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Chapter 12: Thoughts
'Penelo, are you still with me?" Vaan's voice echoed across Penelo's thoughts, interrupting, to her, were more interesting than what Vaan was telling her.
She blinked however and looked at Vaan apologetically. 'I'm sorry, Vaan, what were you saying?"
Vaan sighed impatiently and folded his arms in exasperation but looked at Penelo earnestly. 'I wanted to ask you if it was okay with you if we go home today?" he looked at her expectantly.
"What?" Penelo looked up now, really confused. "What did you say?"
Vaan was now really annoyed. "Penelo! I've been repeating everything I have said for the fifth time! Don't make me repeat it again!!" he was close to shouting now.
"Vaan!" Penelo cried raising her arms in distress. "I heard you a while ago. What I want to know is why? Why do you want to go now?"
Vaan sighed again. Penelo had come to his room upon his request, saying he needed to talk to her about something. Here she was now, sitting on one of the large ottomans his room provided and looking out the window in which sounds of the bazaar was heard below.
But Penelo was not looking at out the window now. She was looking at Vaan, concern etched at her face. "What happened? Why do you want to go now? Did something happen?"
Penelo saw the look that passed over his face before he went over to the balcony to look outside. She followed him. Vaan was silent for a minute, staring down at the colorful tents and the people walking about purchasing items. But as Penelo watched him, she saw he wasn't really looking at all, just staring, deep in thought. Now Penelo was really worried.
Vaan was like a brother to her, the only one left from the war. She had relied him to be his ever-optimistic self without voicing it out loud. She knew that Vaan trusted her and she trusted him, more than he could ever imagine, that's why she continued to be beside him, and she knew that she herself would do anything for him.
"Vaan," Penelo said softly now, touching his arm. "What really happened last night at the ball?"
Vaan was still silent, looking down. She waited patiently. After a few more minutes, Penelo was relieved to see Vaan straighten up, well not after he gave a long sigh. He gave one last look at the bazaar below before looking at her.
"Forget it." he said and smiled his usual smile again. "It doesn't matter. I guess I could stay here a few more days. As if there was something else we can do. The mark out in Feywood could wait right?"
Penelo looked at him silently. Somehow she knew he was lying. But if whatever was bothering him he did not tell her, then Penelo told herself there was really nothing to worry about.
So she nodded eagerly. She also knew that if the things that were bothering Vaan would be unbearable for him, he would tell her in the end. So no need to worry until she needed to.
"Okay." she smiled at him encouragingly.
Vaan sighed inwardly. It was a good thing she decided to drop questioning him, he was not sure he should tell her what had happened between them and Ashe last night at the fete. As he continued to think about it, the more he felt embarrassed with himself. Everyone might have noticed what had happened and marked him as an impertinent citizen of Dalmasca. After all, no one, perhaps not even Basch raised his voice to the Queen of Dalmasca. So he was not going to tell anybody until he needed to. Not even Penelo.
"So," he said, raising his hands to rest at the back of his head as the two of them walked out of his room and down the corridor. "What happened between you and Larsa last night?"
Vaan watched satisfyingly as Penelo almost missed a step and looked away not before he saw her blush.
"W-What are you talking about?" she said haltingly and walked a lot faster.
"Come on Penelo!" Vaan urged, trying to keep himself from laughing at Penelo's reaction. "You know I left the fete early because of an upset stomach. So I never got to know what that little kid told you when you were dancing together. So what did you talk about?" he smiled encouragingly, nudging her with his elbow.
"First of all do not call him 'a little kid'." Penelo said rather angrily stopping in the middle of the corridor and placing her hands on her hips. She almost glared at him. "He may be five years younger than us but he has done a lot more than the two of us put together. And besides," she folded her arms and looked away at him, "Larsa is way taller than I am now, so shut it."
Vaan burst out laughing, clutching his stomach, and doubling over in laughter. That seemed to anger Penelo the more for she looked at him heatedly. "Vaan!! I'm serious!"
He continued to laugh out loud but he finally stopped when Penelo looked that she could seriously hurt him. He didn't want that; he had seen beasts with thicker skin get sliced and diced by her daggers. So he stopped and waved his hands in defense. "Sorry!" he said, but the smile was in his place. He waited for her to calm down again before nudging her with his elbow again. "So what did happen?"
Penelo just gave a secretive smile and kept walking. That made Vaan burn up with curiosity. "Aww, come on Penelo tell me!!" he ran after as they left Marquis Ondore's estate.
There was actually nothing to tell, Penelo told herself as the two of them walked over to the bazaar. The two of them danced, Penelo actually had a difficult time dancing in that tent Ashe had sent her to wear. But Larsa politely said nothing about it, and when Penelo collided upon one of the servant bearing a tray of wine, he laughed good-naturedly but did not tease her already bruised pride. Instead, he volunteered to escort her to her room so she could change to a fresh gown. She gratefully accepted.
The two of them had left the ballroom, but not before Larsa asked the help of one of the Archadian nobility that was at the ball if she could spare a gown for his friend. The Archadian complied but not before giving Penelo a look that suggested she was thinking how a girl like her could entreat the help of her Emperor. Penelo herself was thinking the same. But Larsa did not seem to notice the look but gave the courtier a smile that seemed to suggest she ask no questions. The Archadian did not and even suggest she would have her maids send the gown to Penelo's room. Larsa gave her his thanks.
When they got to Penelo's room, Larsa gallantly waited outside and handed her the clothes while still standing outside when the gown came. Penelo by then was beet red with embarrassment, thanking Larsa over and over again. Larsa's reply was she should not be thanking him yet until she saw that the clothes fit her. She blushed profusely again and accepted the clothes.
It was a two-piece ball gown, simple but far too expensive for Penelo's taste. It comprised of a top, made of rich red velvet with gold embroidery and a scooped neck. The skirt was also made of the same cloth, which parted in the middle to reveal a lighter and softer petticoat of silky red. Arm-length gloves and a long ribbon around the neck completed the ensemble.
When Penelo gave word to Larsa he could come in and see her, his only remark was she looked a lot more comfortable and more ease with her. She did, she had admitted it to him, as she looked at the mirror. She had not looked any different from an Archadian courtier. She had somehow sensed that Larsa had been thinking the same.
But the only problem then was, he stated was her hair, which, with her previous gown, was gathered at the back of her head with a singular braid. This time, She did something on her hair she had never done before. She fixed up, like what her mother used to do. She did small braids, leaving the shorter locks to frame her face and gathered the braids to a bun at the back of her head. She really looked more and Archadian courtier and not an expert hunter.
They had not returned to the ball after that and walked around the Marquis' estate all night until the ball ended.
"Larsa!!" Vaan interrupted her thoughts again, calling to the object of her thoughts to them.
The two of them had reached the bazaar. It was surprising to find out that at the entrance of it stood Emperor Larsa.
Penelo tried very hard not to look as if she had been thinking about him, but the bright welcoming smile he gave was far too much tempting, so she allowed Vaan to do most of the talking.
"I was just trying to bug Penelo into telling where the two of you last night, Larsa." Vaan smiled at the boy-emperor.
Larsa was dressed like his usual today, blue and black jacket and ponytail hairstyle. He smiled at Vaan's remark. " I was just about to ask you where you have gone. Queen Ashe personally tried to bribe me to tell you to see her as soon as you could." there was a sparkle in his eye that made Penelo curious.
"Why is that Larsa?" Penelo asked.
"Yeah, why is that?" Vaan echoed.
"Don't pretend like you don't know." Larsa scolded Vaan gently but shook his head. "Whatever she wanted to tell you I'm sure are for your own ears only, so I know nothing about it. I am just a messenger."
Penelo continued to look at Vaan curiously, so Vaan changed the subject. "How come you don't have any bodyguards about you Larsa? I mean you are out in the open. Headhunters are bound to have known you're here."
"Vaan!" Penelo chastised.
Larsa merely laughed. "Do not worry Vaan, I have my bodyguard with me. He is the only one who sticks with me no matter what." he motioned over to one of the stalls, where an older man was examining the products the stall offered. He turned towards them and gave them a nod.
"Basch!" Vaan cried excitedly. "Forgot you were with Larsa!!" he thumped the man in the back but Basch did not flinch.
The four friends soon commenced shopping after that. Penelo was her usual self again, cheerful and bright as she tricked Vaan into buying stuff he did not want but she was convinced he needed. And after getting over her initial awkwardness with Larsa and Basch again, started shopping for them too.
After a grueling morning's shopping, all Larsa, Vaan and Basch were carrying parcels Penelo shopped for them, Larsa managed to suggest they rest for lunch and led them to the Cloudborne, the once headquarters to the Resistance and where Vaan made an impression.
"Do you remember this place Basch?" Vaan managed to nudge Basch despite the parcels he carried.
"Yes." Basch nodded as Penelo and Larsa led them to an empty table. "I believe this is where you pretended to be me Vaan."
Vaan gave a bright smile. "You got to admit, that was a pretty effective plan."
They didn't get another chance to talk, since they had to move around a bit for other customers to successfully file out of their tables.
Once they were seated however, and one of the barkeeps got their orders, the four managed to get into some serious matters to discuss.
'How's Archades, Larsa?' Penelo asked him. 'Doing well?'
To the hunters' surprise, Larsa sighed and shook his head. He looked at Basch first before taking a tentative sip at his drink.
'Things are not going as well as you'd hope.' Penelo replied after the silence got too long.
Larsa could only nod despite the curious look of Vaan.
'It's all right if you want to talk about something else, you know. ' Penelo continued on gently. 'To get your mind off it. I'm sorry,' she continued, sounding contrite. 'I did not know.'
Larsa looked up then, his boyish young face obscured by a look that was otherwise too old for a fifteen-year old to bear.
'No, It is quite all right. ' Larsa attempted a smile. 'You two are among the only people I could trust, and perhaps among the few who could understand this.' He leaned back on his chair, as if trying to get rid of a heavy burden. His eyes met Basch who had not said a single word since this stray of conversation began, as if trying to get his permission. When it seemed Basch did not give it, Larsa sighed again.
'Perhaps,' Larsa straightened back once more and leaned closely. 'We could continue this conversation elsewhere?' The three of them looked at Basch once more. This time, the Judge Majister shook his head. He gestured over to throngs of people that made speaking to each other a little more difficult.
'A lot of people means it'll be harder for us to be overheard.' He said simply and nodded at Larsa to proceed at what he was about to say.
Larsa nodded gratefully. 'My people,' he began. 'Have been adjusting quite well to the changes the peace has given. You see, after I heard your stories about the people living in Old Archades, I have tried ceaselessly to merge the two societies together. So far, they all responded to this change amiably.'
'It seemed that everyone, including those in high circles, desire some change within Archadian society.' Basch added. 'Which probably led to this favorable acceptance of change.'
Larsa nodded, agreeing.
'That doesn't sound so bad.' Vaan remarked. Penelo quickly silenced him with a look, which Vaan just met with a look of his own.
Larsa smiled truly. 'No, that doesn't sound too bad. However, suggesting the people to accept one another is but a small thing compared to the dilemma we are facing.'
Penelo waited patiently for him to go on, despite Vaan's obvious discomfort.
Larsa sighed again. A heavy sigh that told the two of how difficult it was for him to carry this burden.
'You see,' Larsa spoke again before Penelo could say anything. 'I have been proposing to the newly reinstated Senate something which I believe will prevent any more wars and struggle for power within the bureaucracy of Archadia.' He looked at the two of them steadily now, his determination showing in his face.
'I plan to change Archadia's government to Democracy.'
Silence greeted this remark. Vaan and Penelo exchanged looks of confusion.
'I understand your reaction.' Larsa continued as if nothing happened. 'But this is the only way I believe my people would stop their endless struggle for power. Since I have been a child, I have watched older men around me manipulate people, do ruthless things and cover their hands with blood just to see what it felt like to be the most powerful of all. I have watched them try to manipulate me, the youngest child of the Emperor into believing that what they did was right and for the good of the people. Now that I have that power, I would like to ensure no other child would get treated this way. I would ensure that each and every one of my people would have the chance to realize their rights, and would stop otherwise more heartless men to rob them of that chance.'
'But a change of government, so sudden after it has been an empire for so long?' Vaan asked doubtfully. 'I'd guess many tried to oppose it.'
Basch nodded in reply. 'This decision has not been released to the Archadian public yet. The Emperor has since just proposed this to the Senate, and we can safely assume many are not open to it. One more than the others.'
'Senator Pluto Dece.' Larsa said promptly. 'Next in line should House Solidor crumble.'
'Why would he-?' Vaan started to ask.
'As Emperor Larsa said, Senator Dece is next in line to the seat of Emperor. He was an otherwise brilliant military strategist in his time and has seen headed most of the Senatorial commands regarding war and such in Archadia. He is also remembered as one of Vayne's more staunch followers before the late Solidor showed that he preferred to stand alone.' Basch interrupted.
'I don't get what-' Vaan started to say but Penelo cut him off.
'I see.' She nodded at them. 'So what you're saying is that this senator opposes the proposal because he intends to become Emperor when something happens to Larsa?' she looked at Larsa now, concern on her face, which pleased him nevertheless.
'A strange stand he took since I am about 50 years his junior.' Larsa smiled wryly.
'Unless he does something to get him there closer.' Basch remarked rather gruffly that Vaan and Penelo stared.
'I still don't get why you want to change your government Larsa.' Vaan cut suddenly to get the conversation away from the morbid thoughts that plagued their minds. 'I mean, I doubt it's going to be easy, proposing to the people and stuff, but what about you? Would you continue ruling Archadia even when it's government changed? Maybe a lot would look like you'd want to stay in power longer that's why you want to change it, no offense meant though.' Vaan added hastily when he felt Penelo glare at him.
The smile was gone from Larsa's face now and he was all seriousness. 'You're right Vaan. Most of whom I told of this plan saw it that way. Most here having the meaning of the Senate. Right now, I am trying to convince them, and trying also my best to quell the arguments between the Three Bureaus that have been established since I first stepped on. But problems always come.' He looked at them, a hint of sparkle in his eyes. 'As for becoming President if a democratic government would rule, that is for the people to decide. I am after all, just fifteen years old.'
Vaan whistled. This was some really heavy stuff. And the guy was only fifteen! 'Okay,' Vaan nodded. 'What if your proposal doesn't push through? What would happen then?'
Larsa sighed again. 'Then I'm afraid Archadia would go on like how it is right now and no doubt start another war that would tear the people apart.'
This time Vaan sighed, and Penelo was looking at her hands, in an attempt to take it all in. 'And Rozzaria?' she asked suddenly, caught at the thought of Al-Cid being at the ball last night. 'Will they change government too? Won't they try to take advantage if Archadia becomes a democratic region?'
Basch nodded pleased that Penelo asked a smart question. 'That's why we came to this ball in the first place. To discuss the matters with Al-Cid Margrace, who we believe accepts the idea and would like to propose it upon his own people.'
Larsa nodded too, agreeing at Basch's reply. 'There are many who desire everlasting peace in Ivalice, but there are still those who are selfish and greedy and reckless in their quest for power. All I can do as Emperor is try to prevent it.'
'But change comes slowly in Archadia,' Basch added. 'And something as important as this would no doubt rock her to her very core. That's why many would oppose it, not understanding the reason for change. Many would just follow what the majority would say, and many would try to keep the matter closed for good.'
Larsa sighed again as he realized they had reached the most difficult thing to talk about. 'Many would try to kill me, no doubt once I announce it back in Archadia when I come back from this feast. Many would try to frame me, make me look like I was the power-thirsty one heartless and cruel. And let us face it, my family's background is so full of that, the people would only need that for evidence.'
'But you are Larsa!' Vaan cried out. 'You helped stopped the previous war at the age of twelve! What kind of idiots would think you would want more power?'
Larsa smiled ruefully, but it was Basch who replied to this question.
'Some do not think Emperor Larsa's doings during the previous war is for the good of the people. Some, here meaning of the Senate believe Larsa is just like his brother, and had killed him so he could become Emperor. The Senate has been spreading their opinions as the truth. We try to quell such rumours, not by force but retaliating to show Larsa is now such person.'
'But it seems it is not enough.' Larsa cut in.
'Why would the Senate say such things about you?' Penelo asked now,alarmed at where this conversation was going.
'Because if the government would be reformed, the Senate would be replace by new Senators.' Basch replied. 'Senators chosen by the people.'
'They fear they are about to lose their positions, since they are not as well loved by the lower classes. What is more troubling is that they are becoming more and more desperate to maintain their positions.' Larsa added.
'What do exactly mean by that?' Vaan asked puzzled.
Basch eyed them seriously. 'We have received threats to Lord Larsa's life, despite the seemingly silence of the Senate and their petty arguments upon the Reformation. That's why we are always alert, always on guard.'
Penelo was silent now, looking at everything except at Larsa. How could he talk like that about his own life? As if it were nothing! She was silent still when Vaan remarked that Larsa should be safe as long as Basch was with him, but she had looked at Vaan then. Vaan too, was taking all these too lightly. Basch seemed serious enough, but she still couldn't help feeling a bit irritated the tone Basch used about the threats to Larsa like something that happened everyday.
'Penelo?' a voice interrupted her thoughts. 'Are you all right?'
She blinked to see Larsa looking at her with concern. Just looking at Larsa made her feel that her problems were insignificant compared to his. How could she be so insensitive? She shouldn't have asked him what was going on with his life. It probably reminded him so much of his problems back home despite his attempts to forget about them just for a little while, while spending some time away to relax.
When she smiled at him, after he asked her again, Penelo tried to blink away her tears. 'I'm fine.' she looked at the other men. 'But right now, can we just forget problems for a while and just enjoy ourselves? You know, like normal young men and women?' she smiled at each of them in turn.
The three men realized her intentions and quickly agreed. Yes, there would be a time to think and ponder of the problems of the world. But right now, Penelo told herself, is a time to be normal and happy and free.
