There is always a deeper meaning behind a gift. Gifts that show a deeper emotion, gifts that show hidden desires. For one not looking for this meaning, it may go completely unnoticed, so hidden it is…
The skies of Rabanastre were cloudless, the air warm with a light cooling breeze. It was a perfect day… to most, that is.
The streets were lined with excited, chattering people, all trying to get to the front so as not to miss any of the events that would soon be taking place. One man, however, simply pulled his hood back, checked his bag, and exited the crowd, slinking down narrow alleyways and corridors of empty buildings until he reached the sewers.
The grey and damp sewers much more readily matched his mood. Some would say he was brooding or perhaps pining. Others would say he was bitter, or even angry. Yet, he was more melancholic, a sad mix of hurt yet understanding.
The steps he were taking were familiar to him, ones he had traveled many times before, when he had been filled with joy and longing. When hope was fresh in his mind and the future seemed as if it would never come, so happy was he in the circumstances of the time.
The final steps left the door to be opened, more than likely the last time he would do so. Stealing into the narrow and hidden path, he made his way to the room where he would wait for the return of the room's owner.
It was not long before the woman entered her room, and he stood with a soft smile.
"Hello, Ashe."
The woman showed no surprise at him being in her room.
"Balthier, I didn't expect you. Not that I'm not glad to see you." She gave him a small smile.
Balthier made his way over to her and kissed her lightly. "I figured I would have to visit sooner than later. I wouldn't want to come while your maids were in here helping you get ready."
"They already know about you. They might have raised their brows a bit, but neither girl would have said a word."
"Not even on the day you are to wed another?" Balthier asked.
"Not even then." Ashe moved towards her bed and sat, motioning for him to join her. "They know I'll be meeting you elsewhere now, and they both have sworn to keep that secret as well."
"We don't have to keep meeting…" Oh how he loathed to say those words. Being with her was all he wanted. "I would not wish to cause ill feeling between you and your husband."
Ashe almost laughed. "He's not interested in me, just my title. I could probably be replaced with a chocobo and he would not notice. I wonder how he will feel when he learns he still will have no power over any of the choices for Dalmasca. I intend to remain sole ruler."
Balthier smiled at her, knowing she would stick to that.
"I brought you something." He reached into the bag he had on him and pulled out his gift.
A red roses for love, the blue beads and lace band for loyalty and understanding, forget-me-nots for memories, and a dahlia for an eternal bond… the rose corsage he got for her held so much meaning, meaning he was sure she would not entirely understand.
Ashe touched the rose petals gently, her eyes lightly tearing up. "It's beautiful."
Balthier slid it onto her wrist. "The flowers are enchanted to remain fresh for years. Also, I thought I'd give you something with a little bit of blue, to keep with wedding tradition…"
Ashe kissed him lightly. "Thank you."
The two sat in a peaceful silence before a knock at Ashe's door let Balthier know it would be a good time for him to go.
"Will you promise me you'll wear that every day?" Balthier asked as he stood, taking her hand in his and running his thumb along the band of the corsage.
Ashe nodded. "Until my last breath." One more shared kiss, and Balthier made for the hidden exit.
"Promise me I'll see you again soon." Ashe called after him.
"I promise."
The corsage was his true promise. So long as he stayed in love with her the flowers would stay in bloom. And he had no intention to ever break that promise.