrying Vayne, would be getting married tomorrow and then she would be moving to Archades with her new husband and he would no longer be able to enjoy her sunny disposition every day. Ever since he had taken her in as a small child after her parents had died, she had become the light of his life. He had found a new reason to keep pressing on, even when the weight of ruling was taking a toll on him. For fourteen years he had watched her grow from a sweet, adorable little girl into an intelligent young woman and then into the incredible lady she was today. Then he had received a visitor, who never having met her, decided she would be his wife. He remembered that day clearly, as it saddened him more deeply than anything else ever had.

"I have another reason for being here besides the magicite. I hear you have a daughter? Might I inquire as to her name and age?" Vayne Solidor questioned.

"I do have a daughter. Her name is Ashelynn and she is eighteen." The Marquis replied, though his voice was steady, he began to feel uneasy. He had a feeling he wouldn't like where these questions would take him.

"I wish to marry your daughter. Before you respond, let me explain the benefits. While still remaining independent, Bhujerba and all of Dorstonis would have the backing of the Archadian Empire should the need ever rise. Also to ease your mind about how your daughter will be treated, she will receive all the respect, honor and power due a lady of her status, as the daughter of a Marquis and a wife of the future Emperor, and everything else that comes with those positions. You need not worry for her, as she will always be well taken care of and protected. Also any heirs that come out of this union would have ties to both Archadia and Bhujerba thus insuring the freedom and well-being of Bhujerba for many years to come."

"As beneficial as that sounds for Bhujerba, what reason would you have for wanting this union? You have yet to meet my daughter so your interest in this is not because of her." Since Vayne had expected an argument, he was prepared with an answer he knew would appease the Marquis.

"There are very few unmarried women among the members of the ruling families of Ivalice, except possibly in Rozarria. But as Rozarria and Archadia are rivals marriage to a Rozarrian is out of the question. And since the only other option for marriage to a member of a ruling family is the Dalmascan princess who is not quite old enough to marry and is betrothed to the prince of Nabradia, that leaves your daughter as the only available option. Also I would like to be able to continue the Solidor family line with someone who is nobility instead of marrying a daughter of an Archadian senator as that would be my only other option." Because this was true, Vayne knew the Marquis would accept this, though it was only part of the reason. By marrying the Marquis' daughter, Vayne would be able to wield more control over the man. He would find it difficult to refuse anything that Archadia asked of him. The Marquis was silent for a while. Vayne waited, giving the man time to think things through, knowing this wouldn't be an easy decision to make. Realizing any further argument would be pointless as Vayne's proposal was sound and he knew that this marriage would be in Bhujerba's best interest, the Marquis replied,

"Then I give you my blessing and my daughter's hand in marriage."

Thank you again to ArchadianRose for your reviews. They are always an inspiration for me. Please review. The next chapter should be up in the next few days. Enjoy!