(no subject)

[xqueen-asheliax.livejournal.com]

Who: Ashe, Snow, Ashe's illegitimate brother (yay for AU) and Basch.
What: A royal visit, Snow gets advice and plans to go on a trip.
Where: Royal Palace, Westersand and Lowtown.
When: A whole day!
Rating: PG-13


The Queen was currently pacing the ballroom with several people busying around her. Advisors nagging about work, maids nagging about her attire and several people simply noting down everything she decided concerning the decor. It had to be different to her wedding to Rasler. The theme then had been white and gold. Rasler's homeland colours. She didn't expect Cocoon had a colour theme, so she'd decided to go with a nature theme, with plants -everywhere-. Dressed in a pale blue dress that split far too high for a Queen and with a cleavage far too low, Ashe wore a pale blue ribbon as an aliceband, making herself look even purer than usual.

Snow was watching Ashe pace the ballroom from a balcony above it, at times ogling the way her dress fit her, at others marvelling that this was such a.. production. Two people in love settling down, that's how it was done where he was from. This was a lot of ceremony, for him. He hopped off the balcony, hitting the floor below expertly, and rolling to stand, grinning, "Hey, Queenie, isn't this all a bit.. much?"

Ashe's gaze could've been almost deathly as she looked at him. "Much...? The first wedding Dalmasca has held since my own to Lord Rasler? It's not -enough-!" She gritted her teeth before looking back at the scribers. "I think Galbana Lilies, Archadian Roses and... wait..." She turned to look at Snow. "What flower means love in Pulse?" She suddenly seemed pleasant again and smiled sweetly at him.

"Uhh.." he blinked at the stare, and felt almost as if he'd rather be off fighting that Tonberry King again.. then she turned sweet as if flipping a switch, and he replied easily, "Crystal Roses. Just getting one's facing death itself by leaving Cocoon, so to recieve one from a boy means he's risked his life just to make you smile. Er.. anyway, maybe I'll just go.. uhm.. over there." he gestured vaguely.

She simply glanced at the scribes who wrote down Snow's words but as he spoke again, she grasped his hand, pouting up at him. "I am sorry. My temper is short these days..." She shook her head a little and reached to touch his cheek. "This is as much your decision as it is mine... it's just that without knowing when Ba... Gabranth can secure a date I have to be sure everything is prepared..."

Snow nodded gently, rubbing the back of his head a bit, and shrugging, "It's just that.. I mean, I know yer a Queen and all, but I don't know why it's gotta be so.. huge." he spoke with his hands as often as his words, and he held his arms out wide at the last words, "Y'know..?" maybe she didn't.. He didn't often stop to think of her as a Queen, but it struck him now, as it had any time he'd seen her being regal and poised, that she was royalty. It made him feel rather.. common, by comparison.

Ashe chuckled softly, smiling at him. "I suppose that it is because I am Queen that I allow it to become such a big thing. The wedding my father prepared for myself and Lord Rasler was small," if you didn't count the mandatory parade, "as he expected I would be married away as Queen of Nabradia, and he would continue to rule Dalmasca until I bore a son." She smiled lightly then, glancing down. "Everything was done by his book and his rules... I just want this to be bolder. Better. Stronger."

The blonde smiled softly, and rubbed her cheek with one hand, leaning in to kiss her very gently, in front of all of her help. "Look.. I don't have a problem with it Queenie.. not one bit.. It's just a bit overwhelmin' for me, y'know? Fightin' an army, I can manage, I'm trained for that.. Royal wedding? Well.. not so much, see?"

"I see. I'll go slower, and calmer," she laughed lightly but as the doors of the ballroom opened she let out a sound similar to a shriek and darted across the room, diving into the arms of a man very much not her fiancee and hugging him like he was suddenly a gift from the Gods and she was a humble receiver.

The man was dressed in dark armour that seemed tinted bluish, a helmet fixed in place until the young Queen dove into his arms. A muffled laugh escaped and he removed the helmet, looking down at the woman. His hair bore the same hue as hers, if fractionally darker, and his skin was just as pale but there was a distinct difference between them. Still, he said nothing as he hugged her back.

Snow was about to thank her, but then she shrieked and dove into the arms of.. another man. Looking somewhat put-out, jealous even, Snow walked across the ballroom, smiling cordially, and waiting to be introduced by Ashelia. The last time he'd gotten jealous over a man she was near, well, he'd made an ass of himself. That still bugged him a bit. Did she have to know so many men?

Ashe seemed to nuzzle into that cold, dark blue armour but after a moment she took a step back to study the face of the man before her. "Heh... you've got a new scar." The Queen reached to touch the mark in the man's eyebrow, before giggling and looking at Snow. "Oh!! Oh! Snow! Snow, this is Halim B'nargin Dalmasca!" She bounced in place, suddenly a lot brighter than she had been. Well, somewhat less stressed.

"That's King Halim, Ashelia..." Halim smiled, reaching his hand to offer it to Snow, keeping his arm hooked around Ashe's waist, his helmet in that hand. "A pleasure to finally meet you, Ashelia has told me much about you." Still, had she told Snow anything about him? It didn't seem all that likely.

"King Halim B'nargin Dalmasca." he spoke the name as if testing it, taking the man's armored hand and shaking it firmly. He didn't know much, if anything, about the man, though his name obviously made the man his fiancee's brother. "It's nice to meet you, too." after a moment, Snow let the man's hand go, and looked questioningly at Ashelia.

Ashe beamed at Snow before gasping. "Oh Gods! I didn't tell you about Halim!" She covered her face with her hand before bouncing on her bare feet. Her brother was almost as tall as Snow, less muscular, though the armour hid that. "This is the youngest of my brothers, number eight of nine," she chuckled, smiling brightly.

Halim chuckled, patting Ashe's head. "I guess Little Miss Queen of Dalmasca isn't into the habit of telling her fiancee about her illigitimate brother, hm?" He chuckled and shook his head slightly, smiling the same way Ashe did. "I am King Halim B'nargin, born of Dalmasca, King of the very small country Omne, south of here, near Rozarria. Though she is small, Omne is a strong ally of Dalmasca." He explained, almost like it was rehearsed.

"No, Ashe really hasn't told me much about her family, honestly." he smiled kindly to his wife-to-be, "Besides her late husband, and father, I have heard little." he rubbed the back of his head at the rehearsed introduction, not really sure how to react. He'd never been a King, and it would be apparant to Ashe that he'd need some lessons in things. Like courtly etiquette.

Ashe pouted lightly, frowning at her brother. "Must you call me Little Miss all the time?" She huffed at him and wandered off to her aides, rambling at them about more preparations. Of all her brothers, Halim, named for their uncle, was the one she was closest to. He was only a few years older than her, the others had been much older.

Halim smiled awkwardly. "Yes, well, we don't talk about family much. I am... the B'nargin scandal. I suppose as you're becoming part of the family, you should be allowed to know." He cleared his throat slightly. "Ashelia and I are half-siblings. We share a mother." Shaking his head slightly, he smiled. "Covering me up as her father's son, I was married off as soon as I turned sixteen."

Snow shrugged softly, and smiled lightly, "You're good to Ashe. I don't mind your lineage." honestly he didn't, and he seemed more at ease with the man the more he spoke to him. It wasn't that Snow didn't like men in Ashe's life.. but strangers, who she dove on.. well, a man's mind went to strange places.

Halim smiled and shook his head. "I'm... cruel to her, in the most loving way possible," he laughed and shrugged a little. "So, Snow, how have you settled into palace life? It's not as relaxed as one would expect, correct?" He chuckled, crossing his arms, dangling that helmet in his fingers as he watched his sister throw her Queenly weight around.

Snow turned to absently watch Ashe, standing beside Halim. The adoring look in his eyes was unmistakable. "I.. find it to be a bit more.. pomp, than I'm used to. But otherwise? Well.. it isn't that much different from running a group like mine, you're just assured some nicer things. As long as you keep your mind on your goals, it isn't too bad." he smiled faintly, thinking of his and Ashe's 'adopted' children. "I just want to make Ashe happy, and help her with Dalmasca." he had proved surprisingly insightful for someone of common stock.

He chuckled lightly, turning his helmet in his fingers. "Indeed, as I hear it, you've agreed to adopt the orphans alongside her. I'll have you know, when she was naught but a child, she would often sneak out to Lowtown and spend her time with the other children. I was frequently leading search parties to reclaim her," he chuckled again then stretched his arms up, groaning slightly. "Gods, I forgot how uptight this place is. There never was any fun to be had in Rabanastre's royal palace..."

"Heh, well, Ashe seems to care about them a great deal.. all of her people, really, but especially those children." Snow continued to watch her, then glanced at Halim when he spoke of how uptight the palace was, smirking wryly, "It's only uptight if you let it be. It doesn't have to be. What say we find something fun t'do, hmm?"

A smirk not unlike that of his sister's crossed his pale lips and Halim tilted his head. "What do you propose we do? I'd rather not incur the wrath of Dalmasca's Queen nor alert my guards as to my... lack of pressence aboard our airship." So, it was a family trait to sneak out of their protectors' view and grasp? "I suppose there is fun to be had simply roiling up her temper..." he chuckled.

Snow shook his head, "Nah.. sometimes sure, but if you caught the same look I did a few minutes ago, you'd remember the rule about poking dragons." he laughed softly, and smiled, rubbing his stubbly chin, "Let's see.. something fun t'do.. Hmm.. Ah~! Ashe!" he called for her, waving a hand and grinning, "Halim'n I're gonna take off to the Westersands, I'm gonna show 'im how t'Blitz. You wanna come with us?"

Ashe blinked as she was called, looking over her shoulder. As Snow spoke, her eyes widened slightly. "Ah! But he is a King! He cannot simply stroll off into dangerous deserts!" She paused for a long moment then realised she didn't ever follow rules like that. Laughing lightly, she waved a hand. "Go, have your fun, but I expect you both back before sunset."

"Yes, mother," he whined at her, pulling a face. He wasn't nearly as uptight as she was. Perhaps that was due to Ashe's father carrying the uptight gene and his own being a Landisian man. They were a lot gentler and more relaxed than Dalmascans. Turning, he replaced his helmet, if only to guard his appearance from the people. "Well then. Teach me how to... Blitz, was it?"

"Mmyup, you'd best hope you have some lighter clothes under all that armor, King Halim." he smirked slightly, wondering why it was okay for him, Ashe's King-in-Waiting, to go traipsing off into dangerous deserts. He'd rather not be lectured, though, so he wouldn't bring it up, darting over to Ashe and kissing her sweetly. "Don't worry, I won't hurt 'im. Have a good time Ashe." he pinched her waist fondly, and looped an arm over Halim's shoulders, leading him out of the palace.

Ashe smiled as she was kissed, her face flushing brighter than usual, simply because her brother was there to witness such an open display of intimacy. Still, Halim didn't look even slightly interested or angered by the fact. "Please, call me Halim. Hal if you so please," he chuckled, drumming his fingers on his armour. "I've fairly lighter attire beneath this. It should be no problem to remove it all and leave it out of harms way."

"Fantastic!" Snow laughed softly, pausing on the way out of the palace to have one of the maids bring him his Blitzball from.. well.. from wherever it had been placed the first time the guards had captured him. Soon, though, the pair were on their way out to the Westersands, Snow chatting amiably, "So Hal, is this whole ditchin' your entourage thing a familial trait or what?"

"Indeed. From our mother's side. She was the younger sister of Bhujerba's leader, our Uncle Halim Ondore. She tended to be out of the palace more often than she was in," He laughed, entirely ignoring the stares of the people. He knew what his armour made him look like. A Judge Magister. A hated man. Really, if only they could tell the hues of armour determined the land. "I believe most royals and leaders of Ivalice have been taking the same leaf from the same book, recently, mind."

It must have been odd for some people, to see such hated men in the company of Ashelia's lover-turned-fiancee. Gabranth/Basch, and now Halim would both have been sighted, chatting on friendly terms with Snow. He held the Blitzball in the crook of his arm, waving the other as he spoke, "I see.. your mother sounds like quite a lady.." he idly wondered if the woman still lived, given Rabanastre's seeming streak of deceased nobility, "S'how I met Ashe, actually. Outside the Blitzball arena in Luca, though I was blitzed in a different way, heh, I thought she was some kinda groupie at first."

Laughing lightly, he crossed his arms as they walked, apparently far more relaxed than most royals tended to be. "You know, I've got a suspicious feeling she was perhaps a little bit of a groupie. She gives off a hard air but when she likes something she generally clings to it," he smiled lightly. "Indeed, my mother was a good woman. Alas, she passed by the plague when I was but twelve years. Ashelia was seven."

"Sheesh.." Snow sighed and tossed the ball up as he walked, "No offence, but it sounds like this wedding is like me signing on to die in the next few years. Dalmascan nobility just doesn't last all that long, does it?" his tone was obviously joking, and he elbowed Halim for good measure. He loved Ashe, and nothing was gonna keep him away. "Well, long story short, I kidnapped her, took her out drinking, the guards found us, took her back, threw me in the brig, and I found out she was a Queen."

"By chance did she give you the name Amalia?" He laughed almost wickedly then, shaking his head. "Ah, yes, Dalmascan royalty has been awfully cut away in recent times. Our mother died when Ashelia was seven, and then in the following ten years we lost seven brothers to war and illness. Then, Lord Rasler, our father, and I had believed Ashelia dead for some time..." He sighed a little. "It's a surprise there is even a Dalmasca left."

Snow blinked, counting in his head. So.. she had eight brothers? Funny.. he hadn't known that. The blonde resolved to spend more time in the palace's library, studying Dalmascan history. If he was going to be King, there were things he needed to know.. Hu fuhtan cra nayldc cu pytmo.." he muttered to himself, thinking to any time she had believed him to be injured, or seen him -actually- injured, "I didn't know she'd had quite so.. well, that's a lot of close deaths." he'd felt the sting of his own fair share, possibly two shares, as members of Team Nora were torn away.

"Hu... fuh... eh??" He blinked at Snow frow behind his mask, though he was glad his expression of pure idiocy was hidden. His voice wouldn't have hidden that blankness, though. "Yes, well... mother, father, seven brothers, her husband, the majority of our friends and over half of our kingdom was cut away through plague and war. It seems her only family is myself, my wife and my sons. They all currently reside upon our airship. Likely sleeping off our trip from Bhujerba..." Sightseeing with Uncle Halim was always a great activity for himself and his sister.

"Err.. sorry. I'm from Pulse, but I was stranded, somehow without many, if any, memories.. on Spira. Some people called the Al Bhed took me in, they speak their own language." he rubbed the back of his head, and had the thought that he needed to introduce the Al Bhed to Dalmasca; they'd like it here. And the technology influx wouldn't hurt the place.. he'd discuss it with Ashe later. "Yikes.. I guess I'll have to break the trend and make sure we all stay alive then, eh?"

"I see. Well, I suppose Ashelia has yet to regail you with broad Dalmascan tongue. It is rather... a coarse language. Still, we are versed in every language managable by Hume tongues from the age of three." He shrugged slightly, pulling off his helmet once they reached a more secluded area. "Indeed, you must break the trend. I believe that, from her letters, were you to die, it would prove true of her own death following yours, this time."

"If only that she could come and kick my ass for dying." he spoke jokingly, but he believed Halim.. Ashe likely couldn't handle another man so close to her being torn from her side. He remarked seriously, "I don't plan on dying. Some of my Team might think we're gonna bite it up on Pulse, but we're all comin' back, dammit." he hadn't quite looked this serious to Halim, so it might have been intimidating. A moment later, he was smiling again, and winked, "C'mon, get that stuff off, you look strong enough to maybe manage a few -basic- shots."

He was a little startled by Snow's seriousness but it made him glad. He wasn't easily intimidated, however, so he simply gave a firm nod and a smile, unbuckling and unclipping his armour until it was removed and he was down to cream linen shorts that brushed his knees, a dark blue vest over a mostly open white shirt that bore no sleeves and sandals that strapped up his calves. Omnese attire, with leather straps and patches for decoration.

Snow shrugged his coat off, and tossed it down by Halim's armor, rolling his broad shoulders to warm up. "Alright, well, the basic premise for Blitzball.. you take a Blitzball, get past the other team, and fire it into the goal post. But the rub is that it's under water the whole time, so ya gotta be able to hold yer breath while ya move. Moreso, it's harder to move on land, but harder to get power in the water. so what you can master in the air, well, you can pull off in the water, easy."

"Right. So, this is a sport? Well, you don't learn by talking, you learn by doing. Shall we begin?" He swept back his almost shoulder length silver-blonde hair, fractionally darker than Ashe's. "How... does one begin?" He laughed, feeling how novice he really was to this whole thing but enjoying the chance to relax for a change.

Snow laughed, and nodded, "Yup, definitely a sport. And, lucky you, you've got the Al Bhed Psyches' star forward to teach ya. Pretty much, ya start by learnin' the Sphere Shot." it was an obscenely hard shot, honestly, especially out of water, but it was one of the fundamentals. Everything you learned about Blitzing, well, it went into the shot. Snow kicked the ball, bouncing it off a rock, then kicked it straight up. Gathering himself, he leaped into the air, moonsaulting, and snapped a solid kick into the knobbly sphere, sending it hurtling back to the ground, embedding into the sand in a shallow crater. He landed shortly afterwards, "Sphere Shot. Like that."

Halim blinked at him, watching the display. After a moment, he laughed quite heartily. "May I remind you, I've been cooped up in a palace for the past ten years? That is... just impossible for me to do." He chuckled, shaking his head. "It is very impressive, don't take my words wrongly, but... not possible. No way." He shook his head quite firmly then, showing that look of dismissal Ashe wore when she knew something was beyond her power.

He laughed softly, and nodded, "Don't worry. That's what you're practicing to be able to do. Let's start with kicks, hmm? The Blitzball is like any other ball, and to move it around the arena, you can hold it and swim, or pass it to someone else." he scooped the ball from the sand, and tossed it to Halim, "It's all about power. But with control. You can't just be super strong, or you'll blow the ball all over the place. But you can't be a weakling either, or someone else, like me, will take the ball." Blitzball was a violent sport.

As the ball was tossed to him, he caught it in only one hand, his palms shielded in fingerless gloves. "I am afraid we haven't a lot of sports involving balls or the such in Ivalice. Our sport is a lot more... well, suffice it to say, most of it is on mounts." He chuckled, tossing the ball up and down, listening to everything Snow told him. "Of course, children have games involving such things but we do not gather in group sport..."

"No? Well, it's great for morale.. The Church of Yevon used Blitzball for hundreds of years to distract Spirans from Sin ravaging our lands. Whenever someone got too many Machina in one place, the thing would come outta no-where to destroy 'em. And the people too." Snow sighed, and rubbed his arm, "C'mon, give it a kick back this way."

He nodded slightly, frowning. "I have read a lot about Sin, yet it must have been truly awful to live through." Still, as Snow asked for him to kick it back, Halim dropped the ball to the sand and kicked it to Snow. It was a damn hard kick that sent it hurtling towards the larger man, causing Halim to raise both hands to cover his mouth, expecting it to give Snow a black-eye if it hit.

Snow's reflexes proved sharp, and he caught the ball with a sharp -slap!- in both palms. He chuckled, and tossed it up and down a few times, "It kept things in perspective.. sure, it always sucked, but it reminded everyone that life ain't somethin' that goes on forever. Be happy, and live it up, right?" he tossed it back Halim's way, "That was a good kick, try twisting your foot next time, try to curve it at me instead of coming on straight."

"Mm. Wars do the same thing. Especially if your seven brothers die." He dropped the ball again, doing as told and twisting his foot as he kicked the ball. Though, he faltered as he quickly raised his hand, casting Fira on a wolf just about to pounce on Snow from behind. "Damn creatures. There always were too many wolves and they breed like Salika Blooms..." Which, to an Ivalician, would simply mean they bred like crazy.

The blonde blinked as the fiend went down, having dodged to the side to catch the ball. He'd rolled to his feet, letting out a low whistle, "Right, Westersands.. there -are- Fiends. Also, what does that mean.. breed like Salika Blooms?"

"Ah...? Oh, it means they breed incessantly. Wolves in Dalmasca are worse than Vorpal Bunnies. They breed as though there is some desire to repopulate the species," he chuckled, shaking his head. "It's a referrence to the Salika Bloom. It covers the Wood in the summer," he explained, smiling. "There are quite a few Ivalician sayings like that."

"Ooh.. okay. Kind of like saying 'Drelgan dryh Lyldiyn haatmac eh dra cbnehkdesa.' Thicker than Cactuar needles in the springtime." he chuckled along with Halim, finding this little interlude to be quite enjoyable.. it had been some time since he did anything Blitzball related.

"Oh, quite, quite!" He chuckled and crossed his arms looking over the expanse of desert. "There are a lot of sayings throughout Gaia. It's a wonder we know anything foreigners say to us. I suppose we should all be glad we share a common language, aside from whatever other tongues we speak in," he mused, smiling.

"Yeah.. that's certainly a blessing. I mean, there're all kinds of languages, but we all have a simple one that seems to work no matter where we go, huh?" he crossed the space between himself and Ashelia's brother, stretching, "So, can you jump high?"

"Be glad we're not all speaking Seeq. I doubt Ashelia has shown you her skill in that field," a smirk came but at the suggestion of him jumping he raised both brows. "I cannot honestly say I recall ever having to jump. Royalty is bound to acting prim and proper as much as Humely possible..."

"So.. no jumping, huh? Not even a little? If you're gonna Blitz, ya gotta know how to use those legs." he smirked, and hopped around a few times, "It's not hard, y'know." he was teasing Halim, now, figuring the man had jumped plenty in his day.

"Well, I say, she caught herself a live one, did my sister!" He laughed and shook his head slightly. "I am afraid I'd feel a fool jumping about, and I'm too proud a man to do that..." He scrunched his nose up then brushed back his mop of silvery blonde hair. "Still... it does sound like an amusing game..." Not that he'd ever get a chance to be inside a real Blitzball Sphere.

Snow laughed softly, and shrugged, "Well.. it is fun, I'll tell ya that. The money's great, and the people really love a good Blitzer. Then again, I never really cared for money besides what I needed to survive, y'know? And I have Ashe.. what more could I ask for?" he also wanted Cocoon to fall, but all in time, right?

"Children, perhaps? I find they are the biggest joy in my life, aside from my wife," he smiled and stretched a little. "A kingdom is a nice thing to have on the list of things important to you, though it seems you'll be inheriting Dalmasca from my mother's husband," Halim chuckled as he rested his hands on his hips. "Have you decided between Prince and King yet?"

"King." he responded easily, smiling faintly. Ashe had seemed very pleased with his choice, "I ain't after the title or anythin', but it comes with marryin' the gal I love, so I wanna do it right and help her with the responsibilities, y'know? But yeah.. kids.." the look in his eyes was faraway and it was obvious that he wanted some of his own.

"King." he repeated, nodding firmly. "I am sure that pleases my sister greatly," Halim tilted his head, watching Snow before he picked up the Blitzball, spinning it on his fingertip. "You know, if your wish for children, my sister has desired a family since the age of fourteen. She became greatly attached to my eldest, at that time." He smiled lightly, tossing the ball up and down.

Comments

[xqueen-asheliax.livejournal.com]

"Oh? Well.. when we are married, and things aren't looming quite so close to her, I will bring it up." he ached for a family, likely due to the void losing his whole Team had brought him. Sure, he knew where that damn kid was, and Lightning, but he was missing -dozens- of men and women. Who were like family. Coupled with his natural desire for children.. yeah.

"No doubt it won't be long. Weddings between the royals in Ivalice are fast. Ashelia knew Rasler merely two months before they were wed. I knew my wife for six months," he shrugged slightly, watching the ball as he toyed with it. "Families are few and far apart in Ivalice. Of course there are patchwork ones; people drawn together for safety. Still, blood-related families are hard to come by."

"Ahh.. well, Ashe wants it big, and... large." he hadn't been able to come up with a good word, "Fancy, too, I guess. Where I come from, you share a cup of water, kiss eachother on both cheeks, hold hands, and recite the Hymn of the Fayth, to show your devotion to one another's wellbeing. And bam, you're married."

"Oh, the ceremony is the quick part," he laughed slightly, "I'm afraid you'll be involved in a large parade beforehand, a ceremony that lasts about... half an hour, and then the rest of the day will be a royal feast and ball. Usually involving everyone who can be there." He smiled then shifted to lean against a rock. "Have you chosen a Best Man or written your vows yet?"

"A parade? Seriously?" he blinked, almost stupidly, then sat down in the sand, shaking his head. "I dunno.. it's all too much.. why does there have to be a parade? And a ball?" he sighed, and flopped down on his back, looking at the sky, "No.. I don't have either of those. I don't even know what my vows should be.. Like I said, normally we recite the Hymn.."

Halim chuckled, shaking his head. "Ahh, you commoners are so amusing..." he paused and slapped a hand to his face groaning, "I did not intend that to sound as offensive as it did..." sighing a little, Halim watched Snow for a moment. "The parade is for the kingdom. Their chance to enjoy your happiness for a fleeting moment. The ball is the reception. Simply a party." He shrugged slightly. "As for your vows, they just need to be heartfelt. Pertaining to your Best Man, you should choose a man you trust well."

"No offense taken, Hal. I know I'm not nobility.. but I guess I can understand that the people need something from this as well. I'm not just marrying Ashelia, but I'm becoming their King, right? I'm not gonna be out of the public eye for a long, long time.." he loved Dalmasca and it's people through Ashe, though, seeing them all as a representation of the wonderful little Queen. Almost immediately, though, the thought of Gabranth as his best man came to mind..

"It's not so bad, being in the public eye. You find ways to slip away." He chuckled lightly, watching the fiends around. "Have you anyone in mind to play the part of best man? I'd suggest someone Ashelia trusts, too. She's a difficult woman to please." A soft smile settled on his face as he dropped the ball, kicking it back up and catching it.

"I was thinking of Judge Gabranth, honestly.. he's been very understanding of me, likely due to Ashelia's feelings, but even so.. he could have simply tolerated me, but it feels more like we're friends." good friends, he thought, though he couldn't just take the man out to drink. Snow chuckled at Halim's assertion, "Oh.. not all the time. Sometimes, you just have to know the right thing to say. Advice from a certain Kidnapper I know."

[xqueen-asheliax.livejournal.com]

"Gabranth...? Ah, Basch. The dear old fool with more honor than sense sometimes," he smiled fondly then. "It was he whom taught me to wield a sword. As with Ashelia." He chuckled lightly. "Ah, kidnapper? Does this perhaps elude to her letters about a holiday you stole her away to?" He laughed, shaking his head. "Well, she has a weakness to you. She'd easily beat me to a pulp were it to suit her mood."

"Grabranth, Basch.. yeah, him." he rubbed at his forehead, sighing softly and smiling, "He is rather good with a blade. Though the Tonberry King -is- better. Also, yes, if she mentioned a Kidnapper X, let me assure you that that ruggedly handsome rogue delivered the Queen safely into my arms."

"She happened to mention that Kidnapper X was quite the self-inflator when it came to his ego," he teased, smirking good-naturedly. "She also told me how she indeed loves you, which puts me at ease. I never thought she'd shed the title of The Widow Queen," he shook his head, frowning slightly. Titles like that hurt the royals a lot more than most would expect.

"The Widow Queen? Really? How.. rude." he frowned again, wiggling his feet in the sand, "Sounds like it'd remind her every day of how Rasler died.. poor girl.." Snow wasn't the type to be jealous or regretful of someone else's past.. and he was honestly happy that she'd been happy with Rasler. He loved her, though, and she was his now, so Snow wanted to be the one making her happy. "Now she can be.. The Blitzer Queen. Or something."

Halim chuckled and brushed his hair from his eyes. "The Snowflake Queen," he suggested, smiling. "Still, no matter the nickname, she'll be a better Queen for her happiness. Her love for Dalmasca will remain strong but her love for you will keep -her- strong." He stretched a little before tossing the ball to Snow. "We're best to return to the palace. Dalmasca's bitch heat is worst in the afternoon."

He caught the ball and stood, getting back into his coat and chuckling softly, flushing. The man had him pegged alright. "Yeah.. Ashe is a great Queen without a King.. what she needs is someone to help her bear the weight of it all, and keep her smiling." he planned on being the best husband Ashe could ask for.. even if they sometimes had fought.

Pulling on his armour with a practised swiftness, he nodded a little. "Her flaw is that she tries to rely on nobody but herself. She always has," he slid his helmet on, holstering his sword around his waist, settling it at his hip. "With you around, she might learn to rely on others." He then looked at Snow, and despite his face being hidden, his voice held all the weight necessary, "I will warn you, however, that if you break her heart I shall not hesitate to rally my army against you."

Snow laughed softly, "As Gabranth would surely have run me through, and my maids would poison my morning juice. I have had more death threats from people I would think should be happy, than I have had actual enemies step forth to kill me." he didn't seem too bothered by this, however.

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"I suppose it just goes to show that you aren't the only person who loves the young Queen," he smiled and soon laughed, heading back in towards the city. "Still, I'm glad I'm not the first to give you a death threat concerning Ashelia. It's nice to know others are looking out for her best interests." Halim watched the ground as the sand fast vanished into cobbled streets.

"Well, I'd expect to die if I ever did something stupid like hurt Ashelia.. She means th'world to me, and I only have one thing to do besides be her husband.." he smiled gently, determinedly, "And, if she has her way, she will be there beside me during the event."

"Ah, bringing down some Holy Government of some sort? Ashelia informed me via letters," he replied, ignoring the looks he was still getting. "It sounds like an honorable venture. I'm not particularly fond of the idea of my young sister being invloved but she is too headstrong and stubborn to disuade. She's the kind to rally an army on impulse..."

"We don't need an army as much as we need a few teams of reliable, trained individuals who work well together.." he sighed, and rubbed the back of his head, "That's not for quite some time, though.. Most of my Team is still AWOL. Anyway.. happier things. Am I missing any kind of.. traditional.. wedding.. things?" he sounded so awkward there.

Halim smiled behind his helmet. "You should have most things handed to you from the maids. They know what they're doing." He drummed his fingers on his armour for a moment. "You seem the type not to battle with swords but you'll be given one out of tradition. You'll also need wedding rings." He hummed slightly, in thought. "If you wish to make your vows exceedingly special, acquiring a Bur-Omisace Holy Water crystal as a pendant for Ashelia is about the most romantic thing a man can do in Ivalice. It involves climbing to Mount Bur-Omisace's deadly peak and getting it from those whom dwell there."

"Right.. so.. let the maids wait on me.. learn at least passable swordplay.. get wedding rings.." the engagement ring was wonderful, but he would have to get something more special for their wedding rings. He had an idea, there, "And a Bur-Omisace Holy Water Crystal pendant..?" he rubbed his chin, obviously planning to do just that, now, "Alright.. I have an idea. Feel like taking a trip?" he smiled to the armored man, tilting his head to one side, "You said you're awfully good with a sword, right?"

"Indeed, though I assure you that it is best to make it to the mountain via airship. I... have made the climb myself, alone, and acquired the crystal for my wife. It is a treacherous journey. Going alone was foolish; I was almost killed and spent days recovering in the temple there. It is perhaps best we take a third man with us." He shook his head slightly. "Perhaps Gabranth? Whilst I am well trained, he is an expert."

"This is true.. and it would be wrong of me to take you from your family." he clapped the man on the shoulder, and smiled, "I will ask Gabranth to accompany me on this little journey.. we must visit Bikanel Island, my homeland.. as well as this mountain. On the way, I am certain that he could teach me at least the basics of swordplay."

"I would gladly accompany you and Gabranth on the journey, yet I cannot necessarily escape my duties. I hear Ashelia has several pirate friends. Perhaps if you were to ask one of those to join you?" He would've thoroughly enjoyed the escape but his country would be shaken with him gone that long. It'd take at least a week to do all Snow had planned.

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He idly thought of asking Lightning for a ride there.. and gave his head a shake. No.. that would be stupid.. she'd simply gut him, or something. "Er.. perhaps. Likely not. Gabranth and I should do just fine.. we're both very capable, after all." he didn't know any of her other pirate friends, except Balthier, and he'd only met the man the one time.

Halim nodded slightly. "Well, I must insist you get to the mountain via airship. On foot it would take nigh three weeks to arrive. By which point, I expect Ashelia would have your name atop a 'to be hanged' list with Gabranth's a dead second, if you will pardon the pun," he chuckled then turned to head inside the palace, smiling behind his helmet.

"Well, Bikanel isn't exactly close.. I figured Ashe would lend me a ship, if I told her it was very important for our wedding." he smiled softly, nodding at the man's assertion that he'd be hung, "Funny story, but there was a time I think where she was seriously considering hanging me." he told Halim about the raid Zack and Lightning had pulled, and about how he'd collapsed the next day, though he left out the part about bedding Ashelia in the medical tent.

"Gods... they stole a nethecite Shard?! Had they used it... well, all Landis was wiped out with that stone. And an entire armada was wiped out with that stone's sister." He shook his head slightly. "Sadly, I'm ashamed to say I'd have had a reaction much the same as hers. Our family has faced so much treason we know not when trust is well placed, sometimes."

"I understand, now.. but it hurt to have her thinking I only showed an interest in her to get at her treasure." he sighed, tossing the ball to some children with a smile. He could get others, and maybe Blitzing would catch on here. "In any event, I used my Eidolon to retrieve it, Zack was punished for his entire crew, much to Lightning's dismay, and we let them go alive. The best we could manage, with advisors screaming for their heads on pikes."

"Indeed. I suppose it is best that matters were handled that way. Certainly these pirate friends both you and Ashelia have are wild characters. When I heard my sister had become involved with pirates, and that known hedonist Balthier, I was utterly dissmayed. Still, with no one's knowledge of my life, thanks to it being severely secretive, I was unable to aid her..."

Snow shrugged softly, "As near as I can tell, she is alive and well, and still good friends with Balthier." Snow didn't know, or care, about anything that had happened between them, though he would have if Ashe had a habit of breaking into tears at the mention of his name. "You should be more worried about me. I'm a hedonist, but I focus on one woman." he laughed softly, shaking his head as he did so. He wasn't entirely lying, either..

"Mm, I suppose, but that she is friends with such a man gets my back up. The very fact he is granted amnesty in Dalmasca makes me doubt her sanity.2 Halim chuckled, shaking his head slightly, laughing more at Snow's admittance. "Then I do suppose that nephews or nieces shall not be far off." He laughed and removed his helmet as he spotted his sister coming from the main dining hall.

Ashelia had long since removed the ribbon in her hair in favour of a very expensive tiara. Spotting her brother and fiancee, she strode swiftly towards them, tiptoeing to throw her arms around Snow's neck, drawing him into a kiss. "I've planned everything! It is all done! I have absolutely nothing to worry about. All we need is a date from Sir Basch and you need fitting for your attire."

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"Ah.. about that, Ashe." he smiled apologetically, "I need a week's time, to myself, with Basch.. And I need to borrow an airship. I'll be back after the week, but it's very important.." he took her hands, smiling and kissing her fingers sweetly, in an attempt to mollify her. He hadn't really told her anything about his plan, after all.

Halim smiled and nodded politely. "I'll give you both some space." He didn't want to be around in case she blew up. Ashelia blinked between them then frowned at Snow. "A week? With Basch? Whatever for?" She frowned more, finding it highly uncomfortable to think he'd be gone so long. "Why would you need an airship?"

"I need to visit Bikanel Island, to invite the family that took me in to our wedding." and to acquire suitable wedding rings, he trusted Rin explicitly when it came to acquiring goods, "And I need Basch to teach me some things that I do not know. There might also be a stop elsewhere, but that's not quite certain yet." he didn't want to give that plan away to her, wanting it to be a complete surprise.

She gasped softly. "Of course! Your Al Bhed family! How dreadful of me not to remember!" She seemed to squeak out her words but soon settled, holding his hands loosely with her own. "Certainly, you must visit them. I would demand a journey along with you yet the final plans are just getting underway concerning Lowtown and I cannot leave Dalmasca..."

"I understand, Queenie." he smiled, and kissed her lips sweetly, taking the smaller woman into his arms. It was a very intimate embrace, especially for right there in the main hall, but Snow didn't care. After the kiss, he brushed her hair back gently, and kissed her again, smiling, "I love you, and wish you could come, but someone has to stay and make sure our kids are okay."

Ashelia blushed as she was kissed, smiling as he brushed her hair from her eyes. "I love you, too. I'll await your return with eagerness," she smiled sweetly, brushing her hand over his cheek. She never thought she'd love anyone as much as Rasler but it could be said that she loved Snow more than him. Even with her first husband alive, she loved Snow too much to desire Rasler.

"You'll be alright for a week without me, right? Take breaks, make sure to relax?" he worried about Ashe, and it showed. He was still holding her though, rather aware that, well, he was about to leave for a week of.. trials, and wouldn't have her to comfort him. "Perhaps, since you are done planning, we could spend our last evening having a good time. I know a certain barefooted Queen that likes to go for rides on motorcycles, and get tanked with the best of 'em."

Ashelia chuckled, tilting her head. "I will be fine, Snow. Believe me; the incessant nagging from my maids will force me to take breaks," she smiled gently at him, then as he spoke of spending the evening together, she smirked slightly. It wasn't an expression she often wore, but seemed to wear it when oddly amused, planning something, or knowing someone else's plan. The third option was the reason this time.

He raised his brows in response to that smirk; nothing wrong with his woman knowing his angle. Really, Snow planned to take her out for a night on the town.. some town anyway. "So.. you up for a night out with me? I know I'm a little rough around the edges, but I have it on good authority that you're sweet on me."

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"Oh? Wherever did you fathom an idea such as that?" Her tone was playful but Ashe glanced around with an even more wicked smirk. "Go to the Southgate, wait by the large cargo door that leads to Lowtown. Let me change and I'll meet you there." With that said, she kissed him quickly, not giving him much chance to argue as she darted off towards their chambers.

Baffled, Snow blinked a moment, before shrugging and easily going with the flow. He summoned his motorcycle-like Eidolon, and hopped aboard outside the palace. Revving her engine, he glanced around, waved to people he knew, then took off down the streets. Sure, it was a little dangerous going fast in people-packed Rabanastre, but Snow knew which ways were nearly always empty. Soon, he was at the Southgate, waiting for Ashe as he had been bidden.

Having slipped into a Rabanastran woman's common attire - off-white pants, a beige halter-top that covered only her breasts and a cloak - she pulled the hood up, swiftly escaping the palace before her maids caught her. She had on a pale green bandana to keep her hair from her face, and also make her look less like anything royal. Using the Moogling, she quickly joined Snow, smiling and grasping the large bar to open the cargo door, though it was a fair struggle, considering her size.

Snow revved the engine again, pulling up to beside Ashe and pinching her hip gently, "Goin' my way, Miss Anony?" he smirked, his tone light and affectionate, "'Cause we'll be goin' pretty quickly." the man was itching, it seemed, for some time away from maids, and the palace, and all the people.. So he could just be alone with Ashe, for a bit.

"Well, I know a quaint little pub down here where two people can enjoy privacy as well as the roughest alcohol," she murmured, smiling lightly. She was just glad to be anywhere other than the palace. It got tiring, after a while, keeping up appearances and ensuring she never spoke out of turn or improperly. It was dull.

"Sounds good to me. I happen to like both, especially when it comes to sharin' 'em with you." he swung an arm around her middle, and tugged her onto the bike, sitting sideways, in front of him. Almost casually, he kept her close and kissed the Queen like he always had; like she wasn't first and foremost a Queen to him, which was the honest truth. Ashe was the woman he had met in Luca, and grown to love. Her being Queen was a part of her, yes, but didn't define her like her charm and wit did.

Ashe squeaked as she was pulled onto the bike, laughing against his mouth as she was kissed. "These streets are like a warren, but do be careful not to mow down any of the children." This was orphan central, and while they had a self-proclaimed king of the orphans in Vaan, there was still a lot of sadness and darkness down there. Children homeless and others ill or starving. It made her heart ache but she was working on it. Quickly.

Snow was doing what he could to assist in her planning, but to be perfectly honest, he didn't think he knew enough about Dalmasca to really be of true help to Ashe, something he planned to remedy. "Of course.. As you well know, I am an excellent driver." he took them through the streets slowly, holding her with one arm, steering with the other. "Lemme know when I'm close, hmm?"

Ashelia settled against him until they came near the small pub. It was a converted store with a mass of pirates and orphans of Vaan and Penelo's ages as its patrons. It was dark, dank, dusty and rowdy but Ashe adored it. It was the perfect escape from the palace. Pointing it out, she smiled brightly. "There, that is it." In all honesty, it looked like the perfect locale for a bar brawl.

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He pulled the thrumming motorbike up along the front of the building, and dismounted, helping Ashe off afterwards. Considering where they were, and the whole discretion thing, he let the bike shimmer into nothingness, giving the Sisters a rest. "Nice place. Shall we?" his hand slipped down to give her bottom a squeeze, and his breath skimmed her ear, "I could use a drink after today. It's hot out."

She gasped, blushing brightly as he squeezed her rear, slapping his hand playfully. "You're a cad," she joked, putting on quite a thick Rabanastran accent, entirely unlike her own voice. She smiled at him, slipping inside the bar and sauntering to the bar, making no fuss about slapping away any drunken gropes aimed her way. At the bar, she smiled to the barmaid. "Two've your worst, thanks, and I want them now," she demanded in thick Dalmascan. You had to be firm in a bar like this.

Snow followed her in, raising a brow as she easily warded off impertinent men with grabby hands. He had the same problem with some women, as evidently his street clothes did a good job of hiding who he was. His hands darted here and there, moving aside illicit feels and touches from women, and men, in various states of -soused-, joining Ashe at the bar with a grin. "Great place, so far." he meant it. This was right up his alley.

She grinned at him then the drinks were brought to her and she once again performed that trick of pulling money from her cleavage, handing it over to the woman. She grabbed the glasses of ale, handing one to Snow before heading to one of the back tables. They were usually unoccupied and tonight was no different. Slipping into her seat, she sipped her drink from the slightly cloudy glass, sighing contently afterwards.

Snow was beginning to really enjoy her trick of pulling things out of her breasts. Honestly, it was fascinating. Probably due to the nature of men and breasts.. The man took his ale, and slipped into a seat beside hers, taking a long drink from his ale, his face screwing up. "Good -god- is that ever terrible.." his voice was light, though, and he did take a second drink. Bad alcohol was good, sometimes.

"It is, right? Vile ale but so good by the ninth pint," she chuckled then, sipping her drink. "I believe this is the very table I drank two men under the table. Gabranth included," she had quite a smug expression at that. Fran and Balthier had fast taught her how to handle her drink, putting Basch and Vaan quickly to shame.

"Well, when one bandies around with pirates and rogues, you pick up some skills." he smirked, knowing several such people, himself included. He had begun to pick up the more archaic speech patterns of Dalmasca; no Al Bhed or Cocoonite said 'bandied', honestly. "I rather expect this to be sweet by the time we get around to a dozen."

She laughed, clearing the rest of her glass, grimacing at the taste afterwards with a slight cough. "Indeed you do. I've learnt far more than... someone of my position should know." She laughed again, finding the freedom soothing. Still, it was only a matter of time until someone noticed her missing. "Now, I don't know about you, but I plan to get absolutely sotted," she drawled in her Rabanastre accent.

"I second that motion, my dear woman." his arm slipped around her waist, drawing her and her chair closed while he finished his drink. Signalling a rather scantily clad woman, they were soon refilled, and Snow had something greasy called simply a 'Fry Up' delivered. It couldn't be that bad.. Al Bhed ate whatever they could hunt, which was often fish and other sea bounty.. but just as often it was huge insects.

"Mmn... I feel quite relaxed already," she murmured, settling her head on his shoulder, smiling lightly. "A week... is that not the longest we've been apart since, well, since we met?" It left her unsettled, as Rasler was only meant to be gone a week and he'd been brought back dead by Basch. The idea scared her, but she needed to get over that irrational fear.

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He smiled, and nuzzled the top of her head, picking up the nervous timbre in her tone. "Yes, it is indeed.. Though I will be safe enough.. I am taking Gabranth with me, and I will be travelling to a place I called home, and another should be safe enough." he chuckled, and rubbed her hip gently, "Would you be more comfortable if I took someone else with me..?"

She paused for a long moment then looked at him. "Balthier. He and his wife, Fran, are notorious criminals but they are my dear friends. I would be greatly at ease... though they shall not do it for free." She chuckled lightly, smiling softly. "Fran may, but Balthier would not. He will either demand payment up front or collateral until you can pay him." Indeed, she knew that was one pirate who gave no favours.

"Payment? Well.. I'm sure you could find something that a pirate would want." he smiled, "I would be happy to traipse around with the same criminal element that you have experience with, my dear." he bit her ear amourously, then turned to take another long drink of his ale.

She smiled, laughing lightly. "Indeed, we'll likely have something to catch his keen eye. Still, I'd prefer we find solid payment. The last time I required his paid services, I was resigned to giving him Rasler's ring as collateral." She pouted a little then. "He was very delicate about it, but ruthless all the same," she added, sipping her drink slowly.

"Pirate." he smirked, "Zack and Lightning'll wind up like that.. I heard from 'em the last time they were in port. They want an audience with Prince Rasler, for some odd reason or another." he didn't really know what those two would want with the Prince.. likely returning something they'd stolen on their trip there.

"King Rasler," she correctedly absently. "He is King of Nabradia," she smiled slightly then, noticing the irony that she and Rasler had become Queen and King... but of different countries. "I do not doubt that they'll eventually become more and more like those more ruthless, yet the day they surpass Legends in notoriety and sheer brutality, I will pass off my crown to a Rozarrian." She held slightly ill feelings over Dalmasca being a battle ground between Archadia and Rozarria.

"King Rasler." he repeated with a small smile, "I doubt that either her or Zack have the desire to remain pirates forever.. they do not steal from anyone besides Cocoon's military since their first outing with the Nethecite. I do not know what they do with the weapons, but I have noticed armor, medicines, and other luxury items have been trickling into the marketplace.." he sighed softly, and leaned back in his chair, "I do believe they are fighting my war for me, whether they realize it or not." Snow sounded regretful.. and gave her a look that betrayed his feelings; Snow felt as if he'd let his entire Team, especially his tactician.. well.. down.

"They do what they desire and aid those in need. It is admirable. Not pirate, but admirable." She turned her head to look at him, frowning a little. "She will grow to understand, Snow. I recall that at her age I rampaged with a Resistance. She is young and fierce. A woman like her, like myself, finds it difficult to realise when her own opinion is not most important."

"I suppose so.. she was always difficult that way.." for a moment, he seemed almost morose, dwelling on something he dreaded would happen one day, but then he shook himself and smiled, "I thought were were getting hammered, hmm?" he downed the rest of his drink; bravely, judging from the smears on the glass.

Ashe nodded firmly, once, and emptied her glass. Gesturing to the barmaid, the Queen ordered three more rounds. The woman quickly brought six pints of ale to the table and ashe took on, drinking down half a pint right off. "Mngh... it still tastes vile," she laughed, crossing her legs on her seat. Her feet were bare, and filthy, as any Rabanastran woman tended to not wear shoes in the city. There were exceptions, but most everyone was barefoot most of the time.

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Snow, on the other hand, wore his heavy boots everywhere. The beloved footwear was well broken in, and his feet were huge besides.. He drank down most of an ale, nearly gagging, "Ugh.. they might be getting worse. You sure this ain't just dishwater?" he relentlessly finished it, though.

"Believe me, this is the best drink in Lowtown. If you desire good alcohol and... clean glasses, the Sandsea is much better a choice." She laughed and emptied her glass, picking up her... fourth?... fourth drink that evening. "You do recall that I am noisy when sotted, correct? You'll have to deal with getting me into the palace without alerting everyone."

"I think I can handle it." he was beginning to feel the booze, though he was hardly floored, picking up the next glass, "You're noisy other times, too, sweety." he smirked, nuzzling her neck affectionately. Snow, on the other hand, was a lusty drunk.

She giggled slightly, stifling it with her drink, choking down as much of it as she could. Her eyes were glassy and she smiled at him. "Your mind is never far from the gutters," she teased, leaning to kiss him softly. She smiled and gently backed from the kiss, finishing her drink, feeling her head beginning to swim.

He smirked again, and shrugged, "That's okay.. I don't think you mind it too much." his hand had snuck up from her waist to her shoulder, his fingers dangling on the tops of her breasts, feeling pleasantly buzzed when he finished his latest ale. He was right, though, it was beginning to taste good~!

She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "Mmn... perhaps we should return home soon, before I am unable to stand. Conspirator to piracy I may be, yet I cannot handle my alcohol as well as I used to," she yawned softly, if only because she felt quite languid then. Her eyes were quite glazed and she was slightly slurring her words.

"We'll have to walk, so yeah, it might be a good time to stop.." he smiled, and kissed her cheek gently, putting down plenty of money to cover their drinks. Then he stood, wavering slightly, "Phoo.. okay, I think we can make it back."

Ashe rose too quickly, swaying a little before laughing. "Quickly, before the room begins spinning," she chuckled, grasping his hand and dragging him towards the door. She was a little slower to swat away and sly gropes but a lot harsher in doing so. Drunken Queen on a rampage.

Snow even went so far as to literally kick a man out of his way, ages spent Blitzing resulting in a massive amount of power that his body adequately represented. "Right, let's be on our way huh?" he grinned to his Queen, and was the next one to grope her, kissing her sweetly and sweeping her out the door only a little clumsily.

Ashelia laughed against his mouth, staggering a little as she headed across the street to the Moogling, snuggling into Snow when they were transported through the city and much nearer the palace. Still, they had to get inside the palace without being caught. If Basch spotted them, he'd lecture her, but the aides and attendants were far worse.

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"Awright, I've got a crazy plan.." he mumbled it against her lips, grinning. Snow, drunk, wasn't much for planning things. He fluffed out the back of his coat, snickering, "There should be enough room back there for you to hide, and if you walk with me, we'll make it just fine."

Ashe laughed, covering her mouth quickly, scurrying under his coat and resting her hands on his belt, holding herself tight against his back, trying desperately hard not to laugh. She staggered a few steps, awkwardly walking behind him into the main hall of the palace she -owned- and was currently sneaking -into-.

Dressed in his armour, without his helmet, Basch had been busy calming down maids and the like as to Ashe and Snow's whereabouts, when he caught sight of them from the top of the main staircase. Sighing, yet oddly amused at their plan, he headed down towards them. "I see a certain Kidnapper has made an impromptu return," he muttered in a dry, hard tone.

Snow put on his most innocent expression, smiling to Basch. "What? No no, he promised to never return again, lest the guards give him a permanent place on a post. Now, if you mean that I'm returning to the palace for a night of slumber.. then yes, you're right." he tried to shuffle on past Basch, "It's getting late, even Judges gotta sleep, right? Best turn in. Long week ahead."

Ashe giggled softly, soon gasping and covering her mouth. With an eyeroll, Basch slipped a skilled hand under Snow's coat, catching Ashe's wrist and drawing her out, blinking at her attire. "Majesty, you are dressed like a commoner and reek of alcohol," he murmured, frowning disapprovingly. She beamed at him. "Am I not allowed to drink with my Lord Hsband-to-be on the eve of his weeklong departure?" She tried to speak clearly but slurred terribly.

"Indeed, I was trying to show her a good time. And I need to talk to you, so this is good." an equally skilled twist freed Ashe from Basch's grip, and he smiled sweetly, looping an equally alcohol-scented arm around the Judge. "Why don't'cha let 'er go get cleaned up a bit, and you and I can talk.. it's important." it really was.

Ashe swiftly darted up the stairs, stumbling up a few and assuring everyone loudly that, "I'm okay!!!" before dashing to her room, giggling like a young teen. Really, she was far from acting her age or title. Basch frowned, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at the drunken man he'd soon be calling His Royal Majesty. "What is it, My Lord?" His tone, however, pulled greatly away from any kind of Kingly respect. It also held amusement.

Snow managed to compose himself remarkably well in a short time, and it was clear he'd been acting at least a little more besotted than he was. "Soon I'll be leaving for a week, to visit Bikanel Island and collect my family, and any other Al Bhed who wish to attend the wedding. I will also be retrieving two wedding rings from an old friend.. I will thirdly be going to Mount Bur-Omisace, to retrieve something I believe will make my Queen very nearly kill me, and lastly.." he paused, giving the man an open look, "I would like for you to teach me how to use a sword. Passably, if not well."

Basch listened to Snow reel off the To Do List, watching the man warily for a moment. Still, the last one amused him slightly. "I'll gladly accompany you, if only to settle Her Majesty's unease. We will require an airship, mind you." With a slight chuckle, he rested his hands at his waist. "Then King Halim explained the tradition of you being given a sword? Indeed, being able to wield it is more respected than simply having it."

"We shall be going on Balthier's airship." he responded almost glibly, smiling softly, "But as for learning to use it.. I'm serious. I have seen several swordsmen in my day, but you are the one I trust to make sure I learn it right." he trusted Basch to treat him like a man, not like a King.. the distinction was there, "But yes.. Hal did tell me about that. If I am to have a sword, I don't want to embarass Dalmasca by being clueless about it."

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"Balthier? Heh. We'll have quite the interesting ride, then." He smiled and nodded firmly. "I shall teach you, yet I assure you I shall not treat you any different to my troops. No man learns to wield a sword by being mollycoddled nor by their tutor or opponent restraining themself." He removed the sword at his waist, pressing it, sheathed, against Snow's chest. "Yours. Until you are gifted the Blade of Galtea."

He took the sword with the slightest of sways, and smiled to Basch, "Thank you.. I would ask another favour from you, Basch.. two honestly. The first.." he glanced over his shoulder, "Do not mention Mount Bur-Omisace to Ashelia.." Snow's tolerance for alcohol already had him putting it off, and he was silently thankful that Basch was willing to drill him properly in the sword, "As for the second.. Well, I want you to stand at the altar with me, when I am married." as good a time as any, right?

Basch gave a firm nod, offering his hand for a handshake to the taller blonde. "It would be my honour." He smiled at the other man, though it was brief and as world weary as ever. He really was going to drill Snow in swordplay. Possibly using it as a chance to show the man what could happen were he to break the Queen's heart. He loved his Queen and country as any man should, but Ashelia was important. He'd known her longer than any of his friends, aside from Vossler, and his whereabouts were unknown.

Snow returned the handshake with a serious look, "As well as mine, Basch." he smiled back, and rolled his shoulders softly. Snow had no intention of ever doing anything to hurt Ashe in that manner.. but even he had his doubts about himself. Lightning had seen to bringing them all up, fresh and raw as a mouthful of lemon juice, "Shall we turn in, on this note?" he still clutched the sword, squeezing it gently.

"Indeed. Rest well, My Lord." With that, he bowed as he would to Ashe before turning towards the direction of the barracks. He had a room in the main palace but fet more comfortable out with the other soldiers. They'd accepted him into the fold as his brother, claiming that he, as Gabranth, was a better man than Basch. It hurt, yet it was something he had to deal with.

The blonde idly wondered if Basch would ever be himself in Dalmasca.. but he didn't linger on the thought, returning quickly to his and Ashe's chambers. When he entered, he moved to his wardrobe, and hung the sword on the side of it, unsheathing the length of steel and looking at it.. well, he'd never handled a sword before, that much was obvious.

Ashe emerged from the bathroom, clean, quite sobered, fresh as a spring morning and wearing only a translucent negligee, nothing beneath it. She smiled at Snow, shifting to sit in bed, drawing the silk blankets to her waist. "Why have you Basch's sword?" She'd know that sheath anywhere. It held an Archadian emblem. The Solidor emblem.

"I asked him to teach me the blade. This is mine, he said, until I am given the sword I am to wear as King." he gave it a very clumsy, experimental swing then sheathed it ruefully. "I.. should probably practice, hmm?" he shrugged his coat off, and hung it up, beginning to strip off the clothes he'd had on.

She laughed softly at the clumsy swing. "Well, you have chosen not a better tutor. Basch taught me how to wield a sword and a bow, though I fail dissmally at the latter." She smiled then, resting her laced hands on her lap. "I was five when I first picked up a blade. He was twenty one. I vaguely recall him telling me a woman should not need to arm herself with a sword. Still, I demanded he teach me as he did my brothers."

Snow nodded, "I did not have to demand to be treated as any other man. He seems to have been broken of that yoke by a young lady with a fierce eye." he winked at her, now nearly nude, and moved towards the bathroom. "Let me get the booze smell washed off, and I'll be right out, okay?" he had moved slowly, though, displaying his body for Ashe's benefit.

[xqueen-asheliax.livejournal.com]

Ashe certainly looked. She was allowed to. He was very much hers, after all. "Alright." She nodded softly, reaching to the bedside table for the glass of iced water she always had, sipping it. She'd definitely sobered up considerably now. Shifting to lay down, Ashe squirmed in the bed before getting comfortable, idly petting her abdomen.

After a few moments, Snow, similarly washed and now dressed in loose white linen sleeping pants, walked back into the room. "Mmh.. much better. Much as I like a good drink, you gotta wash it off later." he stood with his hands on his hips, his body free of cuts and bruises for a change, "Did you have a good night Queenie?"

"I did indeed," she smiled sweetly at him before drawing back the covers for him, giving him a sweet, inviting expression. Ashe stretched a little, brushing hair from her eyes whilst one hand remained on her stomach. "It has quite relaxed me and it was a lot of fun. Especially the look on Basch's face," she laughed.

He laughed as well, and crawled into the bed beside her.. on her side. Nestled against her, Snow kissed the woman's cheek gently, his hand joining hers on her belly, rubbing there softly. "I love you Queenie.." he didn't regret it.. even a little bit. Nope. Snow really did love her as much as he claimed.

"I love you, too, Snow," she murmured, resting against him, tracing her fingers over the back of his hand as he rubbed her stomach. "Mmn..." it was very soothing, and she was really comfortable with him like this. She loved him, as much as she voiced and more. Being a Queen she had an appearance to uphold, but in private, she'd speak the truth to him.

Snow leaned down and kissed her gently, moving to rub her leg with his own. "I don't know how I'm gonna manage a week without you though.. we haven't been apart that long since we met, honestly.." the closest he'd come was when she was angry with him over Zack and Lightning.

"I will miss you a lot, Snow. Be sure to return to me without Basch carrying your lifeless body home," she really wouldn't have handled that. Not even slightly. She'd break entirely this time and she'd end up joining him. Dalmasca didn't need to lose both her parents or even one. Ashe didn't need to lose the man she loved.

"I don't plan on dying, Ashe." he smiled, and kissed her cheek, then her lips, "I really, really don't." at one point, the man had planned on dying while he was fighting against Cocoon.. but now, well, now he really wanted to live. And have a family. And keep Ashe close forever. That was good, right?