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Passing Time

The massive snake hissed at me, rising up for another strike. I readied my shield, and slashed at the creature's mid-section. Blackish-grey blood fountained from the wound, and the monster collapsed.

With a sigh, I prodded at the corpse to see if it had any magicite hidden away. After determining it didn't, I dragged my blade through the grass, cleaning it as best I could before sheathing the weapon and continuing on my walk. I had left Jahara earlier this morning, shortly after Vaan had dragged Penelo, Larsa and Fran off to search out another one of his marks. Basch would never have let me go out on my own, but he had found a kindred spirit in the Garif War-Chief, and the pair were busily discussing battle strategies and tactics. It was the most relaxed I had seen the Captain in a long time, and I decided not to worry him. I could take care of myself, and I needed some time away from the others.

The Ozmone Plains were beautiful, and a good place to be alone with one's thoughts. Alone except for the wandering fiends, I mused. Even so, I had plenty of time to think. Larsa's offer weighed heavily on my mind, just as the Dawn Shard was heavy in my hands--

I stopped walking and looked down at the dull crystal. I didn't remember taking it out of my pack... in fact, I wasn't sure I remembered bringing it with me when I left the village. I slowly put it away, troubled by the lapse in memory. A dull, tingling sense of irritation pricked at the back of my mind, and the Garif High-Chief's words rang through my ears: It is often those whom desire nethicite whom the nethicite itself desires. He seemed to believe the nethicite had a will of its own... I was inclined to believe him.

A hissing noise to my left caught my attention, and turned to see another snake towering over me. I reached for my sword, knowing all too well that the snake would strike before I had my blade in hand.

Pain tore through my arm, and I stumbled backwards, involuntarily looking down at the wound. The snake's fangs had found a gap in my armor, and I could feel blood running down towards my shield. I shifted my grip on my sword and swung out at the creature. It dodged, and lunged at me again. I blocked it with my shield, stifling a cry of pain as the beast slammed into my wounded arm. Falling back a few steps, I readied a healing spell and hoped I would be able to cast it before the snake attacked again.

A loud crack made me jump, and the snake went flying. I turned towards the noise and saw Balthier stride forward, reloading his gun as he walked.

"Quite foolhardy of you, out walking by yourself," he commented dryly. I finished the healing spell, then sat down on a nearby rock and removed my shield. The back was covered in blood, as was much of my arm. The wound still stung, and bled sluggishly.

"Here." I looked up at Balthier, who held out a potion. I nodded my thanks and downed the restorative in one gulp. The pain faded, and the gash began to close.

"You know the Captain would be most upset if he knew you were out here alone," Balthier said.

I uprooted a handful of grass and set about cleaning off my sword and shield. "That is why I did not tell him I was leaving," I replied.

Balthier chuckled. "A wise decision, Your Highness." He settled down on the grass near me, legs stretched out in front of him. He laid his new gun across his lap and leaned back on his hands, looking skyward. I finished cleaning off my armor in silence, unsure of what to say. Balthier, like most of my companions, was something of a mystery to me. On the surface, he didn't appear to be all that enigmatic; he played the part of a womanizing, profit-hungry pirate quite well. But there were signs that his act was exactly that: a role he had crafted for himself, one he enjoyed that also let him keep his secrets. His quick acceptance of Basch's story, his ill-hidden brotherly concern for Vaan, and his keen interest in Draklor Laboratory all indicated there was more to Balthier than met the eyes.

"Damn shame I don't have the Strahl," he commented. "Beautiful skies today."

"We also would have considerably less walking," I said, then bit my tongue. I knew better than to show such weaknesses.

Balthier smirked up at me. "A complaint, Princess?"

"Ah--no, I-- I just--"

"It's all right," he cut in. "After all you've been through, you've earned the right to complain a little."

I glanced over at him, surprised by his comment. He was still looking up at the sky, eyes flickering from cloud to cloud. It was strange, the way he treated me. There was always a level of apparent respect for my position, but he often seemed to use it against me. The number of times he had doubted or mocked me based on my title were too many to count. But occasionally he would show sympathy for who and what I was. It was difficult to comprehend, or predict what he would say next.

"See something you like?" Balthier asked, cutting into my thoughts, and I realized I'd been staring at him. I looked away, face flushed. He didn't say anything else, but I could feel him smirking.

"When did you get the Strahl?" I asked, changing the subject. Balthier looked back up at me, mischief still glimmering in his eyes as he answered. "About two years ago... she's an Archadian cast-off, a prototype gunship that never made it to the battlefield."

I raised an eyebrow. "And how would you come to be in possession of an Archadian prototype?" I asked mildly.

Balthier shrugged and laid out on the grass, hands crossed behind his head. "I owe allegiance to no nation, therefore I travel to all of them," he replied. "Is it so strange that I visit Archadia?"

"No... I suppose not." Something of a lie, that; it was rather strange that he would be able to get a prototype gunship in the middle of a war. Another interesting fact about my companion.

A comfortable silence fell over us. I risked another glance at Balthier, and saw that he'd closed his eyes. A smile tugged at my lips; his contentment was somewhat contagious. It had been quite some time since I had really, truly relaxed, the way he did. I envied his ability to let go of the mission and the dangers, even for a brief time. Of course, it was not really his mission-- he claimed to be following me out of sheer curiosity. Another white lie. Men like him do not follow deposed royalty on mad quests across the land to fulfill their curiosity.

"How's your arm?"

"Hmm?" I glanced down at Balthier, who had not moved nor opened his eyes.

"Your arm... has the wound healed some?"

I nodded, then realized he couldn't see me. "Yes, it has." I paused for a moment. "Thank you for your help."

He waved a hand dismissively. "I'm certain you would have done the same for me." He opened his eyes and smiled at me. "Besides, I would hate to see the Captain's response if I let you get hurt."

"You did not let me do anything. I chose to come out here myself."

"You know that, and I know that, but to the Captain..." Balthier pushed himself into a sitting position and shrugged. "You can do no wrong, Princess." He paused a moment, then smirked at me and continued. "Of course, I know better than that."

He simply cannot resist the opportunity to mock me. I sighed and glared at him, but remained silent. Balthier exhaled heavily and got to his feet, brushing grass from his shirt. He smiled charmingly at me and offered his hand. I hardly needed help, but I placed my hand in his as I stood anyway.

"We really ought return to Jahara," Balthier said. "They're sure to be looking for you, Princess."

Our hands were still joined, I noticed absently. "You don't have to call me that," I said.

Balthier looks puzzled. "Call you what?"

"Princess. Your Highness. I... I would rather you didn't use my titles. It could attract unwanted attention." I looked down as I continued. "And it has been long time since anyone has used my name."

The puzzled look on Balthier's face faded into one of understanding, with a hint of sadness. "Your wish is my desire, Ashe," he replied in his best courtly fashion. After a moment, he lifted my hand to his lips and brushed a kiss across my knuckles. I blushed furiously as he dropped my hand and continued. "Now then, if you will allow me to accompany you safely back to Jahara, we can forestall Captain Ronsenberg's complete and utter breakdown."

He started walking in the direction of the Garif village. As was often the case with Balthier, he had raised more questions than answers. After a moment, I picked up my shield and followed him.