Past the point of no return -
no backward glances:
our games of make belive
are at an end . . .

The sound of the clanking metal of his outfit was like the beating of his heart. Hollow, empty, the sound reverberating and dissipating into nothing, emptiness.

The eyes of his mask depicted the eyes that stared out ahead, almost unseen from beneath, blank, emotionless, unfilled, and vacant.

The footsteps echoed the empty corridors as he walked, their sound filling his thoughtless mind as he walked, dignified and self composed down the hallway.

He arrived at his destination, two massive white doors. A guard positioned on either side. Upon his arrival, the guards sprang to life, rushing wordlessly to open the doors, not hindering the horned figure with their queries. When there was enough room for him to pass, he nodded his head and continued through. The material of his cloak fluttered slightly as he quickened his pace, as if he was already late.

The room was bright from the sun that was shining through the tall windows surrounding the area. The man headed to the large desk that sat at the end of the long walkway. Sitting in the chair was a young man, with long back hair and large inquisitive grey eyes who seemed to be in the middle of a conversation with someone, but from the distance from which the man was he could not tell who the youth was talking too.

As he neared the desk the clanking of his amour caught their attention, making them stop their previous banter and look to him. When the second person tuned around, the man's heart almost stopped. For there, standing right in front of his eyes was the queen. And not just any queen, but the queen whom with he had toiled alongside to regain her rightful throne, the queen whom he had watch grow from a small girl to a beautiful strong mature woman, the queen whom he had sworn to protect, his queen

"Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca" the name came half whispered and half surprised. He quickly bowed, cursing himself for forgetting to do so when he had stood there like a bumbling idiot.

"Rise, Judge" she said her voice laced with amusement

"There will be no need for such formalities Basch, we know who you are" she finished

The metal clad man rose.

"Forgive me your highness," he muttered even more embarrassed she had addressed him by his name.

The two stood facing each other not saying a word

The young man who had been watching the scene to his greater enjoyment rose

"I believe I have some business to attend too, please feel free to attend to yours without me"

"No, no" Both Asheila and Basch said in unison, giving each other quizzical looks after realizing they had done so.

"I shall accompany you, Emperor Larsa," Basch said quickly breaking the tension

"No need," Larsa said as he walked away, a smug smile plastered to his face as soon as his back was to them. Leaving both standing and staring after him.

After the doors closed the two stood observing one another.

"It's been a while Basch," Asheila finally said

"Indeed it has your majesty"

"How many times must I remind you, to call me Ashe?" she said with a hint of exasperation.

"Forgive me"

She approached him, and circled him like a shark does its prey. He hoped she could not hear the now ever present beating of his heart. Which to him, sounded like the drums you hear during the festivals, loud, pure, and strongly delivered upon the eardrums of one with sensitive hearing.

"Remove your helmet," she ordered

'Pardon?"

"Remove you helmet, I would like to see that there is still a man under there" she smiled.

He complied. Reveling a set of crystalline blue eyes, short blond hair, and a scar that ran mid- forehead to his left eyebrow.

"That's much better" her smile was still in place.

"May I inquire as to the reason of your sudden appearance your hig…. Err Ashe?" Her name rolled clumsily slurred off his tongue as he attempted to correct himself in mid question.

"I came to visit an old friend, who condescended not to show at my coronation, but I am having trouble locating him, do you know where I might find him?"

Basch hung his head, turning away ashamed, for she spoke of him.

"The Emperor neede…"

"You have no need to for excuses and useless apologies"

He closed his eyes tightly when he felt something on his shoulder, turning his head he found a slender hand resting on there. She pulled lightly, trying to make him face her. He obeyed reluctantly, but kept his eyes looking toward the ground.

"Basch….."

His eyes came up at the sound of his name, issuing from her lips. They were spoken with such understanding and concern. He could see what she was thinking for it was written plainly in her eyes. He now realized why she had come.

"You hold the past and your actions to close to your heart. I've forgiven you, now you need to learn to forgive yourself and let go."

She took a hand and cupped his cheek with it. Her fingers were soft and warm, comforting and loving. Their eyes met. When he caught his mind wandering and found his face coming into closer contact with hers he jerked away.

"Ashe I….."

"I know", she sighed, her voice sounded so heartbroken he wanted to rewind that past minute or find a wall his head could collide with.

"It is improper. I've heard it before, it is all I ever hear, it is all I have ever heard." She sighed once again and walked to a window leaving Basch standing they're holding his helmet, feeling completely impudent and heartless.

"Ashe….."

He started to advance to her turned back, thought the better of it, re-donned his helmet and walked out if the room, cursing himself silently as the doors closed behind him.

Meanwhile as the doors came together with a resounding thud, Ashe bit her bottom lip, closing her eyes. Allowing a tear passage down her cheek.