Final Fantasy XII (Ashe/Drace)

[laylah]

Title: Sworn to Protect
Author: Laylah
Rating: PG? I fail.
Warnings: Spoilers to Bur-Omisace; also, AU.
Word count: ~1200
Prompt: Ashe/Drace - politics - the rising sun turns the sky to blood

Comments

[threewalls]

There's so much potential in a beginning like this. I like seeing Drace given the opportunity to *do* something about her suspicions of Vayne-- because I can't see how attempting to arrest him, as she does in the game, can end any differently than it does.

Ashe stirred by Drace's strength, comparing Drace to any of Ashe's own companions (and in some implicit sense, perhaps to Ashe as well), also has much potential, though I like how that's the barest, slimmest sense of subtext considering when this is set.

[laylah]

Thank you! It did seem like the only way for Drace to survive Vayne's takeover would be to give her something else to do, somewhere else to be -- if she were there to confront him, it's not in her character to compromise her principles (<3 so hard) for the sake of her own safety.

I'm glad the minimal subtext works here. I would have liked more, but it didn't seem like it would suit the scene, for either of them.

[threewalls]

*nods* And retrieving Larsa is such a IC reason for her to be far from Vayne.

[mad_rex]

(Sorry for the lateness once again; I got caught up with some other stuff for a bit. But I'm back now.)

Okay, I can respond to this one. ...I think. XD

I just love the concept behind this. The whole idea of Drace surviving is...surprisingly awesome to me. I didn't realize how much fandom's made me like this character until now. ^^ I wouldn't mind seeing this continued, honestly.

The language after Drace's landing is wonderful. The diction of this game just snags you and doesn't let go, doesn't it? ^_~ "Limbs humming with caged adrenaline", "turns on itself like a mad dog"...I wish I could do half as well setting the scenario, the tone of a piece. Not to mention that that is how you use italics; they actually mean something when you don't throw them out there five times a paragraph. (I'd say I wish I could do that, too...but I've, uh, kind of given up on that at this point. =P

[laylah]

Thank you so much! ^^

The language of FFXII was so definitely what hooked me. Well before I developed a crush on any of the characters, I was captivated by the fabulousness of the bestiary. It's such a wonderful, rich canon to write in. *happy rolling*

Ashe wielding the pole -- as is often the case with details like that in my stories -- is a result of our actual playing decisions; we gave her poles for most of the game, because their combo rate is fabulous and her form when fighting with one is just gorgeous. <3

I am currently up to my ears in challenge-pieces and other already-started obligations for other fic, but. um. It. The idea of an AU with Captain Drace of the Order of Dalmascan Knights is -- yeah, um. That's incredibly tempting. I will have to keep it in mind, for when I get caught up a little bit. mmm. ^^

[mad_rex]

Captain Drace of the Order of Dalmascan Knights

...ooooooooooh.

I'll wait as long as it takes, for that one. ^_^

[lassarina]

Wheee, delayed commenting for the win. Or something.

I love the subtleties in this piece, the way in which Ashe kind of ends up daydreaming about having a captain like Drace, and oh my God, Drace living ♥ Also the bit about House Solidor turning on itself like a mad dog (which called to mind sister_coyote's werewolf AU) and the way that Drace kisses her hand. Unf. I am dead. ♥

[laylah]

thank you! I really wanted it to be more texty and less subtexty, but, well. neither one of them would put business aside for that long. right now. oh man, but the possibilities. <3

...also, yeah, "Drace lives" was totally the driving force here. so much yes.