[Text] Filtered to Basch

[dynast_daughter]

I find I must ask your forgiveness...

Recent days have found me more distracted by futile tasks, yet they are something I find I must do, to... prevent my thoughts from getting the better of me, as they are known to do.

I would very much like to accept your offer of a walk, should it still stand.

Comments

(Filtered)

[captain_basch]

... I am at the stables currently, but when I am finished, I shall come home.

Majesty, if there is anything troubling your thoughts, you can speak to me if you would like. I may not have the answers or words to comfort you properly... but I can lend an ear to you. Or a shoulder, if that is what you need as well.

(Filtered)

[dynast_daughter]

I am in no hurry; I shall be here when you return.

Comfort is unnecessary, yet companionship... that is what I need.

You know I appreciate... I am glad to have you here with me.

(Oh hey commentlog?)

[captain_basch]

I can do that for you. Tis not a service of my vows of loyalty to your family, but because you are a dear companion to myself.

[And that sound is someone at the door of the apartment as he comes in. It's cold out, but he doesn't seem to mind. No matter how long he's been in Dalmasca, the cold of winter seems to be something his body remembers no matter what.]

Tis a little nippy out, Majesty, though beautiful, even for this city.

[He smiles a little, knocking off as much of the snow on him at the entrance of the apartment. He'd rather not track it through the place.]

(Naturally~ ^^)

[dynast_daughter]

[Ashe watches him silently as the snow is brushed to the floor, watching it melt within moments of settling there. She's been looking out the window at the snowy landscape, probably feeling colder than Basch; her body hasn't yet forgotten the climate of Dalmasca, despite her lengthy absence.]

It is beautiful...

[Rather than leaving the window, she stays, wanting to enjoy the innocence such a view offers. She moves aside, however, so he can join her there.]

There is something about watching the snow which puts one's mind at ease, do you not think?

(commentlog)

[captain_basch]

[Basch joins her soon enough. He's been out in the snow enough lately, but the view is still nice, especially when shared with another.]

Mm... tis very relaxing, in mind and body.

[His eyes watch the white ruined scenery for sometime, though they shift to the side to linger on Ashelia at times. This must be difficult for her. Stuck in a place she can't help her subjects... especially for so long.]

... how are you fairing, Majesty? [Basch turns a little, looking down at her, eyes worried.]

(commentlog)

[dynast_daughter]

[She doesn't look at him straight away, giving a few more moments' attention to the scenery outside. When she does turn to him, a thoughtful sigh escapes her.]

I know you worry for me. I admit, these past weeks, I...

I have worried myself.

[A snowflake draws her attention back to the window, its delicate form so beautiful in the eyes of one who grew up amidst desert, but what she'd give to see that desert again. Her finger lifts to touch the coldness of the glass.]

I have heard Demyx and others refer to the 'heartless'. Perhaps this feeling I endure is akin to that, for my heart... it remains in Dalmasca, and has done all this time.

(commentlog)

[captain_basch]

[Basch quietly watches her, understanding what Ashe means quite well. Though his later teen years and adult life were spent in Dalmasca... he could never forget Landis, nor would his heart ever really leave it.]

No one can expect anything less, Majesty. You are very much the daughter of the king I once served... no matter your situation, you think only of your people and your country.

Tis admirable. [He places a hand on her shoulder gently.]

I only wish I could send you back to where your heart lies. Watching you become more drawn in and distant... I miss the days when you could laugh and smile with genuine happiness, Majesty.

(commentlog)

[dynast_daughter]

[Ashe's body seems to lose its rigidity at the touch of his hand - she's so unaccustomed to physical contact and yet she craves it, that simple comfort offered by the touch of another.]

That will never change. Dalmasca... she is within me, and to lose that would be to lose part of myself.

[Now, her head turns, so she can look at him. Though Ashe looks tired, her eyes are still keen, observant.]

I... I know. [She speaks softly, and manages a small smile for his benefit.]

If I am to remain here, then I am glad to have you by my side... it means a great deal to me, Basch. I look at you - see how you endure, and it inspires me to do the same. If you are able to find a purpose here... so am I.

(commentlog)

[captain_basch]

[The smile is small, but he's happy to see it. He only hopes that some how there will be more to come. Maybe once the snow lifts... if it will at all.]

Balthier and I are here for you, Majesty. If there is ever anything you need, no matter how simple or complicated, we are your allies. Your friends. And I your loyal knight... no matter the trials we face.

Though I speak for Balthier, I think he would agree as well. [A smile to match the one she'd given him a moment ago.]

I know it may be difficult to find purpose in a place that is not truly your home. Though not Dalmasca or Ivalice, Discedo is where we are for now, until we can return home... let us make the most of our time here. [He gives her shoulder an affectionate squeeze.]

(commentlog)

[dynast_daughter]

[Eyes fixed upon him, she listens in silence, giving his words the attention and respect they deserve.]

You and Balthier. So different and yet so alike. Were it not for the both of you, I...

[She trails off, returning her gaze to the snowscape, watching the flakes settle on the ground. Finally, Ashe manages a small, resolute nod at feeling her shoulder squeezed, yet she can't help but feel the gesture is akin to a lie. If only it were so easy.]

... You believe we will return, someday?

(commentlog)

[captain_basch]

[Basch almost chuckles at that. He's not sure Balthier would like being compared to him. After all, he has terrible taste in clothing, unlike the sky pirate.]

I do.

[He nods slightly, eyes closing.]

Though when and how, I do not know... but we shall not be here forever. Even if we do not go home together, it shall happen.

(commentlog)

[dynast_daughter]

[Turning her head, Ashe studies the face of the man who, she knows, would do anything for her, say anything he felt she needed to hear. However, there is a profound sincerity, there in his voice.]

I pray you're right.

(commentlog)

[captain_basch]

[His eyes open to look down at her, sincere as well.]

As do I, Majesty.