FFXII fic: Basch/Ashe
Title: Meeting in the sea
Fandom: Final Fantasy XII
Pairing: Basch/Ashe
Word Count: 2588
Rating: R-ish
A/N: Set a few years after the original game
Summary: Ashe finally gets her chance to express what bothers her when she meets Basch again at the Phon Coast.
Meeting in the sea.
Ashe applauded more enthusiastically than she had for any performer in quite a while. Larsa had been right, The Eight Moogles’ new routine was quite charming. She could imagine them becoming a hit in Rabenastre if they would ever visit.
She was sitting next to Archadia’s emperor in a large tent that had been erected for the occasion of their meeting on Phon beach. Larsa had brought a few nobles and had requested Ashe to do the same. They were currently standing on opposite sites of the tent, both groups weary of the other.
“Another cup of ale, milady?” Larsa asked.
“Thank you.”
She nodded at the girl who served her and then looked at her host. “I must recommend you the work that has been done on this beach. It will surely be a favourite destination for Archadians during the holidays.”
He gave her a sly look. “It hoped that not just my people would visit here.”
“You requested me to bring my nobles so that they could get a good impression of your new resort?” Ashe asked, hiding a smile.
“The lady already saw through me.” Larsa made a small bow. “But I hope you would agree with me that it would be a fine way for people of our two countries to get to know each other.”
“Of course.” Ashe took another sip of her drink. “An added advantage for you is the money my people will spend. I have not forgotten that this is Archadian soil.”
Larsa chuckled. “Do you have anything in mind as compensation for your cooperation?”
“There shall be monthly escorts for Dalmascian traders to and from Rabenastre. Then I shall do my utmost to promote Phon Beach as a resort.”
“Let us drink to that.” Larsa raised his glass. “May profit and friendship come to both our countries.”
The music set in again, but the dance-floor was conspicuously empty. Larsa frowned.
“I haven’t danced in a while,” Ashe said.
Larsa immediately took the hint and stood up, taking her hand. “Would you allow me the honour?”
She nodded and let him lead her to the floor. He was taller than her now, but still had the leanness of a boy who had grown a lot in a short time. The Moogles abruptly stopped their soft tunes and started to play something more upbeat. Soon they were gliding over the floor.
“See that man with the red beard?” Larsa asked her as they whirled around.
“The one who’s eyeing me like I’m a snake?” Ashe responded.
“Nothing personal. He eyes everyone like that.” Larsa smiled. “He bought up all the red velvet in my capital, so he could drive the price up. A week later our star-actress appeared in navy-blue. Red is ‘totally last month’ now. He has been sulking ever since.”
Ashe looked at one of her own nobles. “We got characters like that too.”
“Redbeard is very fond of dancing.” Larsa said.
Ashe sighed. “Do I have to?”
“We should change partners soon in any case. My nobles would never forgive me if I stole all your attention for the whole evening.”
“Your tongue is of silk. The damsels of Archadia must quite adore you.”
Larsa smiled and made a last bow. “Milady.”
“Milord…”
Ashe went to the man he had pointed out. The moment she greeted him, his bad mood evaporated and she saw him look around several times, to make sure that everyone had seen that the queen of Dalmasca had addressed him first.
Half an hour later most people were dancing. Ashe had to hand it to Larsa, for even though most nobles still danced with people from their own country, she saw a few mixed couples as well.
Only seven of the eight moogles were still performing. One had been too enthusiastic with the alcohol and was now sleeping in a corner of the tent. The dances of the remaining seven didn’t look quite as impressive as they had earlier, but what did it matter? At least the atmosphere was good.
A rather handsome Archadian noble was now leading her. He had a pleasant face and he, at least, wasn’t talking about the good times he had had in Dalmasca when it was still part of the empire, like the one before had.
She was surprised how much she liked dancing with these men. The last few years had been filled with building up Dalmasca, visiting other heads of state and making sure she was informed about what was going on in her dominions. There had been many ceremonies, but few parties.
“I would gladly entertain you and your courtiers at my manor some day, milady,” the noble said, when the music paused. “Your grandfather visited mine there once.”
“I thank you.” She smiled. “I might.”
He bowed for her and she watched him walk off, before she turned to go back to her seat.
A tremor went through her body when she saw the man standing next to Larsa’s seat now. It had been two years since she had last seen him, when she had briefly visited Larsa in his capital.
Basch was dressed completely in black and wasn’t in his armour for once, which surprised her.
“Milady.” He made a deep bow.
She swallowed. Ever since he had left her to go to Archadia, she had felt constrained with him. Of course it had been the right thing to do for him, to care for Larsa as his brother should have. But she had needed him sometimes, when she been alone to face the heavy burden of ruling a country.
“How are you?”
“I am well, milady.”
“I did not expect to see you here,” Ashe said, sitting down.
“The emperor’s command. I am supposed to take a rest.”
She nodded. Her eyes fell on the nobleman she had been dancing with a few minutes earlier. “Do you know who he is?”
“Lord Tybes, descendant of a bastard-son of a former emperor,” Basch said.
“Do you like him?” Ashe looked at his face.
“He is pleasant in conversation and his family is well regarded in the capital.”
Basch paused for a moment and his voice sounded very quiet when he asked: “You have some interest in the gentleman?”
“He seems polite enough.” She turned away from him again. “How is life for you in the empire?”
“…It is well.”
“You don’t miss Dalmasca?” She had tried to sound indifferent, but her voice held a hint of tension.
“Dalmasca is a beautiful place, I would like to visit it some day again.”
Ashe swallowed, trying to keep her anger in check. “One country is as good as the other, right?”
He was about to reply when Larsa reappeared. The young emperor’s cheeks were slightly flushed. “Basch, good you have made it. I have given instructions to ready a tent for you.”
“Thank you.” The older man made a slight bow.
“The finest silk is used for the sheets of the beds at this resort,” Larsa said to Ashe, taking every opportunity to promote his pet-project.
“Silk sheets in one’s bed, haute cuisine…I see that the rewards for serving an emperor are greater than for serving a queen,” Ashe commented dryly.
Larsa smiled, thinking it jest and responded in kind. “No man would choose to serve me if they could serve the beautiful queen of Dalmasca.”
“Some would,” Ashe said.
A young Dalmascan noble choose that moment to fall into the stand of moogles, halting the music abruptly.
“See?” Larsa said, as a few servants tried to help the hapless musicians up. “Overwhelmed by your beauty.”
Ashe chuckled dutifully and then made a nod. “I shall withdraw for the night. Thank you for the magnificent party.”
“You are welcome.” Larsa made a last bow. “Sleep well, milady.”
“And you.”
She turned away from them without looking at Basch. Already she regretted that she had let on that his choice to stay at Archadia irked her. Basch von Rosenburg would serve whomever he thought most needed serving and that was that.
But when she reached her tent, she still felt rattled by their unexpected meeting. Quickly she dismissed her servants. It was good to kick of those slightly narrow shoes and feel the sand under her feet. She changed into a small, simple green dress and went to lie in her comfortable bed. Yet all was not perfect. The sounds of the sea were blocked by the noise that was still coming from the party-tent.
Larsa had offered people from old Archadia a job and a house at this beach and many had gladly taken the opportunity. Not all though. Ashe could already imagine how much less safe those streets were now that they must be half-deserted. Some people got a chance, but for some conditions worsened. It was tough making decisions like that.
“I would like…. eh… to make a toast!”
A few people were roaring with laughter and Ashe shifted in her bed.
“To Dalmasca… Rabenastre and eh… the Bazaar!”
“Cheers!”
Ashe hoped for the hunters who lived near the beach that not all tourists would act as they did. Of course they made more money now, but some might have just liked to live her because it was relatively quiet.
She slept for a few minutes, but was woken up by a girl accusing someone of infidelity. Ashe sighed and sat up. It had been a while since she had swum, and it was not likely that she would be able to sleep any time soon.
For a moment she hesitated, but then she put her feet on the sand and went to the edge of her tent. She lifted up the door and looked around.
A few tents away the couple was still arguing, but otherwise most people were now either in the big tent or in their own accommodations.
Quickly she walked around her tent, keeping to the shadows. She didn’t want to meet drunken people pestering her or worse, her people throwing a fit because she was wandering around alone in a camp full of Archadians.
The sand was cool now, but the evening was pleasant enough for a dive. Threading softly, she made her way to the water. Small waves fell on the beach and she let the water play around her feet.
She looked back at the party tent. What would her nobles say if they saw her like that? But then again, her nobles were making as much noise as their Archadian counterparts. A simple swim wasn’t anything too scandalous, even for a queen.
Further she headed into the water, until it reached her thighs. She had to hold up her little dress now if she wanted to keep it dry.
One last look back at the beach and she dove into the water. She swum a bit before emerging again and took a deep breath. The water was very salt, making it easy to stay afloat in. It felt great. The next half an hour she spend swimming. She moved almost wildly through the water, she couldn’t remember the last time that she had felt so unobserved.
Her mother had taught her how to swim long ago. She had been a native of the plains around Nalbina. The beach there had consisted mostly of rocks, but had been a great place for a little princess to play around at.
She moved to float on her back, looking up at the stars. If only she could share this moment. After a while her eyes closed, and she floated somewhere between sleep and wakefulness.
Her thoughts went back to Basch, his impassive face as he greeted her, his voice turning soft when he addressed her. She could never tell what he thought of her.
“Milady!”
She opened her eyes abruptly. Basch was swimming towards her, powerful stroke after powerful stroke, quickly closing the distance between them. He was no longer wearing his black shirt, just the pants.
Bewildered that the object of her thoughts had suddenly appeared, she shifted a little, but said nothing.
“Are you all right?” he asked concerned.
“I’m fine.”
“This is dangerous.” Basch frowned at her. She glanced at the beach, only now realizing how far she had drifted off.
“Oh.”
“We must go back,” he said brusquely.
She didn’t follow him as he turned back. “How did you know I was here?”
He stopped. “I saw you wade into the sea and assumed you would only stay out for a few moments, but after half an hour, you still hadn’t returned.”
“I saw nobody when I went in. I didn’t think anybody saw me.”
He looked away, ignoring her unspoken question. “We should go back.”
“I’m a good swimmer. I’d rather stay.” As to emphasize this, she swum a little away from him.
“Milady, the currents get quite strong at night. I must advise you to follow me.”
“You are not of my retinue,” she replied. “Who are you to advise me?”
Again she swum away, but this time he followed. Within two seconds he was behind her. She gasped when he put his hand on her shoulder.
“Please return.”
His gaze didn’t falter. For a moment she wondered if he would drag her back to land if she remained stubborn. Probably. This knowledge made her feel strangely content.
“All right.”
They swum back, he only occasionally looking back to see if she was still near. Ashe’s arms felt tired. Perhaps it had been good that he had appeared when he had done or she might have found herself on open sea at some point.
The beach came nearer and nearer, a little further ahead a few people were drinking on the beach.
“Basch,” she let out, stopping so that they were still far away enough not to be recognized.
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
He turned and faced her. “My duty.”
“I’m sorry about earlier.” She bit her lip. “I should not begrudge your decision. It’s just that… I assumed you would stay in Dalmasca… that you would guide me.”
His eyes widened. “I thought Dalmasca would be best of with a new start without too many reminders of what happened. I assumed you agreed with that.”
“Of course not!” she said angrily. “If you only knew how much I…”
There was a heavy silence.
“Lady Ashe,” he said then. “Larsa will be of age in a year. Would you allow me back in Dalmasca after that?”
She held his gaze and nodded slowly.
Perhaps this was the time to move away a bit again, but they both remained where they were. Ashe closed her eyes as his face came near hers.
He paused for a moment, perhaps thinking she would move away from such close contact. She did not.
His lips brushed over her cheek, still tentatively. She sighed in response, and let her fingers go through his wet hair. His body radiated warmth and she moved nearer instinctively.
“Lady,” he whispered near her ear, sounding slightly breathless. “We can not continue this here.”
She kissed him softly in his neck. “I know.”
It was he who broke contact, but he was still looking at her with such intensity that it made her shiver.
“I shall gladly return to your service next year.”
She started to smile after he had left her in the water. “There might be no silk, but a warm bed will be waiting for you.”
The end(?)
Fandom: Final Fantasy XII
Pairing: Basch/Ashe
Word Count: 2588
Rating: R-ish
A/N: Set a few years after the original game
Summary: Ashe finally gets her chance to express what bothers her when she meets Basch again at the Phon Coast.
Meeting in the sea.
Ashe applauded more enthusiastically than she had for any performer in quite a while. Larsa had been right, The Eight Moogles’ new routine was quite charming. She could imagine them becoming a hit in Rabenastre if they would ever visit.
She was sitting next to Archadia’s emperor in a large tent that had been erected for the occasion of their meeting on Phon beach. Larsa had brought a few nobles and had requested Ashe to do the same. They were currently standing on opposite sites of the tent, both groups weary of the other.
“Another cup of ale, milady?” Larsa asked.
“Thank you.”
She nodded at the girl who served her and then looked at her host. “I must recommend you the work that has been done on this beach. It will surely be a favourite destination for Archadians during the holidays.”
He gave her a sly look. “It hoped that not just my people would visit here.”
“You requested me to bring my nobles so that they could get a good impression of your new resort?” Ashe asked, hiding a smile.
“The lady already saw through me.” Larsa made a small bow. “But I hope you would agree with me that it would be a fine way for people of our two countries to get to know each other.”
“Of course.” Ashe took another sip of her drink. “An added advantage for you is the money my people will spend. I have not forgotten that this is Archadian soil.”
Larsa chuckled. “Do you have anything in mind as compensation for your cooperation?”
“There shall be monthly escorts for Dalmascian traders to and from Rabenastre. Then I shall do my utmost to promote Phon Beach as a resort.”
“Let us drink to that.” Larsa raised his glass. “May profit and friendship come to both our countries.”
The music set in again, but the dance-floor was conspicuously empty. Larsa frowned.
“I haven’t danced in a while,” Ashe said.
Larsa immediately took the hint and stood up, taking her hand. “Would you allow me the honour?”
She nodded and let him lead her to the floor. He was taller than her now, but still had the leanness of a boy who had grown a lot in a short time. The Moogles abruptly stopped their soft tunes and started to play something more upbeat. Soon they were gliding over the floor.
“See that man with the red beard?” Larsa asked her as they whirled around.
“The one who’s eyeing me like I’m a snake?” Ashe responded.
“Nothing personal. He eyes everyone like that.” Larsa smiled. “He bought up all the red velvet in my capital, so he could drive the price up. A week later our star-actress appeared in navy-blue. Red is ‘totally last month’ now. He has been sulking ever since.”
Ashe looked at one of her own nobles. “We got characters like that too.”
“Redbeard is very fond of dancing.” Larsa said.
Ashe sighed. “Do I have to?”
“We should change partners soon in any case. My nobles would never forgive me if I stole all your attention for the whole evening.”
“Your tongue is of silk. The damsels of Archadia must quite adore you.”
Larsa smiled and made a last bow. “Milady.”
“Milord…”
Ashe went to the man he had pointed out. The moment she greeted him, his bad mood evaporated and she saw him look around several times, to make sure that everyone had seen that the queen of Dalmasca had addressed him first.
Half an hour later most people were dancing. Ashe had to hand it to Larsa, for even though most nobles still danced with people from their own country, she saw a few mixed couples as well.
Only seven of the eight moogles were still performing. One had been too enthusiastic with the alcohol and was now sleeping in a corner of the tent. The dances of the remaining seven didn’t look quite as impressive as they had earlier, but what did it matter? At least the atmosphere was good.
A rather handsome Archadian noble was now leading her. He had a pleasant face and he, at least, wasn’t talking about the good times he had had in Dalmasca when it was still part of the empire, like the one before had.
She was surprised how much she liked dancing with these men. The last few years had been filled with building up Dalmasca, visiting other heads of state and making sure she was informed about what was going on in her dominions. There had been many ceremonies, but few parties.
“I would gladly entertain you and your courtiers at my manor some day, milady,” the noble said, when the music paused. “Your grandfather visited mine there once.”
“I thank you.” She smiled. “I might.”
He bowed for her and she watched him walk off, before she turned to go back to her seat.
A tremor went through her body when she saw the man standing next to Larsa’s seat now. It had been two years since she had last seen him, when she had briefly visited Larsa in his capital.
Basch was dressed completely in black and wasn’t in his armour for once, which surprised her.
“Milady.” He made a deep bow.
She swallowed. Ever since he had left her to go to Archadia, she had felt constrained with him. Of course it had been the right thing to do for him, to care for Larsa as his brother should have. But she had needed him sometimes, when she been alone to face the heavy burden of ruling a country.
“How are you?”
“I am well, milady.”
“I did not expect to see you here,” Ashe said, sitting down.
“The emperor’s command. I am supposed to take a rest.”
She nodded. Her eyes fell on the nobleman she had been dancing with a few minutes earlier. “Do you know who he is?”
“Lord Tybes, descendant of a bastard-son of a former emperor,” Basch said.
“Do you like him?” Ashe looked at his face.
“He is pleasant in conversation and his family is well regarded in the capital.”
Basch paused for a moment and his voice sounded very quiet when he asked: “You have some interest in the gentleman?”
“He seems polite enough.” She turned away from him again. “How is life for you in the empire?”
“…It is well.”
“You don’t miss Dalmasca?” She had tried to sound indifferent, but her voice held a hint of tension.
“Dalmasca is a beautiful place, I would like to visit it some day again.”
Ashe swallowed, trying to keep her anger in check. “One country is as good as the other, right?”
He was about to reply when Larsa reappeared. The young emperor’s cheeks were slightly flushed. “Basch, good you have made it. I have given instructions to ready a tent for you.”
“Thank you.” The older man made a slight bow.
“The finest silk is used for the sheets of the beds at this resort,” Larsa said to Ashe, taking every opportunity to promote his pet-project.
“Silk sheets in one’s bed, haute cuisine…I see that the rewards for serving an emperor are greater than for serving a queen,” Ashe commented dryly.
Larsa smiled, thinking it jest and responded in kind. “No man would choose to serve me if they could serve the beautiful queen of Dalmasca.”
“Some would,” Ashe said.
A young Dalmascan noble choose that moment to fall into the stand of moogles, halting the music abruptly.
“See?” Larsa said, as a few servants tried to help the hapless musicians up. “Overwhelmed by your beauty.”
Ashe chuckled dutifully and then made a nod. “I shall withdraw for the night. Thank you for the magnificent party.”
“You are welcome.” Larsa made a last bow. “Sleep well, milady.”
“And you.”
She turned away from them without looking at Basch. Already she regretted that she had let on that his choice to stay at Archadia irked her. Basch von Rosenburg would serve whomever he thought most needed serving and that was that.
But when she reached her tent, she still felt rattled by their unexpected meeting. Quickly she dismissed her servants. It was good to kick of those slightly narrow shoes and feel the sand under her feet. She changed into a small, simple green dress and went to lie in her comfortable bed. Yet all was not perfect. The sounds of the sea were blocked by the noise that was still coming from the party-tent.
Larsa had offered people from old Archadia a job and a house at this beach and many had gladly taken the opportunity. Not all though. Ashe could already imagine how much less safe those streets were now that they must be half-deserted. Some people got a chance, but for some conditions worsened. It was tough making decisions like that.
“I would like…. eh… to make a toast!”
A few people were roaring with laughter and Ashe shifted in her bed.
“To Dalmasca… Rabenastre and eh… the Bazaar!”
“Cheers!”
Ashe hoped for the hunters who lived near the beach that not all tourists would act as they did. Of course they made more money now, but some might have just liked to live her because it was relatively quiet.
She slept for a few minutes, but was woken up by a girl accusing someone of infidelity. Ashe sighed and sat up. It had been a while since she had swum, and it was not likely that she would be able to sleep any time soon.
For a moment she hesitated, but then she put her feet on the sand and went to the edge of her tent. She lifted up the door and looked around.
A few tents away the couple was still arguing, but otherwise most people were now either in the big tent or in their own accommodations.
Quickly she walked around her tent, keeping to the shadows. She didn’t want to meet drunken people pestering her or worse, her people throwing a fit because she was wandering around alone in a camp full of Archadians.
The sand was cool now, but the evening was pleasant enough for a dive. Threading softly, she made her way to the water. Small waves fell on the beach and she let the water play around her feet.
She looked back at the party tent. What would her nobles say if they saw her like that? But then again, her nobles were making as much noise as their Archadian counterparts. A simple swim wasn’t anything too scandalous, even for a queen.
Further she headed into the water, until it reached her thighs. She had to hold up her little dress now if she wanted to keep it dry.
One last look back at the beach and she dove into the water. She swum a bit before emerging again and took a deep breath. The water was very salt, making it easy to stay afloat in. It felt great. The next half an hour she spend swimming. She moved almost wildly through the water, she couldn’t remember the last time that she had felt so unobserved.
Her mother had taught her how to swim long ago. She had been a native of the plains around Nalbina. The beach there had consisted mostly of rocks, but had been a great place for a little princess to play around at.
She moved to float on her back, looking up at the stars. If only she could share this moment. After a while her eyes closed, and she floated somewhere between sleep and wakefulness.
Her thoughts went back to Basch, his impassive face as he greeted her, his voice turning soft when he addressed her. She could never tell what he thought of her.
“Milady!”
She opened her eyes abruptly. Basch was swimming towards her, powerful stroke after powerful stroke, quickly closing the distance between them. He was no longer wearing his black shirt, just the pants.
Bewildered that the object of her thoughts had suddenly appeared, she shifted a little, but said nothing.
“Are you all right?” he asked concerned.
“I’m fine.”
“This is dangerous.” Basch frowned at her. She glanced at the beach, only now realizing how far she had drifted off.
“Oh.”
“We must go back,” he said brusquely.
She didn’t follow him as he turned back. “How did you know I was here?”
He stopped. “I saw you wade into the sea and assumed you would only stay out for a few moments, but after half an hour, you still hadn’t returned.”
“I saw nobody when I went in. I didn’t think anybody saw me.”
He looked away, ignoring her unspoken question. “We should go back.”
“I’m a good swimmer. I’d rather stay.” As to emphasize this, she swum a little away from him.
“Milady, the currents get quite strong at night. I must advise you to follow me.”
“You are not of my retinue,” she replied. “Who are you to advise me?”
Again she swum away, but this time he followed. Within two seconds he was behind her. She gasped when he put his hand on her shoulder.
“Please return.”
His gaze didn’t falter. For a moment she wondered if he would drag her back to land if she remained stubborn. Probably. This knowledge made her feel strangely content.
“All right.”
They swum back, he only occasionally looking back to see if she was still near. Ashe’s arms felt tired. Perhaps it had been good that he had appeared when he had done or she might have found herself on open sea at some point.
The beach came nearer and nearer, a little further ahead a few people were drinking on the beach.
“Basch,” she let out, stopping so that they were still far away enough not to be recognized.
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
He turned and faced her. “My duty.”
“I’m sorry about earlier.” She bit her lip. “I should not begrudge your decision. It’s just that… I assumed you would stay in Dalmasca… that you would guide me.”
His eyes widened. “I thought Dalmasca would be best of with a new start without too many reminders of what happened. I assumed you agreed with that.”
“Of course not!” she said angrily. “If you only knew how much I…”
There was a heavy silence.
“Lady Ashe,” he said then. “Larsa will be of age in a year. Would you allow me back in Dalmasca after that?”
She held his gaze and nodded slowly.
Perhaps this was the time to move away a bit again, but they both remained where they were. Ashe closed her eyes as his face came near hers.
He paused for a moment, perhaps thinking she would move away from such close contact. She did not.
His lips brushed over her cheek, still tentatively. She sighed in response, and let her fingers go through his wet hair. His body radiated warmth and she moved nearer instinctively.
“Lady,” he whispered near her ear, sounding slightly breathless. “We can not continue this here.”
She kissed him softly in his neck. “I know.”
It was he who broke contact, but he was still looking at her with such intensity that it made her shiver.
“I shall gladly return to your service next year.”
She started to smile after he had left her in the water. “There might be no silk, but a warm bed will be waiting for you.”
The end(?)