Sowing Distrust [Thread closed]

[lionwarhero]

Characters: Ashe and Delita
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: Discussing Rasler and the Lucavi
Location: Storage House
Date: October, before Ashe finds the Lucavi stone
Warnings: none

Comments

[mademyresolve]

Indeed some time did pass before the message was received. Not that Ashe had done so deliberately, but she tended to overlook simple tasks such as checking the sky phone when there was crucial business in Warjilis to oversee. It was only during the solitary walk back to her residence that the princess thought to reach into her dress pocket and grasp the small device utilised by Sky People all across Gaia.

For some time, she had awaited this call to meeting from the Knight of an undetermined Ivalice, so it was gladly received for the most part. Approaching Rasler about the concern he still kept hidden... that would have to wait, despite the fact his terrible nightmares continued, despite the unwanted distance this 'secret' was driving between them. Sighting the empty stone building where he undoubtedly awaited, she made a cautious beeline toward it, careful to pass unnoticed. Surprising how, in the space of such a short walk, so many possibilities could cross her mind. What news would Delita have for her?

With almost silent footfalls she stepped inside, eyes adjusting to the darkness within. "... Are you alone?"

[lionwarhero]

While even Delita's reach was too short to see inside the royal family's bed chambers, he was still concerned about the Queen's safety within her own home. He had seen few princes truly honorable and this Rasler was no different.

Hearing the door open, he stayed in the shadows until he was sure the intruder was Lady Dalmasca and that she was alone. Convinced of their solitude, he stepped out of the shadows carefully as to not frighten her.

"Lady Ashelia, I have indeed arrived alone. My identity remains safely hidden as of yet. If it were not so, I fear you may not have arrived at all."

[mademyresolve]

Seeing the armoured figure emerge from darkness awoke a sleeping instinct in her; survival and self-protection as she learned from Vossler long ago. A reactionary hand shifted to her hip only to find no Treaty-Blade, no defensive weapon. Recognition of the man before her quelled that instinct, Ashe's posture relaxing as far as it ever did. She stood there poised and graceful, a quality never have to left her, even in the darkest of times.

With regard to Warjilis, Delita had been keen to help her people, a quality which Ashe deemed worthy of recognition. If anything, he had made a positive impression, even if much about his past remained unknown to her. Ashe moved forward, determined that no-one must see them. The knight's alias had to be kept in place, there was no other option. She nodded toward him, hands clasped together.

"I am not so easily overcome," she stated, resisting the urge to glance over a shoulder. "The port will be liberated - fully - just as Rasler and I gave our word. Tell me, what have you discovered?"

[lionwarhero]

Delita expected no less than for the woman before him to be on edge, as store houses were not the location of choice for state meetings. He did not doubt her effectiveness with a sword, yet she knew little of the true threat that encompassed them. While he could understand her desire to place trust in Rasler, he knew her devotion to be misplaced at best.

Leaving his hood up, lest he require a prompt departure he began to address the Queen. "'Tis a surprise to myself the rate at which these men speak once opened wide with but a little brandy. The inhabitants inside are unsure as to the intentions of the current aristocracy. Many wonder if you are with them or are in support of these pirates."

[mademyresolve]

"In support of -" Even in the dim light her widening eyes were clear to see. Ever since their arrival, hadn't she and Rasler both done their utmost to drive out the pirates, made their intentions clear and attained the support of the local people? Many had offered their hands in fighting and rebuilding, was all of this not enough to gain their trust? Hadn't they followed through with their promise? To her mind, even if the doubtful were only a few drunken louts, their opinion still mattered. Moreso, if they would speak out against the couple.

Rather than being angered, she appeared thoughtful, solemn. "Then we must alleviate their doubts. This port may belong to Ivalice... yet we are merely guardians, no more. We were not inexperienced enough to expect every last man or woman to accept us without just proof of our intentions." The only justification for the people's uncertainty, that she could see, was the fact that one band of raiders hadn't yet been overcome.

"Did they give reason for their doubt?"

[lionwarhero]

Delita had not wished to frighten the Ivalician Queen but her choice of consort had been unwise. He knew he must tread carefully on the subject as he looked away from Lady Dalmasca. It was obvious that she regarded her prince highly, yet he was the scorn of her existence. He lowers his voice lest someone has snuck upon them unawares. "They dare not question the Lord of the keep. It is said that he who does receives no assistanace. As resources are limited, I would relegate these musings to simple malcontent if not for the fear I see within them."

He quickly halts his words, unknown the response due him for such ill words.

[mademyresolve]

Failing to react straight away, Ashe simply stood there, rooted, staring intently at the knight. This was the true opinion of the people, that Rasler... No, she would not entertain it for a moment. Some misunderstanding had passed - how could there not be?

"My husband..." she began quietly, shoulders tensing in an almost defensive stance, "is the most selfless and honourable of men. He serves these people justly, with every good grace given him and yet you claim they are wary? I cannot believe anyone -"

With a sudden, profound gasp she sank down to sit upon a wooden crate, hands still together. It almost looked like the young woman had been struck, either by an invisible blow or a thought equally as painful. For more than a week, Rasler had been... secretive, withdrawn and distanced. As his wife, of course she had noticed - was it possible the people had picked up on his secret fear? Saw it as a reason to question their trust in him?

[lionwarhero]

Delita had known that these tidings would be grave to her. While he had no compulsion against knocking the prince from her throne, he wished it could have been done without injuring Ashelia. His voice took on a tender tone as he attempted to comfort the Queen, "It pains me to have been the bear of such news as I am sure your husband serves these people the best he can."

He desired to comfort the Queen, but it would be ill-advised to attempt even that simple task at the present moment. He looked away to give the woman some privacy, "Even so, I shall remain loyal to that which you are attempting to achieve"

[mademyresolve]

Considering the way in which her gaze fixated on the straw-strewn floor, it would have been easy to believe she was no longer listening. But that was certainly not true, Ashe wished to know as much as she could. To do any less would make her not only a poor ruler but a poor wife. Supporting her prince through his time of difficulty was something she so desperately wanted to do, but time was necessary. She had promised him all the time he needed, and a promise between Ashelia and Rasler was an unbreakable one.

Her desire to know the truth however, to just help him was only fuelled by the possibility that doing so would, ultimately, assist them in re-strengthening the trust of their people.

"There is something I must do," she began quietly, gaze shifting to her wedding band. "Answers I need to find." Lifting her chin, she returned her gaze to Delita, inviting him to look again.

[lionwarhero]

Delita reengaged with the Queen, confident that she was recomposed as well as still safely hidden from prying eyes. "'Tis understandable M'Lady, yet if there remains assistance that you require, but name it."

Regardless of the answer given, he would resume his position gathering information for her royal highness. He adjusted his cloak ready to cover his head should the need arise.

[mademyresolve]

Ashelia's head tilted slightly as she looked upward, returning his gaze. "You have shown nothing but willingness to aid me, Delita," she noted, using his given name for the first time. She didn't want to seem ungrateful by posing the question which followed, so rather than voicing it, it was only asked in her mind.

Is there anything you would seek in return?

"There is but one more request I must make." Now she stood, finding her feet easily yet slowly, not wanting to attract attention from the street with a sudden movement partially visible through any dusty window. "The pirates who remain - I must know where they are based. Many times we have ordered a search of the coastline, yet we have discovered nothing. Have you been privy to any such talk?"

[lionwarhero]

He was pleased. This meeting could not be going any better. "The people did not realize who sat among them. As was previously discussed, as the ale was taken in greater number their lips were loosed. 'Tis true that I have heard them speak of the pirates. I am all but sure of its location, yet you will have but one chance to defeat them and if my information is incorrect you will have no other chances."

He purses his lips unsure if the risk was too great or if now was the time to strike. With full determination, he deduced that it was irrelevant whether the pirates were eradicated or not. The Queen would trust his judgment, therefore it would be her choice whether they attacked or not.

[mademyresolve]

Only one chance? If this was true, then action had to be taken, but with Rasler being ill at ease... was it wise to act at such a time? Then again, perhaps a final victory over their assailants would help in reestablishing the people's trust.

"Then I must know," she said flatly, rising to her feet in concern. "All which you have learned."

[lionwarhero]

"There is much to tell. Can you stay yet another two hours for the detail? For the pirates have a network currently within and near the city of sympathizers with their stronghold in a cove on the northeastern boundaries of the island." Delita settles in for an intense discussion should the Queen be available.

[mademyresolve]

Ashe knew she needed to return to Rasler and soon - but how could she refuse Delita's offer? Too much was at stake in terms of her people. "The northeastern boundaries..." A rocky and treacherous area, no wonder searches had failed. The seas were often unsettled, there.

"I... Yes, I will stay," answered the princess, lending the knight her full attention.

[lionwarhero]

Delita began a meticulous recounting of the specific whereabouts of there foes, expounding where necessary including the precise locations of the safe houses within the city. Should the Queen possess the required number of troops and be able to hit everything at once, she would have a chance at cleaning this mess up without incidence. He was not convinced that she or her husband had the skills to completely eradicate the threat, yet he would be lurking in the background ready to console the noble woman at the expense of her husband. He gave her a concerned smile, conveying the precarious nature of his life should any suspect his involvement. "I shall return to the shadows M'Lady to not arouse suspicion among those."