Beads of sweat had collected on Basch's face as he tossed and turned. It was balmy in the city and there was a soft breeze coming from the open windows, but his body wasn't responding to the climate.

...Do what you will with me. Just let her go…

He groaned. The sheets had been kicked off long ago, something he automatically did in his sleep every night. Somehow they had felt…restraining. Suffocating. Ever locking him in his nightmares.

Just let her go.

"I'm afraid I cannot do that. You will both be taken to the city. You both condone the action of treason against the Empire. It will not go unpunished."

No! Gabranth, no! Don't do this!

"Take her."

That mask…that armor…blood had been spilt so many times…he never wanted to see it again, but he had promised Noah…

Noah…

"You will not be executed, brother, but Amalia's charges are too great. She has been evading the law far too long. She will be dealt with."

Not again. Not the dream again. It was a dream, but it was real. It was real, but it was a dream.

Amalia!

"I will not die in the hands of the Empire. I will not be captured like a dog to be thrown at the feet of your so-called justice!"

Her voice…

Don't do this…Amalia…

"You know as well as I that my fate has finally caught up with me."

Wait…Amalia, please…

"Amalia. Lower the dagger. Stop this nonsense."

"…I'm sorry."

He loved her. That much was certain. But his brother…

The blood…her blood…

Basch shot up, breathing hard and fast, ready to lunge for Save the Queen propped up against an ornate nightstand.

He was met with nothing but darkness.

He glanced around, struggling to find something familiar…to recognize a bit of reality to confirm that he was indeed dreaming…

His broadsword was the only consolation he found, but even that brought uneasiness to his chest.

Save the Queen.

He slowly ran a hand across his face and through his hair, forcing himself to steady his breathing. It was typical that he would dream of Amalia on occasion, but the recurring nightmare carried new meaning; a new torment with it.

He could not stop thinking of Ashe.

Every waking moment he was wearing Noah's armor was a moment he was further away from her. Even in sleep he would not find peace; nightmares would conjure painful memories and bring them forth, back to the present. Somehow, his fear was different than when he was imprisioned in Nalbina Fortress. He had failed to protect Amalia. He had failed to protect Prince Rasler and King Raminas, and that was enough for him to accept death down in the dungeons. When he found out that the Princess was alive, however, he found a reason to live again; he vowed to keep Ashelia safe, until his dying breath.

She was now Queen of Dalmasca, safe within the walls of Rabanastre, but even so…

His vow is not yet fulfilled.

He pressed the heels of his palms into his eyes and rubbed. He had yet still failed King Raminas and Prince Rasler because he was not there to watch over her. Instead, he was prancing about Archades in the very armor that might as well have been stained with the blood of all he'd sworn to protect…

He stood, knowing there would be no more sleeping this night. He slowly walked over to the balcony and gazed out over the city, wishing to hear the quiet breeze that always caressed Rabanastre after hours…yet Archades' steady hum of airships and cabs never ceased. Basch sighed and looked up at the sky, trying to take comfort in the fact that she was under the same blanket of night…but the city glow blotted out the stars.

He rubbed his face again and sighed. The pain and guilt was so acute he was afraid he'd eventually go mad. Would there be no reprieve from this anguish?

. . .

Ashe stood upon her balcony, looking over her quiet city below. It was late, and by now most everyone would be asleep.

Like so many nights before, she could not sleep.

She let out a deep sigh.

She was happy – her Kingdom was secured and her country was safe. She was pursuing peace throughout the lands, united with the Marquis of Bhujerba, the Emperor of Archadia, and the elite Rozarrian clans. Yet old memories would visit her in the middle of the night and she could not quite find peace. Not yet.

Her thoughts drove her to that fateful day of the cease-fire. The resistance and Archadian armies were told to stand down and Ashe had declared her birthright. The war was over.

And she'd lost him…all over again.

Driven to tears, first by Balthier and Fran's sacrifice, then by the cease-fire following Dalmasca's declaration of freedom, and now by Basch's heartfelt pledge, Ashe could do nothing but stand in the doorway of the cabin and watch as he mourned his brother silently. This man…this man had murdered her father, murdered Vaan's brother…he might has well have been the one to veil the entire country of Dalmasca in shadow…so Ashe could not be sorry about Noah's death. Yet even now, after all that Noah had done to Basch, Basch still forgave him. They'd been mortal enemies for years, but after seeing the look on Basch's face, it still seemed cruel that Noah should die, now that he was reunited with his brother and admitted fault. Ashe saw that Noah was genuinely remorseful for the crime he'd committed under Vayne's ruse, and devastatingly penitent about this Amalia. Despite Noah's sincere plea for forgiveness, Ashe would not have pardoned him as easily, and she still grew angry to think of her father's murder and Basch's frame, which was why she was evermore astonished at Basch's mercy, which was without resentment or anger.

Gabranth's and Basch's fight was still fresh in her mind.

"You confound me, brother!" Gabranth had snarled at him. "You failed Landis, you failed Dalmasca, all you were to protect! Yet you still hold on to your honor! How?!"

"I had someone more important to defend," Basch replied calmly. "And defend her I have."

Her lip quivered as she watched Basch kneel over his brother's body.

That a single man would place so much blind trust, such unrequited devotion, towards her…after how she had treated him in the past…she felt both utterly ashamed and immensely grateful.

But…Noah's hatred had confused her. What had Basch done to scorn him so? What had happened that left such a hole in Noah's heart? And who was Amalia? There were now several important questions she needed answers to.

Basch slowly stood up and sighed, then turned, but stopped abruptly once he saw her standing in the doorway. His expression was a mixed look of grief and regret.

She suddenly realized that she had to refrain from her questions. She wanted to respect him. She looked down, ignored her tears, and murmured, "We will move him to the abbey once we land. I will go and tell Lord Larsa."

"Your Majesty - "

"I am sorry about your brother, Basch. Truly I am."

Before he could reply, Ashe turned and immediately wiped her eyes as she walked slowly to the cockpit, not wanting Basch to see any more weakness. She swallowed and lifted her head, forcing herself to remain stoic, and entered the cockpit, where Vaan and Penelo were talking about how and where to land the Strahl with Larsa looking on.

"I think we should land just outside of Rabanastre, there," Larsa pointed. "The Archadian fleet will be overhead, and we will be able to meet the Marquis towards the North Gate, near the palace."

"Yes," Ashe spoke up behind Larsa in a quivering voice. "We must be close to the cathedral."

They all turned and looked at her questionably.

She laced her fingers together and said to Larsa quietly, "Judge Gabranth has died."

Vaan and Penelo glanced at each other. Vaan continued with the controls, gently steering the Strahl to her destination, while Penelo turned in her seat and gave Larsa a sympathetic glance.

Larsa blinked and looked down at the ground, taking in the news. It was not shocking; his injuries were too severe to heal, but nonetheless, one of his most trusted bodyguards had perished in the fight to save his life. He took in a short breath and nodded silently.

"His bravery should be commended. Please do not fault him, Lady Ashe. He may have been misled, but…he was only trying to protect me."

Ashe could not reply, so she nodded slowly.

"We must…" Larsa trailed off and paused to think. "We must keep him in a respectable place, for now…we have much to deal with, and…"

"I know," she nodded again. "We will take him to the abbey, where many of the wounded were transferred during the last war. I fear that it may already be near full."

"We need to get down there quick, then," Vaan replied in a sober tone. His demeanor had completely changed ever since Balthier's horrifying last transmission, and he stared straight ahead, taking complete control in the cockpit. No longer was he a young boy seeking adventure, but an apprentice matured, doing his best to fulfill his promise to the previous owners of the Strahl.

"We're already being followed," Penelo pointed to several blips on the control screen. Her eyes were puffy and red from crying after the tragic loss of their friends, but she was doing her best to focus on the task at hand. "I think…by Bhujerban and Archadian airships."

"As an entourage," Larsa nodded. "After all that has happened, they will want to protect the Princess at all cost."

"We'll need to move Judge Gabranth quickly, before anyone sees him," Ashe wrung her hands together nervously.

Larsa glanced up at her, a look of alarm passing over his face as he suddenly realized her meaning. "My fleet still thinks he is alive, since Basch ordered the cease-fire. We must explain - "

"I will take his place, Lord Larsa." Basch's voice startled them both.

Larsa glanced behind him. "Basch…?"

"I have promised my brother that I would serve you in his stead," Basch stepped into the cockpit, stealing a glance at Ashe, "for the future of both Archadia and Dalmasca."

There was a pause.

Larsa started slowly shaking his head. "But…you cannot! Not after all you have done, not when the Lady Ashe is so vulnerable - "

"I assure you, Lord Larsa," Ashe interrupted him softly, "that I am less vulnerable than you are at the moment. I have the support of my uncle and members of the resistance, but you do not. I daresay the Empire invited the wrath of many when Vayne brought the Bahamut to Dalmasca."

"She speaks the truth, my Lord," Basch added. "The war may be over, but it has angered many nations. The fall of your brother and of the Bahamut will be seen as weakness, and the wolves will begin to close in. You cannot afford that now. The Empire must not be considered a defeated enemy, but as a cooperating liaison. You need your Judges by your side. I see no other way around it."

Larsa looked hesitant and apologetic. "But…Basch…you do understand what you're asking…?"

Basch nodded solemnly.

Larsa shook his head again. "I won't take you from your homeland. Not now. Not when you've endured so much and strived so hard to preserve its freedom - "

"Knowing that Dalmasca is free is reward enough," Basch replied. "Knowing that it will pursue peace with Archadia, after all these years, and knowing that the Lady Ashe will sit upon the throne that is rightfully hers is all that I had hoped for and more. I would see it through by putting on my brother's armor."

Fresh tears spring to Ashe's eyes but she quickly blinked them back.

There was a long pause. Larsa watched him, then glanced at Ashe. She nodded approvingly. He sighed and then looked back up at Basch.

"Very well. It is what Judge Gabranth wanted. Let us honor his memory."

After Ashe relayed an order to Dalmascan commanders to disable the paling, Vaan made a rather unorthodox landing right in the middle of the abbey courtyard, but the religious order immediately knew what it meant to have an airship set down so close during the brink of another war. They rushed towards the Strahl without question, several nurses ready. The wounded were already being brought in – Archadian, Dalmascan, and Bhujerban soldiers that had crash-landed near the outskirts of the castle – but the scene wasn't as nearly as chaotic as Ashe had thought it would be, and for that she was grateful. They had managed to stop the fighting just in time.

With Larsa's help, Basch had managed to quickly remove Noah's armor and cape and put it on himself. All that remained was Noah's undergarments, which they had respectfully left on, and a pile of Basch's old battle gear, now discarded in the corner of the tiny compartment. Larsa had rummaged through Balthier's pilfered items in a storage cabinet and found an old cloak, which he used as a shroud. By the time the nurses arrived, all they took notice of was everyone's grim expression and the covered body; another casualty of a senseless war.

"The poor soul," a priest sighed, as they loaded him onto a gurney.

"He is to be buried in Archades," Basch's voice rumbled from under the helmet. "See to it that he is properly transported to an Archadian ship."

His commanding voice from within that sinister armor made Ashe's blood run cold. She glanced at him and felt heavy dread grow within the pit of her stomach. Gabranth's face shield had been damaged in the fight; only one side of Basch's face could be seen, but went completely unnoticed by the priests. In fact, they were trying to avoid eye contact. Basch, however, lifted his gaze and fixed his eye upon Ashe. She quickly looked away.

The priest cast a nervous glance at the Judge and nodded. "Of course. He was an Archadian soldier, then?"

"Aye," was the only gruff response.

"We will see to it, Judge Magister."

Ashe closed her eyes involuntarily.

. . .

Moments later, they all stood inside the abbey in uncomfortable silence. Basch and Larsa were already in a separate room with Noah's body to pay their last respects, and Ashe was sitting under a large statue of a woman in a robe, arms outstretched in welcome. Vaan and Penelo were standing near her, speaking in hushed tones.

Vaan sighed and looked at the ground. "Somehow, I thought that this would feel different."

Penelo and Ashe glanced at Vaan. "What?"

Vaan shrugged. "Gabranth – I mean, Noah's – death. He killed my brother. I thought I'd be happy about his death. But I'm not."

Penelo put a hand on his shoulder. "Because of Basch."

Vaan nodded. "Yeah. A member of your family dying…? It's…not something I would wish on anyone, you know? And it's like it happened to Basch twice now."

Ashe nodded solemnly.

"Now he's going away," Penelo added sadly.

"To protect Larsa," Ashe reminded her. "He knows what's at stake. We've avoided war, but we still have a long road ahead of us."

"Exactly," Penelo replied. "Which is why Basch needs to stay here! He belongs with you!"

Ashe shook her head. "Larsa needs him more than I do. We must keep the Empire from descending into total chaos. We fear a civil war, or worse – Rozarria might seize this opportunity to invade."

"Al-Cid wouldn't do that to Larsa…would he?" Penelo asked nervously.

"I do not believe so…but I cannot say the same for his brothers," Ashe said quietly. "Do not forget; a great portion of the Rozarrians actually wanted this war. I want to believe that the Margrace clan values stability and peace…but until we know that for certain, Larsa needs protection. He needs guidance. I trust no other to that task. I am happy that Basch will be there for him."

Penelo and Vaan nodded slowly and remained quiet.

There was a long pause. The abbey was filled with the sound of nurses and nuns murmuring in hushed tones, walking back and forth quickly with rags, bandages, and bowls of water.

"Ashe…" Vaan shifted his feet. "I know this might sound stupid to you, but I don't care…Balthier's gone, and Basch is going to go with Larsa. If you need me to…I don't know…be your guard, or stay with you, or…whatever…"

Ashe looked up at him.

"Me too," Penelo chimed in immediately. "We know how to fight. We can protect you. I know you're back home and all, but a lot of things might have changed in two years. You don't know who these knights are - "

"I thank both of you," Ashe smiled. Once again, the tears were threatening to return. "Your courage and commitment moves me, truly. After everything we've been through, and what you've had to endure…I don't know what I would do without your friendship. But I would have to decline your offer."

They both stared at her, shocked. Vaan stepped forward. "But…why?"

"You know as well as I that you'd be happiest behind the helm of an airship," Ashe put a hand on Vaan's arm, then put her other hand on Penelo's shoulder. "And you as his first mate."

They started to open their mouths in protest, but Ashe was already shaking her head. "I have plenty of allies; do not worry. The last thing I want to see is two of my most beloved friends; dedicated citizens of Rabanastre, freed from the clutches of the Empire yet still cooped within the castle walls like birds in a cage." She smiled at both of them with tears in her eyes. "No. You shall fly."

. . .

Once inside the tomb, Basch removed his helmet and slowly bent down on one knee in front of Noah's body, which had been respectfully cleaned and wrapped in a white shroud by the acolytes. Larsa hung back, folding his arms and bowing his head. After a long stretch of silence, he slowly stepped forward.

"Basch…I would not be offended if you reconsidered your position…after all, the fate of Dalmasca - "

"I made a promise, my Lord," Basch interrupted quietly, glancing sideways. "And I shall keep that promise. For my brother…" he turned his head and made a fist, "…and for Dalmasca."

There was another long pause.

"I have not forgotten my vow as a Knight of the Order," Basch finally added. "I will always serve Her Majesty. My duties as Judge Magister will simply be twofold; I shall be a protector to both you and the Lady Ashe, as much as I am able."

Larsa nodded. "Of course. I would expect no less. I only hope you will let me help carry your burden. If ever you need to be by Her Majesty's side – for anything at all – it shall be done."

Basch nodded solemnly. "I thank you."

The stretch of silence extended as Basch slowly rested a hand on his brother's arm.

Larsa looked on. "I envy you, Basch."

Basch glanced over at Larsa, his eyes red. It was the only time Larsa had ever seen the hardened veteran show a hint of emotion, and even then, there were no tears. "Why?"

"After all that you and your brother had been through…all the hatred, and bloodshed…in the end, you still managed to reconcile. That is truly honorable…and something I wish I could have done with my own brother."

"My brother was blinded, much like yours was, Lord Larsa. I'm sure, at one time, he loved you. Men are corrupted by many a thing; that Vayne still wanted you to be protected, even after the influence of Venat and Cid, is perhaps a commendable feat."

Larsa lifted his head and glanced at Noah's body. He slowly nodded. "Yes. Perhaps."

The door slowly opened and Ashe stepped inside. "Forgive my intrusion, but…we must hurry."

Larsa nodded. "Of course. I shall take my leave." He stole one last glance at Noah and put a hand on Basch's arm. "You have my deepest condolences...and my sincerest gratitude, Captain fon Ronsenburg."

Basch set his jaw and nodded to him.

Larsa walked out of the room, leaving Ashe and Basch alone. Basch turned back to his brother and bowed his head, fists clenched at his sides. She slowly stepped forward, catching a glimpse of Noah's peaceful expression and Basch's sad gaze, but remained silent. After a long silence, Ashe finally gathered enough courage to speak. "Basch…I've been longing to ask you a question…"

He turned to her slowly.

Ashe swallowed and continued. "…but…forgive me, if it might seem impertinent - "

"My Lady," he stepped forward, his voice hoarse and gentle, "you may ask me anything you wish, whenever you wish. I can only hope to give you the answer you seek."

Ashe looked down, ashamed. His response only served to crumble her resolve, because she knew her question would be deeply personal to him. He'd just gained his brother, only to lose him…and she was expecting him to dig deeper into his painful past?

He stepped closer and cocked his head. "My Lady?"

She lifted her head, forced herself to look into his eyes, and said softly, "Noah spoke of Amalia…"

Basch set his jaw and gave her a slow, resigned nod, looking down at the ground.

"…I did not know that the name belonged to a real person," she said quietly. "You have never spoken of her before. Who was she?"

Basch crossed his arms. "A childhood friend. We were separated during the Landis invasion."

Ashe remained silent. Basch paused as he tried to recollect the past once more. It wasn't very hard, since he dreamed of it over and over again, but it was still difficult to talk about.

"We were ten years old when the Empire came and took everything I held dear," Basch explained. "My family. My friends. My homeland. My mother and father perished in the attack. All of the children in Landis were separated and placed into Archadian military ackademies. I was separated from Amalia and my brother, Noah. I feared I would never see them again."

Ashe looked down, feeling guilty. Basch had never once mentioned his past, and she had never questioned him until now. She suddenly felt foolish and selfish because she never cared to ask about any of her bodyguards' lives. Not even Vossler's.

"When we were fifteen, my brother and I saw Amalia once more. She had escaped one of the ackademies and was helping a resistance force against Archadia," he continued. "We knew that it would never work, because Archadia was one of the largest military forces in all Ivalice. It was a foolhardy plan, but nevertheless…" he trailed off and his voice grew sad. "It was a noble one."

"What happened to her?" Ashe asked softly.

Basch sighed. "The resistance actually grew in numbers, and finally gained the attention of a few Judges," he replied. "But Amalia…she….she died."

Ashe bit her lip and looked down. "I am sorry."

"There was a reason Vossler named you Amalia after Ondore declared your suicide," Basch told her. "He alone knew of her, and thought that the name Amalia would fit no other. It was a twist of fate that you should carry that name for two years."

"How so?"

"When she turned sixteen, Amalia became the leader of the resistance. Even though she was so young in age, she still garnered support from anonymous donations and the ranks grew in size. The remaining survivors of Landis wanted an uprising, and she nearly got one. But one of the Judges intercepted her organization, and there was bloodshed." Basch slowly closed his eyes and opened them again. "When Amalia found out about the betrayal…"

"Betrayal?"

"The Judge," Basch looked at Ashe with a pained look, "was none other than my brother, Noah."

Ashe cast a glance at Noah's body, feeling the air leave her lungs. She set her jaw. Yet again more misery, tied to Judge Gabranth. She tried not to hate him, for Basch's sake, but…how one man could cause so much pain…

Basch gently placed a gloved hand on her arm, sensing her anger. "What's done is done," he murmured. "He is dead. All thoughts of revenge and resentment shall die with him."

Ashe looked up at Basch and nodded, acutely aware of his touch.

There was a pause. Basch slowly moved away and sighed, looking down at Noah.

"Amalia had discovered that it was Gabranth who had exposed her resistance," he continued. "She had thought Gabranth to be like her own brother as well as I, but they chased her down like a dog and sentenced her for sedition. She fought until the end. She refused that her name be dragged through the mud, and she did not want to spend the rest of her days in prison, to become a propaganda tool for the Empire. It was then, when she was cornered and trapped by Gabranth and other Imperials, that she took her own life.

"I fled to Dalmasca shortly after. I was eighteen then. I did not want to have anything to do with Archadia or my own brother," his voice grew bitter. "He, on the other hand, felt as if I had abandoned my duty as well as my own family. He thought of me as a traitor and a villain.

"When news of your false suicide spread," he continued, "Vossler only saw fit to rename you Amalia, in the memory of the real Amalia. A leader, a brave soul who fought and stood up against all odds to restore her people and oppose the injustices created against them by the Empire, only to commit suicide to escape the horrible charges brought against her and end her suffering. That name is well-known among the forces that brought her down, as well as the organization that she created. As long as you existed as Amalia, it was laughing in the face of all who hunted her down, and bringing hope to those who have lost it long ago. The mockery was especially aimed at Gabranth. He knew that we were taunting him. He knew what your fake name really meant." Basch glanced at Ashe. "Above all, it was how I knew you were still alive. When Vaan and Balthier helped me escape the dungeons at Nalbina, I knew I had to go straight to Ondore for answers."

"You never stopped looking for me," Ashe whispered. "After all that torture and suffering, you never gave up. We thought you a traitor, long dead. After escaping prison, you could have started over. Led a new life. But you came to me instead. Why?"

Basch leveled his gaze at her. "I've failed Amalia, Your Majesty. I've failed your father. I will not fail you."

Ashe shook her head, ignoring the tears, and stepped forward, wanting to reassure him that he'd gone above and beyond his duty, that he'd failed no one, and that she was the one who failed him –

The door swung open and Penelo stepped through. "Ondore's coming, and so is a Judge! It's getting a little tense out there. Quick, Basch, put your helmet back on!"

Basch and Ashe looked at each other. After a moment's pause, Ashe took a deep breath and nodded, then turned to leave the room. Basch slowly donned the helm and glanced back at Noah.

"I promise, brother."

As Larsa spoke to a few of his political delegates about the selection of a new Senate, he kept stealing glances at his Judge Magister. He'd instructed the Judge to leave his helmet off on the terrace, since the sun was now directly overhead and the area was quite warm. He had obliged, but the minute he'd removed the helm, Larsa immediately knew that something was amiss.

Dark circles under the man's eyes had grown steadily worse, and more often than not, he wore a grim expression in place of a neutral indifference.

"That will be all, thank you," Larsa concluded with his entourage with a polite nod. "I will take into account your reports and finish my assembly accordingly. It is not I that will have the final say in our Senate, however; our people will vote in due time. I daresay we'll have an election in less than a year. We must first focus on Rabanastre."

The men nodded, bowed, and took their leave.

Larsa turned to his Judge Magister. "Judge Gabranth."

The Judge snapped to attention and strode forward, giving him a slight bow. "Your Excellency."

"You seem unwell."

Basch set his jaw and avoided eye contact. "I am very well, my Lord. Thank you for your concern, but please do not trouble yourself."

"You did not sleep last night."

"I…slept enough, Lord Larsa. It is all right."

"Did you have another nightmare?"

Basch glanced up at him in surprise. "My Lord?"

Larsa replied almost flippantly, "I've heard the servants mention that there has been some…disturbances…near your chamber over the course of a few weeks. A few of the chambermaids have been frightened away by the noise. Perhaps they think a ghost roams the halls, or a wild beast?"

Basch chuckled grimly. There was no hiding from Larsa. "A wild beast would probably be more accurate."

"What's troubling you, Basch? Please, tell me."

Basch set his jaw again and hesitated. "Unpleasant memories, my Lord, nothing more. I am simply a war veteran with far too many bad experiences outweighing the good."

Larsa looked down. "Of course. After all that you have been through…forgive me. I did not realize - "

"On the contrary," Basch bowed lower, "It is I who should be forgiven. I refuse to let this affect my duty as Judge Magister, and if I have been disturbing others - "

Larsa held up a hand, alarmed. "Oh, no! No, Basch. You misunderstand. Your performance is not in question. I was…worried about you. I understand that Rabanastre is your home, and taking on the role of Judge Magister to serve an Archadian Emperor was rather sudden and unexpected…and…I just…" Larsa folded his hands and looked down.

Basch cocked his head. There was a brief moment where Larsa suddenly looked like a fourteen-year-old boy, and not the ruler of a country.

The boy had no father. He had no brothers. The only person he had was the Queen's last personal bodyguard, a Knight of the Order of Dalmasca, meant to serve Rabanastre but instead came to Archades to quell the mounting distrust and animosity building in the surrounding nations – and even Archadia herself – towards the Solidor regime.

Basch realized that perhaps Larsa was burdened by as much guilt as he.

He slowly knelt down in front of the young Emperor. "It is an honor to be here, My Lord, and to serve you. I would have made the same decision now, as I did then, thrice over. Please believe me when I say that I am glad to be here. I am glad to do my duty."

Larsa let out a small sigh, but did not look convinced. "Duty, yes…and it does not go unappreciated, that much is certain. Yet I would not keep you from your homeland longer than I have to – you have already been torn from Landis, and I will not repeat the offenses made by my kin."

"Lord Larsa - "

"I am grateful for your service, Captain fon Ronsenburg. You are an honorable man. I fear I've inflicted even more pain on Dalmasca by taking her most trusted Knight and advisor to the Queen - "

Basch looked down and tried to respond but Larsa continued with a stern tone.

"- but please believe me when I say that I will not keep you from your homeland forever. That is a promise. I only want to see you happy."

Basch smiled and stood, but it was a sad smile. "Dalmasca is free. That alone makes me happy. Our priority is securing your country…and her people."

Larsa examined him for a bit, then nodded slowly. "Well, then…we shall see to the current task at hand. I believe you are still in the process of choosing candidates for the magistrate."

Basch put his helmet back on. "Aye, my Lord."

Larsa smiled and turned towards his desk. "Carry on then, Judge Magister. I shall meet up with you later."

The Judge Magister bowed. "Your Excellency."

As he turned and walked out of the courtyard, he was flanked by two lower-ranking Judges waiting for him at the entrance, continuing on to other duties of the day. Larsa watched after them. With a sigh, he thought on Basch's words.

Dalmasca is free. That alone makes me happy.

Quietly, Larsa murmured, "But does it truly?" Looking out over the veranda towards the horizon, he put his hands behind his back and sighed.

He needs to see her, but his guilt crushes him. He will never admit otherwise.

…I must make haste.

. . .

My Dear Penelo –

I am rather excited to inform you that we will be arriving in Rabanastre a full fortnight early. Mind you, this is an entirely rash decision made on my part, but I am afraid I have no other choice. It must be done.

He misses her terribly. The degree to which he suffers is palpable. His affection for the Queen is, of course, as we have expected, and as we have predicted all along (though he would never admit it), but I had not anticipated keeping him from visiting Rabanastre for so long. I must do something for our friend.

Therefore, I propose a most unorthodox and quite mischievous proposal.

I could not help but think about your previous letter. Do you think it possible that the Lady Ashe harbors strong feelings for the Captain? I would not be surprised, yet her mutual affection is a crucial component to our plan. Perhaps you could sow a seed?

My request is humble and simple enough, if you care to follow through with this little adventure. I do apologize in advance, but perhaps Vaan and Balthier's bad behavior has been somewhat of an influence on me as of late. I wonder – would you write a small letter to the Queen? Nothing much; perhaps mentioning your work at the shop, and how dismal the rainfall is this time of year…oh, and do not forget to tell her about something vague I mentioned in one of our past letters to each other…how Judge Gabranth has seemed out of sorts lately…he hasn't exactly been sleeping well…of course, his work here is exceptional and parallels no other, but it's almost as if he is pining for someone back at home…

No. That is mere speculation. It is not my place to say such things. How silly of a notion that must be?

Forgive me. I must not gossip so.

Alas, I must attend to other letters – including one to our Queen about our early departure – but I send this along with hope, eagerness, and of course enthusiasm for our visit! I cannot wait to see you.

With Much Esteem,

Larsa Ferrinas Solidor

Penelo folded the letter and smiled. Larsa was so cute. He even made matchmaking sound so formal and innocent. It was perfect! There wasn't anything wrong with putting a little bug in the Queen's ear, was there? Besides, those two were painfully oblivious from the get-go. It was almost sad. Penelo remembered how Vaan had tried to elbow Basch along a few times, but nobody ever took Vaan seriously so his suggestions ended up falling flat. Balthier couldn't be bothered with such nonsense, and Fran didn't even understand what they were going on about, so it was up to Penelo and Larsa…well, mainly Penelo…Larsa was too polite…to push the two along. Ashe was cross most of the time and almost never responded to Penelo's hints, and Basch would just turn away and mumble about duty and honor and whatever, but Penelo was no fool.

They need each other. They just don't know it yet.

She sighed. Why were adults so hardheaded?

She remembered speaking with Ashe several months ago, before she sent that letter to Larsa. She hadn't had many opportunities to meet with the Queen, so she was very excited to receive a summons, but something was immediately noticeable as soon as she saw her.

Ashe was sad.

Sure, she tried to hide it, but it was still plain as day to someone who learned how to read people. And Ashe was a pretty lousy liar.

The more Penelo thought about it, the more excited she became. Larsa was right. This was ridiculous. Basch and Ashe were both miserable. It was no way to live. What was the point of all that fighting, anyway? So Ashe could remain a celibate queen for the rest of her life, and condemn Basch to walk around in that stuffy tin suit? Dalmasca was free…but the Queen and the Knight weren't. She thought back on Ashe's words almost a year ago.

No. You shall fly.

Penelo grinned, bit her lip, and grabbed a fresh piece of parchment, dipping a quill into some ink. It was high time she returned the favor.