Finally! The last chapter. It did take a while, but it's done. I only re-read once so there might be errors and stuff. I'm not even sure it is readable, but I do hope it is! XD

So lets just get it on with. Enjoy!

Chapter 15 – Finis

Ashe was worried. Ever since she came to the rozzarian palace, Al-Cid had said nothing. Surely he was thinking about what he had been told just moments ago, but she couldn't help feeling nervous. Was he really that upset about her having a child with another man? She let out a shaky sigh.

Of course he would be. Maybe he also felt used, as if he was her last resort. She clenched her hands against her lap where she was sitting by a table, Al-Cid across of it. Perhaps she was desperate, but she trusted Al-Cid. She decided to break the silence and tell him so.

"I can only imagine what wanders through your mind." She began and Al-Cid finally looked up at her from his side. "I apologize."

He wanted to reply, but Ashe quickly continued.

"You may feel as if I am using you, your feelings, but still... I trust you." She looked down, averting her saddened gaze from his.

Eyes fixed on her knees, Ashe remained silent for a moment, waiting for Al-Cid to respond.

"If you thought I would say no, you better think again, my lady."

She quickly looked up, facing the dark man again.

"Then you..."

"...accept, yes. But..."

"But?" Ashe would do anything to have Al-Cid's trust in this.

"Well..." He smiled briefly. "I know what this judge of yours look like. And I wonder how to fool others, as your child will most likely be born with extremely fair features compared to us rozzarians, even with you as the mother. There are probably very few who would believe your child is mine."

"If anyone." Ashe added with a smile, though her eyes apologized again.

"Do not worry." Al-Cid replied, encouraging them both. "They can say nothing once we are married anyway." He rose from his chair.

"I will inform the members of the Margrace family, as well as have my servants prepare for our engagement. Time is of the essence, yes?" he asked and the young queen nodded.

"Then it is settled?" Ashe rose as well, facing the dark man in front of her. He sent her a smile.

"If you wish, you may remain here and rest. I will send you your lady-in-waiting and a maid of my own to assist you."

"Thank you."

She smiled briefly as the dark man left her alone, to attend to important matters for them both. The future of her child was secured, for her own sake as well as for Dalmasca. Most of the counselors would be most pleased by her swift decision. The lands of Dalmasca and Rozzaria would feel joy at the union.

And yet, Ashe couldn't help but to feel empty. Was this the only solution at hand? To throw away her feelings, the essence which was her?

Her hand found its way to her abdomen, gently resting it there.

'As of now, I have no other choice. I will be taken care of; I will not have to worry about anything concerning my wellbeing and that of my child. Yet, it...'

A tear fell down her cheek, and she tried to dry it away with her other hand. Too late, though, as her lady-in-waiting appeared at that instant. Ashe quickly tried to face away from her, but the lady-in-waiting already noticed.

"Your highness, is something the matter!?" The woman hurried over to Ashe, but held her distance, didn't want to overstep any bounds.

The young queen sobbed quietly, trying to keep it back with her hand, but to no avail.

"...It hurts." She whispered between her sobs, and the lady-in-waiting's exterior revealed the sadness she felt for the young woman.

The lady-in-waiting took Ashe in her arms, holding her as a mother holds her child. Ashe hid her face in the shoulder of her servant, forgetting all about how a royal should act in front of her people. Then again, the two years away from the palace, her new friends, had shaped her into something quite different from a royal.

"I know of your pain, Highness. To be torn from the one you love... It is truly a most horrible experience."

Ashe nodded. She wanted no less then to run away, escape her duties, everything- just to be with him. She decided to let her emotions run wild for one last time. For a final moment she would cry out her pain.

---

Silence. It felt almost choking, as if air itself changed into thick iron. But nevertheless, Basch remained strong before the entire dalmascan council, and he would not yield. If only a little, Marquis Ondore also did provide strength, though he thus far remained in the back.

The counselors did not say much at first, pondering the reason why Basch fon Ronsenburg stood before them. The old men had the ability to foresee many events, but this was not one of them.

"So..." One of the older said, standing at the far end of the table. "Your purpose for this swift visit was to ask for allowance to wed the queen of Dalmasca, no?"

Basch nodded, his face still calm and un-wavered.

"Do you realize how preposterous it sounds?" A counselor to the right of the first exclaimed. "You? A mere peasant of the former Republic of Landis?"

"I realize." Basch replied without hesitation, not bother telling that his family never had been those peasants this counselor clearly meant.

"Then I ask you- why? We cannot fulfill this request of yours..."

"...Because I am not what is ideal in a ruler, yes, I am aware of that." Basch replied, keeping his calm. "Still, nonetheless, I must do this, for I believe you do wish the best for her majesty."

The eldest counselor seemed as if he wanted to say something and his younger fellow counselors seemed to slightly hesitate about their conviction. But another, more old-fashioned counselor, took word before the others.

"We work towards the best interests of Dalmasca, and her majesty realizes that. The rules must be upheld, love or no."

Basch felt like punching the rules into that man's face, but he decided not to let his emotions get the better of him. Luckily, Ondore stepped up beside him.

"Pardon, but I believe I must take action from here on."

Having the council's deep respect and trust, Ondore easily earned the attention of all in the room as he spoke up.

"You speak of rules that must be upheld, of Dalmascas interests. And so I wonder- is not the lady Ashe's interests also those of Dalmasca? Surely she also mentioned these rules being quite... old-fashioned?"

Several of the counselors nervously looked around, and the marquis could not have gotten a clearer answer. Ondore turned to the elder counselor, whom he knew from before the war.

"Elder, do not your words weigh the heaviest? Then, do you want your Queen to cast away herself, her happiness- only to satisfy that of her own underlings?"

"Marquis, my friend. You are right, my words are indeed the heaviest, and I would gladly allow her majesty to wed Judge Magister Basch, but against the words of all other counselors here, not even I can change this. Believe me, when I say I did speak on her majesty's behalf."

"Then let us have them truly think otherwise." Ondore smirked and turned to face the others. "I would hear what makes you hold on so desperately to rules that hold no place in the new Ivalice."

He took a step closer to the group and when no one replied, Ondore eyed them, one by one.

"Is it his heritage? If it is so, then it will be not much of a problem, since the Ronsenburg family was noble until just two generations back. Even before the fall of Landis they were respected and most likely considered equal to nobles- or so I've heard from reliable sources."

Basch looked at the marquis, surprised that he knew so much. But then again- the former inhabitants of Landis had spread throughout Ivalice. That Ondore had at least one as a close acquaintance was hardly surprising.

The counselors remained silent- or rather; they seemed to be speechless because of Ondore's remarks.

"Is it the fact that he works with our former enemies? You still hold grudges against Archadia, even when I place a good word for them? Lord Larsa may be young, but he is a worthy ally of Dalmasca and Bjuherba both. Why not strengthen the union, to cast away past events, and replace them with a marriage of alliance?"

Several counselors looked down, pondering the old man's thoughts and words, as they were all logical from any standpoint.

"So I wonder..." Ondore said. "Why not cast everything aside? Grant my beloved niece some well-earned happiness. Do not let the council be the reason of her pain."

At that, Ondore stepped back and stood by Baschs side. The rest was now up to the Council of Dalmasca. Basch locked his gaze at the floor, could barely breathe of nervousness. He could hear the counselors whisper between them, discussing the matter.

For some time, the counselors remained like that, and as Basch wondered when they would stop tormenting him, their whispering ceased. Basch dared not look up, but the Elder counselor took word.

"Judge Magister Basch fon Ronsenburg. We have together come to a conclusion, and let us just hope it is not too late."

Basch finally looked up, his eyes widened. The Elder smiled at him.

"We allow you to wed her Royal Majesty Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca, but keep in mind we cannot give you any title, though. She will be the Queen alone."

"Aye!" Basch said and bowed, never having felt such gratitude ever. "I thank you!"

Ondore sighed in relief and turned to the man he just helped for the sake of his only close relative.

"You better go, Judge Magister. Time is of the essence now."

Basch nodded, bowed again for the council, and then literally rushed out of the room to have his friends make haste for Rozzaria. Ondore remained in place, smiling slightly, hoping the younger people would make it in time, all to make Ashe happy.

"You are not going?" The Elder asked and Ondore turned to him.

"No. I will let Basch handle this himself. I know he can do it."

"...He must be really fond of her." The Elder smiled. "A man like that, who goes this far, even against all these ordeals... It must be love."

The old marquis nodded.

"Yes. I believe... he can make her truly happy."

---

The blue skies were endless. Balthier steered at the direction of Rozzaria, all while trying to deal with Vaan and Penelo. Fran on the other hand worked with her department without even hinting she was bothered by the two youths, to Balthier's great envy.

"Vaan, if you are sky pirates, why haven't the two been to Rozzaria yet?" the veteran asked.

"Well, we have our jobs at Migelo's too. I want to be sky pirate fulltime but Penelo asked this of me." Vaan said, earning an elbow at his side by said young woman.

"No good excuse, Vaan." Balthier sighed. "You have been hanging around Archadia and Balfonheim too much."

Vaan was about to reply with something cocky, but Fran looked up from her doings and looked into the back.

"Vaan. Go check up on Basch. I believe he is alright, but..."

"Yeah, I'll do it." The young man said and got out of his seat.

Basch was sitting on the floor in the back, hands covering his face as if he was trying to focus. Vaan came up to him and took a seat on the nearby bed.

"You okay?" the young sky pirate asked.

"Aye." Basch replied and removed his hands. "I was just letting everything sink in. Many things in just one day."

"Yeah, I guess." Vaan scratched the back of his head. "You were allowed to marry Ashe... And not to mention that whatever happens, she will have your child."

Basch smiled, of pride and happiness at the thought of a child. He never had really expected anything of the like. He wondered if he did deserve it, but still he knew he wanted that child near. That he wanted to be a true father.

"Aye." Was his only reply.

"Anyways, we're not that far now. About 20 minutes or so, and we should be able to see the aerodome of the capital... Or so Balthier tells me."

"You haven't been there?" Basch smirked at the younger man.

"Not you too, Basch... I know I am a sky pirate, but I haven't had the time yet."

"Do not worry, Vaan. I will not judge you. All your notorious doings will come in time."

Vaan nodded and saw his future fame before him.

"Yeah. I hope so." The younger man looked back at the older. "But that isn't important now, is it? We're going to go get Ashe back."

Basch nodded, again trying to focus. Hopefully it wouldn't be any problems, but still, Al-Cid could object. Or worse, the engagement could have gone through already. Basch decided not to think anything like that, just focus on the task ahead. Everything would work out, if only he believed...

---

The sun was shining clear, making the rozzarian city and its white buildings seem to glow. Any other day and Ashe would've loved the bright and beautiful scenery, but now she barely noticed, walking towards the cathedral, by Al-Cid's side. Things did progress smoothly, and already the two were getting engaged. Meaning there would be a wedding within a month after this. Things really did progress faster in Rozzaria than in Dalmasca.

The cathedral was slightly different in design than that of Rabanastre's, all white with large mosaic windows of many motifs and colors. Large stairs of solid stone led up to the entrance, and Ashe followed her husband-to-be inside, along with the maids that followed the couple.

Having made swift decisions, the engagement was unknown and thus, the streets and the cathedral were nearly empty. Inside only Al-Cids siblings and father, the rozzarian emperor, waited, along with a high priest and his closest followers. Ashe drew a deep breath, and then continued to keep her pace up until they were at the altar.

Al-Cid's family silenced slowly, and Ashe could feel their eyes on her. Some of the Margrace members had no problem with her as far as she was concerned, but others clearly disliked her. The Emperor himself did have opinions about the war and how it ended, but he never seemed to give Ashe that much thought. Perhaps he was satisfied that his son and heir finally settled with a royal woman? By noble standards Al-Cid should've been married years ago, but Ashe suspected he was hard to deal with about such things. Just like Ashe herself the last years.

Again, as the hallat last fell silent, Ashe took another deep breath, and Al-Cid looked back at her and smiled, encouraging her. He offered her his hand, and with a slight smile, she took it. A moment of complete silence followed before the high priest spoke.

"In the name of the Father, whom guides us, and in the name of the Mother, whom embraces us, You shall be given the blessing of Holy Engagement."

'So this is it?' Ashe thought and bit her lip. 'No turning back now.'

"Your Royal Highness Al-Cid Margrace Rozzaria, Your Royal Highness Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca, please kneel and the Blessing shall be Yours."

The two before the altar did as told and kneeled down. Ashe knew they would be given a red, gold-embroidered ribbon each to wear, which was called Bond of Blessing. They would wear it until the wedding, when they would exchange rings. Ashe kept forcing herself to think and focus on the engagement, but deep down she still wanted to escape.

'This is your duty.' She told herself. 'Get through this and you can handle this like the Queen of Dalmasca you are.'

One of the followers of the priest came up to them, handing one of those ribbons to the priest. Ashe closed her eyes, knowing that soon, soon she would be...

The entrance-door flew open behind them, giving most of those in the hall a scare. Still slightly shocked, all eyes turned to the door, to see what was going on.

"We are not too late, are we? It would be a waste considering we've been flying over almost all Ivalice." an to Ashe very well-known man said as he entered.

"B-balthier?!" Ashe asked while quickly getting to her feet.

He gave her one of his characteristic smirks and took a few steps inside, followed by the rest of their friends.

"Everyone? What are you doing here? Why...?" Ashe stopped and thought she lost her breath when she realized who walked into the hall last. She faced away again, didn't want to look at him, since she knew she would start crying again if she did.

The rozzarian royal family rose, wondering what was going on, and the priests exchanged puzzled looks.

Al-Cid rose too, facing the people that just entered.

"You have come to stop the engagement?" He asked, all too calm for Ashe, as if Al-Cid knew all along they would come.

Basch stepped forward, seemingly just as calmly, but Ashe could feel how afraid he really was. But still, she dared not look back.

"Aye." Bash said as he stopped in the middle of the hall. "I am sorry."

Al-Cid shook his head.

"No apologies please, Judge Magister. I would hear your reason, why you come to claim lady Ashelia when it should be too late."

"I know it should be too late... But I need Ashe to hear me."

Al-Cid looked back at Ashe whom still faced away. She saw the dark man nod in her eye corner, and slowly, she turned back, looking straight at the man she longed for. It struck her he that looked so pale and thin- had he been so depressed by their parting that he didn't take care of himself?

"Basch..." She whispered, holding back all urges to throw her around his neck and tell him not to be so harsh with himself. "I hear you."

He took another step towards the altar, not really sure how to begin.

"I believe I first must apologize to you, Ashe..." Basch looked down at the marble-floor. "I have realized what kind of man I've made myself. A coward. I've fought countless battles, even meaningless and impossible ones. But still I dared not fight for the woman I care for. I am sorry."

"No..." Ashe shook her head. "You are the bravest man I know. That you stand here before me now proves that."

Basch looked up again, smiling slightly. What she thought of him was still most important, but he still didn't feel brave for being here. But perhaps he was.

"And thus, I wanted to tell you, that you truly are the one I love and cannot live without. To be with you, I'd cast away everything. I would give my life if it meant saving yours."

Ashe's eyes widened. Was he serious? Was he really going to fight for them, is that what he was saying?

"Basch..." She whispered and was to go over to him when she remembered where they were. Ashe turned her gaze to Al-Cid.

The dark man faced her and let out a sigh.

"And so it comes down to me... Do not get me wrong. I did anticipate you would come."

Al-Cid's family was all beginning to act up, wondering what was going on and the emperor himself spoke.

"Al-Cid. What is the meaning of this? An Archadian judge? And all those...?"

The young prince sent his father and siblings a cold glare, immediately silencing them. He would explain later when time was given. Now there were other issues at hand. Al-Cid turned back to the woman he was meant to engage and the man that just said he would die for her. Al-Cid drew a long breath.

"Our feelings for the lady are not much different, Judge Magister... But... You have been given something I never got to have and most likely never will so long as you are around."

Basch looked up again, facing the man at Ashes side.

"You have been given her heart." Al-Cid whispered and quickly continued. "With me, she would not be able to be truly happy. And her happiness is my happiness..."

"Al-Cid, I..." Ashe said but he brushed her off.

"Just go, lady Ashelia. To where you belong."

The young queen could barely believe what she was hearing. Al-Cid gave up on her, just to ensure her happiness. Tears ran down her face, amazed at such kindness. Ashe turned and slowly walked up to him, into his arm and held him close.

"I am sorry... And I thank you." She whispered against his shoulder, remaining so for a short while.

When she let go of him, she looked up, locking his eyes in hers. Al-Cid did seem to hold back his emotions but he did give her a smile of approval.

"I hope you will remain my friend." Ashe whispered and slowly turned, to go over to the man she had longed for.

She quickened her pace as she got closer to Basch, almost running into his arms at last. She held onto him, almost as if she was afraid he would leave. If so, Basch thought the same of her, as he held onto her as hard. For a moment, they just stood there, forgetting everything around them. Nothing else was important.

"I do not blame you for going here." Basch finally whispered against her hair. "Penelo told me everything."

"I apologize... I did not want to worry you. That is why I never told you anything." Tears still streamed down her cheeks, deeply regretting everything she did up until now.

"Everything is fine now, do not worry." Basch said, assuring her.

Ashe looked up, still thinking of what they would do next.

"So this is it? Will we fight together for us?"

Basch smiled and rested his forehead against hers.

"You need not worry. I have already fought for us."

Her eyes widened, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Everyone was just full of surprises somehow.

"Basch, are you saying...?"

"The council approved, after both I and the marquis persuaded them. I assume the elder counselor have a part too. We are allowed to wed each other if you remain the Queen alone."

Ashe was so amazed and happy she couldn't say anything. Instead she pulled him closer and kissed him. Everything was well. All she ever wished for would finally come true.

---

Epilogue

Another set of unknown ruins to raid. Balthier was thrilled to find these in the middle of the yensan sandsea, but let out a sigh as the Strahl got closer. Fran gave voice to his thoughts.

"It looks like a tomb."

"Indeed. And that means..."

"Vicious beasts, fiendish traps. Something like that?" Fran smirked and looked at the man at his side.

He smiled back.

"Right."

"But you know..." She said and turned to the window again. "As long as we are in this together, we can do anything."

Balthier nodded and concentrated on locking the Strahl in position near the old tomb. Skillfully, he placed the airship near the entrance, and locked it there. Out here in nowhere no one would be looking for them, so he didn't bother turning on camouflage. Fran got out of seat first and were to get ready for exploration when Balthier grabbed her hand, effectively stopping her.

"Balthier, what are you...?" She said but never finished the sentence, since the mentioned man snuck up behind her, gently touching her waist, abdomen, hips.

His lips brushed against her neck, and Fran felt her body respond.

"I figured I want to do something more creative before we go..." He whispered against her sensitive skin.

Fran giggled, thought his way of describing this was weird. But in a sense he was right. She turned around to face him, captured his lips in hers. He held her near, his hands caressing her sides and back.

"Our quarters?" Fran asked as they finally parted their lips from each other.

"Just one thing though..." He said, already his breathing heavily. "Marry me, Fran."

Fran looked at him, not sure if he meant that. But he did look serious enough.

"Are you just a little inspired by Ashe's and Basch's wedding?" She smirked.

"Perhaps." Balthier said plainly. "But still, I mean it. Marry me."

She smiled, buried her face in his neck.

"Then I will."

---

Penelo stood in Migelo's shop, helping out by placing all goods where they belonged. She still pictured Ashe and Basch's wedding the other day, how simple and yet beautiful the ceremony was. If she ever got married herself, Penelo wanted something similar. Not that she really pictured anything like that with her boyfriend, who really wanted to roam the skies of Ivalice.

At that, the same person barged into the shop, heading straight to her.

"Penelo! Come watch! It's done!"

"What is? I'm working, can't you see?" She said, smiling. Even if he was immature and hard to deal with at times, she still cared for him and found it hard to be truly mad at him.

"The paintings underneath Siren! It was hard but it's done!"

"Really!?"

He nodded, so eager to show her, she could tell. So she nodded and told Migelo she would be back soon and followed Vaan to the hangar. They walked up the airship and Penelo looked up, almost holding her breath. Then the lower body got visible and Penelo lit up.

"Birds! You decided on birds at last!" She said and turned back to him.

Vaan smiled proudly and pointed up.

"That is you and me, the two bright birds. Then there is Balthier and Fran, the darker ones. The reddish ones are Basch and Ashe."

She nodded, examining them all closely.

"And the other birds represent others we met?" Penelo asked and Vaan nodded. She continued. "So why birds? I wanna know!"

"Well... All birds want to be free, right? In a sense, we all were birds, caged by war, past, emotion... You name it. We fought and found our freedom, right?"

Penelo was amazed. Sometimes Vaan really did show true thoughtful quality.

"Wow, Vaan! You really did think it through!"

He smiled shyly, almost embarrassed. Penelo gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.

"It is very nice. I'm proud of you." She smiled and looked up to admire his work. He did as well, holding her hand.

---

He didn't know why he went to her wedding. He knew he would only get depressed.

Al-Cid had placed himself on a couch at his quarters, coming home from Rabanastre just an hour ago. He had been at Ashe's wedding and remained at the festivities that followed, but still he didn't really feel as happy for her as he promised he would. But he couldn't deny it- he was feeling slightly better now that it was done. He could start over.

A young maid of his stood near, ever-silent and prepared to do and get him anything he wanted. She was really cute, one of those that had remained in Al-Cids group of maids the longest, where the average remaining time was one year.

"I would like something to drink." He said and immediately she walked over to a shelf, fetched his favorite wine and brought it to him.

"Pour some up."

She did as told and handed him the glass, still without making a sound. He took a sip and examined her for a moment. All his maids were beautiful, but there always was something magnetizing about that particular woman.

"Your name is Zola, right?" He asked and her surprised expression revealed he was right.

"How long have you worked here?" He asked, taking another sip. She didn't answer right away and he smiled. "You are allowed to talk. Because you can talk, right?"

She looked even more surprised, that he allowed her such honor to speak in his presence. An honor rarely given to rozzarian servants. He was different from the other Margrace members, indeed.

"... Y-yes. I apologize."

"Take some wine; it is dreary to drink alone."

Her eyes widened even more and she looked as if she was going to faint, so she took a seat on a nearby chair. Al-Cid smiled at her, and slightly encouraged she poured some wine for herself as well, but she still looked pale.

"So, how long?" He asked again, when she seemed to calm down a little.

"F-four years." Zola finally answered and drank some of the wine, carefully at first, more forcefully when she realized how tasteful it was.

"Four years? Didn't think the maids could stand me that long..." Al-Cid said, watching in awe as she emptied her glass. "What made you remain here so long?"

She placed the glass on the table near them, but didn't look at him. She suddenly seemed even more uncomfortable than before.

"I should go. You need not waste your time on a mere servant girl." She said and rose, to leave. But she didn't get the chance to, as dizziness caught her.

"Careful!" Al-Cid said and quickly rose to grab her. "That wine is pretty strong. You're not used to drinking?"

"No." She admitted. "I apologize."

"So." He tried again, still holding on to her. "Why have you remained so long?"

She bit her lip, still not looking at him. Even if she didn't say, that she tried to hide herself, Al-Cid read her easily. He sighed but couldn't help himself. To know someone thought fondly of him was enough.

"So even when I have other women, you would remain, just for my sake. You care that much for me?"

Zola's shocked gaze turned to his as he lowered his face to hers, locking her lips in a kiss. Perhaps he didn't think straight after being rejected by the woman he loved, and then having to go to her wedding, but the young maid didn't care as she relaxed in his arms, responding to his kiss. She suspected that to be loved was what he wished for. And she would do her best to grant that wish.

---

Basch kneeled at tombstone near the Bahamut. Bushes and flowers surrounded it, making the place look so calm and beautiful. Even if this place had become an oasis, it was still warm and Basch was protected by a long, dark robe. Though, at the moment he had the hood down.

The tombstone was new, but already it did show signs wear and tear because of the harsh weather that even reached this place in Bahamut's shadow, but still the inscription was well visible.

Noah fon Ronsenburg

670 – 706

Ashe had told him that she, Vaan and Penelo buried Noah here after Basch had to leave so quickly. That it was the least they could do for Basch at that time- to give his brother a proper burial.

"All is well now, Noah." Basch whispered. "I have found my peace. I still keep my promise to you. Only part-time though, if it is alright? I have a family to care for now."

The winds hit his face, as if answering in Noah's place.

"Your son, Cael, is somewhere in Rozzaria and Vis is most likely with the remnants of Umbra Repugno, but I will find them for you. Vis has done wrong, but she is worth another chance, don't you think?"

Still, only the winds blew, leaving all answers to Basch's imagination.

"Larsa is fine. He will make great emperor if he keeps this pace up. He is planning a long-term journey in two years, to visit countries far away from our region. He wants to learn about these places and have them join our peace alliance. I will not go, but I'm sure those who do will defend him."

"Talking to him, are you?"

Basch turned around to face Ashe, wearing a white, long robe and a smile. He rose and walked over to her.

"Are you alright? You are not too warm?" he asked, truly concerned for her and their unborn child.

Ashe giggled and shook her head. He worried all too much.

"I am fine, as is the little one."

She placed an arm on her now visible abdomen. Her state was pretty obvious now, it couldn't even be hidden at their wedding a few days ago, but there were still a few months left. Basch still found it hard to believe, that he finally was properly married and to Ashe at that, the woman he loved for so long. He had to make sure the ring that proved it still remained on his finger.

"So you are talking to him?" She asked again, looking at the stone in front of them.

"Aye. I hope he hears me." Basch replied and grabbed her hand, holding her near.

"I know he hears." She smiled.

With a smile he nodded and looked back at the stone as well.

"I am finished here."

"Time to head back?"

"Aye."

Both smiling, they walked away from the pleasant place and headed towards a small airship that stood in the sand near the oasis. They would go back and pray that the future would be kind to them now that all hardships were all in the past. To be together, happy, was all they needed.

---

Near the ocean, the mist flowed freely around the rocks, the trees, the flowers- distorting, corrupting them. The landscape looked like beautiful gold at first glance, but as you looked closer, the wrongs became clearer. This was not a natural place- the mist had taken over completely and every step you took meant danger. Which was why the place was devoid of any life, save for three people walking through it- a bent winged figure, a dark woman and an unnaturally pale man.

They walked slowly, all of them exhausted from being constantly exposed to large quantities of mist. Especially the two men seemed to suffer.

Finally, the trio stopped at a cliff by the ocean. Vis stood behind the men, trying recollect herself, fearing for her life. They had wandered this land for several days, and they were running short on supplies.

The bent man, who still insisted on covering himself up, turned to the pale man at his side.

"Is this what you need, Roshan? The mist runs thick and powerful here."

The pale man nodded and turned to the aegyl. As always, since their initial meeting, it struck Vis how much that man looked like a pale ghostlike version of Noah. Their likeness was so great it was horrifying.

"This is it, Muri." The man said, smiling. "Here is where we can put our plan to motion when the time is right. The mist has grown in power for the last millennia. It can be put to great use to awaken the Preasul. He shall grant our wishes."

"When can we do that? I need his power before I grow too old and die." The old man said.

Roshan smiled and turned to the weird scenery in front of them.

"Patience. I have found a host for Praesul, but he need to be stronger. If we do things too rashly, the host dies and our hopes with him."

Roshan looked back at Muri, still smiling.

"And we wouldn't want that, would we?"

Muri grumbled, but he seemed to agree, that waiting was far more convenient than to rush things and lose it all. Vis still didn't understand everything, but this Praesul didn't seem like good news. And that Roshan, she didn't trust him one bit. But still she couldn't go against Muri, if she wanted her son to live. Vis looked down at the strange, corrupted grounds, holding back tears of fear and sadness.

'What can I do...? If I don't do anything, something horrible will happen. If I do something, my son dies.'

She closed her eyes, still not crying. She would remain strong.

'What should I do!? Noah, tell me!'

There was no answer in this freakish place and Vis felt lonelier than ever. She only hoped there was some divine meaning behind all this. That everything would turn out well in the end.

And so this has finally come to an end. Well, not really, since there will be a part two in the future! But I wanted a proper end to this part, since the other will be set a few years into the future.

I will not start working on par two right away, sorry. XD I have other fics that screams for my attention and I really can only work with one fic at a time. But I hope you will look forward to the continuation.

And lastly, thanks you for you rewievs and and you patience! I Love You All! 3