[Thread; Open] Baby Visiting!

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Characters: Rasler and Ashe, open to well-wishers!
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: Almost a week after the birth, the royal couple are ready for visitors to see them and coo over their baby boy :3
Location: Alexandria
Date: January, 1804
Warnings: n/a, please!

It was a crisp winter morning in Alexandria, the peace within that particular bedroom at the inn being a microcosm of the state of the little country itself, now the fiends attacked no longer. Ashe, still very sore and recovering from the strain of childbirth, sat atop the bed as comfortably as possible against stacked pillows. Within her arms, she cradled a tiny bundle - hers and Rasler's newborn son, Shain; next in the Dynast-King's royal line. The Dalmascan princess watched her baby with maternal admiration and a little amazement as he lay peacefully, quiet save for soft, endearing sounds of contentment. In all honesty, Ashe was still in partial disbelief that the infant was truly theirs; to nurture and raise, entirely innocent and dependent on their care. Somehow, it felt surreal, wondrous and dream-like, exactly how she felt those months ago upon reuniting with Rasler after two years of mourning.

"He has your nose," Ashe spoke quietly to her husband, smiling at the blatant likeness between father and son. Whether Rasler would be granted his wish and the baby would have inherited Ashe's eyes... such would remain unknown for some weeks yet. Unexpectedly, their musings over the new heir were disturbed by a sudden knock at the door.

"...You may come in," announced the princess, quietly still, not wanting to disturb their son's slumber.

 

Comments

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

It shouldn't have been any surprise that it would be the Marquis himself to be the first of many visitors to grace the young royal couple upon this jovial reunion. After briefly speaking with Ashe a few hours or so after the labor, Marquis Ondore vowed adamantly that he would leave Lindblum as soon as possible. He knew that the father, Lord Nabradia, would welcome a lecture or two about raising the youth properly but thought to spare the Lady of such talks for now. She seemed worn and fatigue, surely the look of a newly made mother.

“Tis I, Ashelia.” He announced in a low tone as he pushed open the door gently. Fearing that he would wake the child upon his approach, the Marquis lingered within the threshold for a moment before quietly closing the door behind him. With a quiet eagerness about him, Ondore approached as silently as he could towards the foot of the Lady’s bed.

“I do hope I am not intruding, milady.” Halim was always a stickler for proper manners even when around his dear niece. “But I just needed to be sure you were well.” After worrying so much about Ashe’s well-being over the years, it was actually a blessing now to see such happiness about the dear Queen’s face. Such a look has been long overdue since this terrible conflict with the Empire began.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

The reunion between uncle and niece was surely overdue; it felt like an age since she and her uncle had last met in person, and the moment her eyes fell upon the familiar, willowy Bhujerban figure, her sense of home and belonging was only reinforced. Ashe's eyes smiled in equal measure to her lips, greeting Halim with a nod of her weary head. "You do not intrude, uncle," the princess assured, with a sideways glance to Rasler, who likely shared that opinion.

Any encounter with Ondore tended to remind Ashe of her childhood, when his visits to the Royal Palace of Rabanastre would be frequent and welcome. She may have matured and grown, yet in her eyes, he appeared unchanged.

With her new status as a mother, Ashe was learning many things, one of which being how the presence of a baby seemed to command respectful silence from those around. Such was certainly true with Halim, so she gestured to the infant cradled in her arms as invitation to come closer, knowing he would wish to study the baby, to finally speak with Rasler in person.

"Our son, Shain Raminas."

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

"Shain Raminas." Ondore mused aloud with a little smile. Such a regal name certainly fit the newborn well even if the Marquis grew slightly fond of the previous suggestion of 'Dairi'. However, the name 'Shain' will do better for it held a hardy enough valor for a young prince.

Coming closer towards the newly made mother, Ondore’s smile grew even more once he caught a better glimpse of Little Shain’s face. Reveling at how much the baby took after Lord Rasler; Halim couldn’t help but wonder if the youth gained any of Ashe’s features at all. He hoped that the child would be born with the same bright hued eyes, as his niece but such a revelation wouldn’t come until weeks later. For now, Shain was a splitting image of his regal father.

"He is truly beautiful, Ashe..." This was perhaps one of the rare times that Marquis Ondore actually dropped the formality while around his niece. The newborn within her arms was just too stunning for needless manner when they are all clearly family.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

A great-uncle, yes; her husband's observation was correct and led Ashe's thoughts to drift and settle upon someone else - her father, King Raminas. How she'd adored him, the kindest and most benevolent of men, who had been the greatest role model possible during her childhood and transition into the woman she had become. If only he could have seen her now, Ashe thought with a little regret; so very happy, completely in love, his first grandchild cradled in her arms.

Those thoughts were drawn to a close by the prince's suggestion, Ashe carefully adjusting her hold on the baby, ready to hand over the swaddled child if the Marquis were to accept and sit. "Thank you," she returned of the compliment. "Feel free, should you desire."

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

Laughing softly at the thought of now being a great-uncle, Marquis Ondore accepted the Lord Nabradia's handshake with one of his own. He was proud to see this young father before, elated to know that all was well and that the happy ending he always prayed for has finally come for these young lovers. "It seems I grown older by years now with such a title but wear it with pride." He replied with a chuckle.

"Of course, of course. I haven't come all this way just to chat with his darling parents." The Marquis admitted with such a grin upon his lips. "I just hope I won't disturb his rest." Or rather, he truly hopes that the youngster won't cry once he takes him into his arms. Taking his seat beside the newly made mother, Ondore ushered for Ashelia to pass the little bundle of joy towards him.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Ashe watched with a wistful fondness at the greeting between her uncle and husband, surely the last time they had met in person... it had been after the wedding ceremony during festivity and endless meeting and greeting.

Once Halim had made himself comfortable, the princess complied, cautiously lifting Shain (who began to wake in transition, wriggling slightly, though he didn't cry) and made an exchange of the baby from mother to great-uncle.

"He sleeps through much of the day," she explained, body achingly sore, still as Ashe settled back against the pillows once Halim had taken hold of the infant. "Perhaps it is better, should he be awake. Worry not about disturbing him."

"It is good to see you again, Uncle," came her quiet admission, holding out a hand to Rasler, that he might hold it whilst the Bhujerban acquainted himself with the newborn prince.

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

With the beckon to enter, Penelo slowly pushed the door open, poking her blonde head in first to make sure she wasn't going to wake the newborn, and trying to be unobtrusive as possible.

Once inside, the young dancer froze in place, staring in wonder at the small bundle in his mother's arms. She found herself struck with an inexplicable wave of jealousy mingled with awe. Hard to believe that this small baby would eventually rule Dalmasca.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

For a while Ashe said nothing, allowing Penelo to react to her first look, in person, upon the new baby. Through no fault of the dancer's, the tiny prince stirred, yawning wide; Ashe's attention returning to her son as sleepy eyelids lifted, blinking slowly.

"You need not fear disturbing him," the princess reassured, glancing back to Penelo from her place of recovery. "Come closer, if you want."

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

That was all the invitation Penelo needed. She inched up as close as she dared without intruding on the princess' personal space, a smile slowly creeping across her face. "He's so tiny..." she breathed out, barely even a whisper. Everything about the infant prince looked so soft that she found it a wonder he didn't break from being touched. Even though she'd seen her fair share of babies in the past, there was something amazing about one newly born that defied logic or memory.

"Look at those hands!" Itty bitty things, curled into tiny fists, and in every way precious.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Penelo's reference to the royal baby's hands drew Ashe's attention there, eager still to study her son as she'd done since the first moment he'd been born of her body. "His hands may appear delicate," she confirmed with a nod, "However, you may think differently, should you be subjected to his grip." For a newborn that reflex was surprisingly strong, though the midwife had explained that was a trait true of all babies.

Compared to his father's hand, the boy's head seemed all the smaller.

It was obvious, to Ashe, that her friend was quite enamoured with the tiny prince and, looking up to the other Dalmascan, the princess extended her invitation further. "If you wish, you may hold him."

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

"Are you sure?" Penelo asked, even as she reached out to do just that. Gingerly, she collected the baby into her arms, mindful to support his little head with her bent elbow. She took her own turn studying his tiny features, and unable to resist the urge, stroked his downy hair. "Ashe, he's amazing..."

The pangs of jealousy faded to the sheer awe she felt, holding this baby. An entirely new little person that would eventually have his own personality, his own likes and dislikes. The very idea was boggling. "I wish Vaan could see him." Okay, that admission hurt a little. It was for the best that Vaan vanished, where madmen couldn't hurt him any more, but that didn't stop her from missing him, or worrying for that matter.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Giving birth had meant Ashe had paid little attention to the network, but she hadn't missed Mjrn's announcement that Vaan, following his torment at the hands of the monster, Kefka, had vanished. Sent home, apparently, where at least he was safe. The guilt she felt over defying Kefka and denying him the Espers... it came to surface, the princess lowering her head slightly in sympathy. She knew how much Penelo cared for him.

"...With hope, he is returned to Dalmasca." A pale hand slipped slowly forward, Ashe's fingers stroking softness, the warm blanket which swaddled her child, heir of said country, a stray glance to Rasler where he sat by the bedside.

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

In the end, Garnet's attempts to visit the family of Dalmasca had gone to waste. The amount of time she could spend under cover was very limited, and after helping Halim around town, and the stares she'd received at the Inn, she'd quite suddenly had Somewhere Else to Be, and dashed off. No doubt she'd left a strange impression on the Marquis, who apparently had also come to bestow his well-wishes upon the newly expanded family.

So it came to pass that when Garnet came the Inn again, it was a day later than she had planned, though once again under cover of white-mage cloak and deliberately understated clothing. It did not stop the stares from the innkeeper likely wondering why this girl kept coming back around, and so she'd ascended the stairs rather quickly, knocking on a door and hoping, in hindsight, that she'd selected the right room.

The sound of Ashe's voice from the other side of the wall immediately soothed her anxieties, and without haste, she eased the door open.

"Good Afternoon," she said softly, summoning up every ounce of her royal bearing. "I hope I'm not intruding."

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Had Ashe only known the latest visitor as Queen Garnet, it might have taken a little thought to recognise her beneath the necessary disguise. As it was, 'Dagger' was a familiar sight prior to Ashe's discovery of the other royal's true identity, leaving the Dalmascan Princess without confusion.

That Garnet had made the effort to seek she and Rasler out, to see their son, had Ashe smiling genuinely; as a monarch, trying to avoid being recognised by one's people was no mean feat.

"Not at all," she replied, nodding in respectful greeting as the newborn snuffled softly in her arms. "We welcome your visit."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Slipping inside, Garnet quietly shut the door behind her. She moved as a sneaking child, though with much more skill and grace. With the door closed, the young queen reached up and drew back her hood.

"It is I who am honored," she whispered, dark eyes drifting from new mother, to new father, and then finally, back to the smallest of the rooms inhabitants; the bundle in Ashe's arms.

And the queen stilled, two steps from the doorway.

Be not afriad, he said. She wasn't afraid... She was in awe.

Certainly, Garnet had seen mothers and their children before, but it was not the same. It had never been anyone she had known. There had been no other children in her family, no cousins, certainly no nieces or nephews. But this child... so small, so soft... she'd known of him before he'd taken his first breath. She dared to call his mother... a friend. Someone her own age. Someone like her.

Finally, she moved forward, towards the bed, eyes softening in awe and adoration.

"Oh... look at him..." she breathed, daring to bend closer.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

It seemed that Ashe and Garnet had found another common trait - reverence of the newborn prince.

Choosing to say nothing at first, Ashe allowed the young Queen of Alexandria her indulgence as she studied the Dynast-King's newest legacy where he lay. When she did make to speak, Ashelia's words were halted, her son beginning to wake fully, watching him intently with softness of her own while he took another look upon his new world and the faces before him.

"He sleeps for much of the day," she finally explained, weary yet with a gentle smile. "...It is night when he often chooses to be active."

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

"Perhaps we should keep him awake then," Garnet suggested good-naturedly, unable to help the smile that was slowly blooming on her face. "Or else you may find yourself with a tiny night-owl, and much less sleep for yourself."

Her focus never drifting from the child, the young queen found herself transfixed on his eyes. What was it about babies, that their eyes seemed so big... as if they couldn't possibly take in the world with ones any smaller. As if moving with a mind of it's own, her hand raised, fingers curled gently, and then reaching, wanting so much to touch that skin, see if it felt as soft as it looked, "Oh, Ashe, he's just beautiful," she murmured.

She stopped short, as if realizing her actions, and drew back her hand. Shain was so small, so fragile, she dared not touch him without permission. But even as she held herself back, the desire persisted.

I fail. So much. >..>

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

At that, Garnet pulled her gaze from the infant. Instead, she turned to Rasler, surprise evident in her dark eyes. Then, she turned to Ashe,so quickly, her eyes so wide.

"Oh, I-- I didn't mean to..." she glanced down again; she couldn't help herself. Who was she kidding? she wanted exactly that, but had been too in awe, too scared to ask.

"...May I?" finally, her voice soft and uncertain.

<3

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Enlightening, how a baby could have such an effect on those around it. Ashe offered a gentle smile coupled with one nod of confirmation.

"Of course," she reaffirmed, shifting her arms until she held her son in such a position as to transfer him into Garnet's arms. She did so with the utmost caution as Shain continued to make soft sounds, eyes flicking between them all, delicate hands grasping at the air.

Unsure of how instructed Garnet was on the care of newborns (goodness knows she was no expert herself) Ashe chose to share a few quiet words of advice. "Place one arm behind his neck; his head requires support."

Re: <3

[crowned-jewel.livejournal.com]

Garnet just nodded mutely, gently taking the baby from his mother's arms. She listened to every word, her hands seeming to move of their own free will, obediently supporting the child. Gingerly, she shifted the bundle in her arms. So warm, and soft... The queen stared down at Shain, noting the reflections of his fathers image, shadowed by features belonging to his mother. Amazing, that one person could so resemble two others.

She could not help herself; she cooed softly, took one of his little hands in her fingers, and nearly felt her heart melt. Garnet's expression turned a shade of melancholy then, and she looked up at Ashe.

"You are so lucky," she said, and then threw a glance to Rasler. "Both of you. Even in these circumstances, so far from home, you share such a strong love for each other.... Have been blessed with a healthy child..."

Her eyes fell once more, and there was no mistaking the look in them; longing.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Having finally found a break in their criminal schedule, Balthier and Fran had made their way to Alexandria to visit the princess and congratulate both she and her husband in person. It had taken some flying to get there and, well, he was downright exhausted, but this was a trip he'd promised Ashe he'd make and, well, here they were.

After knocking, and receiving permission to enter, Balthier glanced at Fran only to slip the door open quietly and settle his gaze upon the mother and baby.

A light smile came and, after another glance back to Fran, Balthier stepped inside. "Princess... you look well. I hope we aren't intruding."

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

Fran followed Balthier inside, having to duck to get those long ears through the doorway. She remained a few steps behind Balthier rather than at his side.

She watched mother and child for a long, silent moment. Strange to think that Ashe was barely a child herself when first they met. Yet, there was something completely natural and beautiful at the sight of her cradling her child.

"He is beautiful. Congratulations."

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Catching sight of the sky pirate partnership as they entered, Ashe's smile grew. "No intrusion at all," she assured from the bed's comfort, nodding to Fran in gratitude. Such compliments were becoming so regular and yet the princess relished them all, for she herself was still in wonder over the newborn prince.

She looked well? Ashe was surprised by Balthier's remark, almost dismissing it as customary politeness, yet she didn't miss the sincerity there in his Archadian tone. "Thank you."

"I assume the flight here was long - we are both glad to see you again," she noted quietly, a look to Rasler, then. "You wish to see our child, yes? Then come closer." An invitation to proven allies, friends.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

A smile passed his lips and, giving a polite nod to the father of the child, and plotting to take the man away later for a drink (perhaps as congratulations, perhaps to calm some of those undoubtedly nervous feelings), Balthier moved towards the bed, taking caution as he seated himself beside Ashe, resting one hand upon the bed before his gaze fell on that child.

He was truly adorable. A work of art in Hume form.

"He is darling, Princess. Certainly his father's son, but there are definitely hints of you there," he murmured, giving the young woman a fond look. She really was still so very young herself, it was a little worrying at times to see her growning up so fast but she was a dear friend and he was content in seeing her happy.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

At Ashe's invitation and Balthier's movement, Fran crossed over to the bed as well, standing ever faithful beside Balthier, rather than sitting, resting her hand upon the man's shoulder. Not that seeing the tiny bundle of life was awakening maternal emotions within in - because that wasn't the case - well, she wouldn't admit it anyway.

She rested her chin upon Balthier's head, comfortable in letting down her guard around the princess and her husband, and able to relax just that little more than normal. "He shall grow up to be quite the heart-breaker."

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

The granting of permission prompted Mjrn to slip inside and quietly close the door behind her, not wanting to cause the newborn or weary mother undue distress. The young Viera took a step forward and bowed her head in a brief nod. There was a bit of shyness in that smile, but warmth as well. She was happy for the couple and their good fortune. "Good afternoon. I hope that I am not intruding, but I had just returned to town and wished to pay my respects...."

She seemed about to say more, but couldn't help but peer in wonder at the small bundle in Ashelia's arms. She had seen hume babes before, but not usually up close, or those of anyone she had known personally. Her expression softened upon staring at the newborn and listening to those soft noises.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Ever curious - that was Ashe's understanding of the young Viera, yearning to learn more about her world. As their visitor entered, the princess found curiosity of her own rising to mind's surface. She wondered whether Mjrn had actually ever laid eyes upon a newborn hume. "It is good to see you again," she nodded, speaking quietly still. It had been some time, now. Queen Garnet's birthday, if she remembered correctly.

Really, Ashe was quite overwhelmed; she hadn't expected quite so many well-wishes and visits so soon after the birth. However, she felt quite well despite her body's tender state, and was grateful of people's efforts to marvel over and compliment her son.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

"It is good to see you as well...all of you." Mjrn also realized the passage of time, made all too apparent by the presence of one who had still been in his mother's womb the last time they had met. So much had happened since then, but at the moment it mattered little. The world once again had order...and it was pleasant to focus thought away from disturbing events and to that of welcoming a new life into the world.

Concerned about exhausting mother and child further, Mjrn reminded herself to be brief. Still, it was difficult to pull her gaze away from the tiny babe. Were all hume newborns so content, so pink? She wondered, but questions could be asked when the mother was not overwhelmed with visitors and a newborn. Her smile grew tender. "He is beautiful. You are truly blessed."

[woodguardian.livejournal.com]

What felt like a long time had passed since Jote had been outside the walls of Shumi village. However, the birth of the young Hume seemed to stimulate something in her, some form of a mothering instinct that she didn't normally let anyone see. The fact that it was a Hume child was off-putting to be sure, but there was something about the young princess. She seemed a bit calmer now, and Jote knew her a little bit from Ivalice. That helped.

So, with a decision made like the most impulsive of Humes, Jote set out for Alexandria again. It took her some time to make it over, longer than she would have liked, though it was a short enough trip, and when she finally arrived, it took a little more effort for her to walk up to the door and give a gentle knock. The Viera elder knew well of babies and how to be quiet.

She half-hoped no one would be there so she could go back and blame the Humes for being insolent, but then the call came and she sighed inwardly. Pushing the door open, the Viera strode inside and propped it mostly closed behind her. She liked open doors so she felt like she had an escape route. The Humes were likely to be confused; she hadn't told them she was coming.

"The child is quiet."

Which was a blessing, really. Hume children were so loud.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Looking to the doorway, Ashe found herself both speechless and surprised by the latest visitor's identity. Of all three Viera sisters, Jote was the last the princess expected to call, to lay eyes upon the royal newborn. Always had the elder given off an air of distaste for Humes and their company, Ashe's first encounter with her had been less than pleasant; Jote had demanded she stay away from their village on the basis of being a 'power-needy Hume'.

With that no longer being the case, perhaps her opinion had changed. Ashe couldn't say, only continue to look up to the tall, graceful figure in silent wonder until she found appropriate words.

"At present, he sleeps," the princess noted, a fleeting glance to meet her husband's eyes then downward, to check her claim was still true. Surely enough, the little prince's slumber continued, Ashe briefly wondering what his dreams would be like.

"...You are quite welcome to see him, if that is your wish."

[woodguardian.livejournal.com]

"As do all young creatures," Jote answered, her expression a mixture of peace and irritation... Mostly peace, though. She'd come to pay her respects and she wasn't going to make the encounter any more awkward for any of them than it was already going to be.

The Viera elder hesitated at the invitation, but after a moment's silence, she nodded once and strode slowly forward. As usual, her steps were completely silent and once she reached the bedside, she knelt, eyes on the child. It was obvious that she was more interested in the babe resting in Ashe's arms than in either of the adult Humes nearby.

Another moment of silence passed before Jote actually spoke again. "Would that the Green Word reaches your ears, no matter the distance from her boughs." She wasn't going to offer the entire prayer, not like she would do for a baby Viera, but she would at least offer something. It wasn't every day that Hume and Viera were forced to co-exist like this.

"Be true to your people, little one," she murmured. And to the Viera. But she didn't add that. Jote was not one to ask for help.

Finally tearing her gaze from the child, she stood again and moved back a few paces, standing near enough that she could still see both child and mother easily, but far enough that she could leave easily. And hopefully she wouldn't scare the child if he woke.

"Such as this is not to be dismissed so easily. Pray that he knows the difference between silence and obedience."