Thread, Closed

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Characters: Balthier and Ashe
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: Balthier and Ashe meet up for the first time.
Location: Alexandria
Date: April 1803
Warnings: None, as of yet, but it is Balthier...


Hearing a familiar voice had certainly been a blessing. Of course it was nice that he had Fran with him, but that went without saying, and whilst seeing Penelo and Mjrn was wonderful, it was always good to know you were not the only one stuck in a boat you didn't wish to be sat in. Balthier had acquired himself a new shirt and a pair of boots, thanks to a good few gil he'd earnt, and felt rather comfortable in this place known as Alexandria. Which partially concerned him.

Getting comfortable will only lead to me becoming part of this Hell, he mused inwardly as he strode down the street, towards the inn Ashe had claimed she'd be at. Dressed in but a white shirt that was buttoned only by the two central buttons, his tight leather pants and those boots he'd gotten, his gun was strapped to his back. It was good to be able to seek out a friend in a sea of unfamiliar faces, yet his mind often wandered to Ivalice and her skies.

As he came near the inn, Balthier slid his hands through his perfectly styled hair, perhaps making it look better, if that was even possible, and smirked as he realised he was coming up behind the young royal. Reaching out his bare hands, which were quite on display with his sleeves pushed up to his elbows, he covered the woman's eyes from behind, leaning to her ear.

"Consider yourself kidnapped, Princess," he jested in whisper by her ear, chuckling a moment later as he released her, resting one hand on his hip and looking down to the girl, smiling.

Comments

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

It was becoming easier for Ashe to relax in days past. Alexandria had more than its share of welcoming people, and an atmosphere so peaceful it rivalled the Rabanastre she had come to know after the days of war had ended. Now, she was to meet with the man who had transformed from sky pirate to friend, who had risked his life for her people. Who she had believed lost, in that effort. An audible, startled gasp had escaped her the instant she found herself intentionally 'blinded', and the princess' instinct to wheel around and remand her assailant vanished at the first tone of that familiar, smooth voice.

"Balthier-" she had made to object, and found herself smiling up at him in return. Still, he had that roguish air of freedom about him, despite the fact he probably viewed this place, this world, as a cage. Allowing herself a moment to study the pirate, Ashe took a slow step back, revealing the reason she had wanted him to travel to her. "It is good to see you." It was; having him here brought her closer to Ivalice.

How, she didn't know. But it certainly felt that way.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

As Ashe stood, he could feel his eyes widen at the sight of her. Obviously, he gave her the once over, as any man would with a pretty girl, but that... bump was more than noticable. "Princess. I see you've gotten yourself... well and truly seen to," he murmured, his tone holding a mixture of surprise and amusement. It was inevitable, with her having her Prince in this world, but it was still something surprising.

"Congratulations, Ashe," he said softly, leaning to kiss her cheek politely. With the formalities over with, or as far as he was concerned, he slipped into a seat at that table, watching the girl with a soft smile. She really did seem to have a glow about her, as most every pregnant woman did, but it was truly good to see her happy. Even if he'd never admit it to anyone, he cared a great deal about five certain people. It was good to see them happy.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

"...Seen to?" Retaking her seat beside Balthier, the princess gave a gentle laugh, one eyebrow raised at his choice of phrase. "You always did have such a way with words, pirate." She shifted in her seat, trying to make herself comfortable and eventually succeeding, smiling easily at him once she was done.

His reaction to her condition pleased her greatly; Ashe had been hoping Balthier would see the best in her situation rather than question or doubt. Then again, his beliefs revolved around a person being free to do whatever they wanted, didn't it? Of course she thought ever of Dalmasca, of course she loved her people still, but this time, in Gaia - it was a gift, one she would be a fool to refuse.

"Thank you, Balthier," was her quiet though sincere reply, clasping her hands together atop the table. "We had not expected it to happen so soon, yet we are so very glad it did." Still, her eyes studied his face, remembering. "I got your letter and the ring, the very day I was to appear here."

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

"I am glad Vaan gave it to you," he murmured, settling into his seat with his arms crossed over his chest. Toying with one of the colourful rings on his right hand, the pirate's eyes cast to the sky, lingering there for rather a long, silent moment. A soft sigh escaped him and it was difficult to disguise his expression of longing yet he fixed a smile to his lips as he returned his gaze to the princess. "No doubt he wears it now, hm? I do wonder what he'd say if he knew you'd given it to a pirate for collateral."

A smooth laugh slid graciously from his lips and Balthier tilted his head. "So, you've found comfort and happiness here, Princess? A home for yourself, your Prince and your unborn child?" The pirate gave a softer laugh, his gaze cast to the sky for a brief second before he looked to her again. "I see your resolve is as strong as it once was."

It was difficult not to express how her comfort here was something he wished not to have. How he so desperately wished to return to Ivalice and sail her skies again in his beautiful airship. To a princess, he believed that the love for an airship would seem perhaps juvenile or frivolous, yet it-- she was his home. She had been since he was but sixteen years old. His last true grasp on Archades and his strong hold on the sky. She meant more to him than any treasure he could find and being without her was excruciating.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Ashe drew in a sharp breath at the suggestion Rasler should know about his ring being used as a bargaining tool, an uncomfortable knot tying in her chest. "He would understand I acted in the interests of Dalmasca," she said, fully believing her words. "But yes, he does wear it, and I..." She trailed off then, partly because she knew Balthier was too much of a gentleman and friend to betray her confidence, mostly because of his glances skyward.

Those gestures, however fleeting, hadn't gone unnoticed. Balthier was effectively grounded, and Ashe had realised long ago that he belonged amongst the clouds. That sky piracy wasn't just some foolish, romantic ideal. That was his life. As for her own, he was right. Who knew that a woman born for rule, who had fought for that birthright with every resource in her power, would find her true paradise as a wife, an expectant mother.

"I have found what I truly desire, yes." She nodded at those words, eyes lifting again, a calmness within them, yet as questioning as her words. "You wish to return. Don't you, Balthier?"

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Balthier smiled softly, watching Ashe for a good long moment. "Not to worry, Princess. I shan't go running my mouth of to your husband," he murmured, smirking slightly, "I am only in the game of breaking up marriages if there is something to gain from it. You are with child and I don't quite expect I'm Prince Rasler's type," he jested, chuckling a little. Not that Rasler wasn't his type of course. Anyone attractive, female or male, always caught his eye, though his heart belonged to Fran. Even if he'd never say so.

As her questioning gaze was settled upon him, he felt suddenly rather exposed. It was that gaze he'd seen so many times throughout their travels; it was that gaze that spurred him to open his heart to the Princess whilst they watched the horizon at the Phon Coast. It was really at that moment he truly realised he felt a deep affection for the people he journied with. It was then that he realised he loved them all enough to want to ensure their safety.

"I..." and suddenly he was lost for words. A moment he hated. He was Archadian, damnit, he was not supposed to ever be lost for words. It was just... wrong. After a long moment of silence, his expression held at one of distress, though his gaze had returned to the sky, Balthier finally found his voice again. "I wish to return. Yes. Not to Ivalice specifically, perhaps, but to the Strahl and the sky."

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Blinking in reaction to Balthier's jest, Ashe couldn't help a small laugh of her own in return. Not that she'd been concerned that her making temporary payment of Rasler's ring would affect their marriage - their bond was far stronger than most people were aware, not even death itself had succeeded in breaking it. No, she would keep nothing from him. Ashe would tell him herself. Her eyes lowered to the table, a smile in place.

Any other situation, and the Dalmascan would feel a great sense of triumph at rendering Balthier speechless. Now, however, she knew better. "There is no reason," she began, eyelids lifting again to look at the pirate directly, "Why Fran and yourself cannot return to the skies. There are airships aplenty here. They may not be the Strahl, granted, yet they will grant you the freedom you need." She cared greatly, and wouldn't see him brood over a situation which, at present, they couldn't change.

"This is a new world, Balthier. You're a pirate, aren't you? Imagine the treasures waiting to be discovered."

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

"That's all well and good to be said, Princess, but even I need motivation," he murmured, rubbing at his temple for a moment, "I am afraid I cannot speak for Fran, though it'd do well if someone did, but I am hardly over the initial shock." The pirate cast his gaze over the area, sighing slightly at the almost-Dalmascan world. It seemed nearly like Rabanastre but it didn't have the same vibrant air that Ashe's home city did.

After a moment, he looked back to the Princess, frowning slightly. "I've a concern; I would not speak of this to many, so consider yourself lucky, Princess... but with the return of your Prince, Vaan's brother, Gabranth and Vayne... I've concerns towards my father... I... am unsure as to whether I would like to see that man alive again." And at that, he was silent. It was difficult for him even to speak of that man to Fran; telling Ashe of his fear helped to lighten the load but it was true that he would not confide his information to just everyone. Fran and Ashe were special cases.

"A new world it may be but if it brings faces of old, I want no part of it, Princess," Balthier murmured, shaking his head slightly.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

"... I'm sorry, Balthier." A rarity, Ashe wasn't known for apologies and when they came, she sincerely meant them. "I often forget exactly how long I've had to settle and grow accustomed to the prospect of remaining here."

Fran had already voiced her concerns regarding Balthier and the possibility of his father - at least, the man who had once been so - being restored to life. Still, Ashe felt both surprised and touched that he would choose to share any insecurities with her. To be fair, had their situations been reversed, she'd have done the same.

The instinct to reach across and touch his hand was strong, yet she held back. "I can't promise it won't happen," she began slowly, softly. "It may never. You may return to Ivalice tomorrow. Nothing is certain, here. All we can do..." Then, she did give the back of his hand a fleeting touch. "Is manage as best we can."

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Balthier listened to her, though his eyes remained set upon the city around them. While her apology was a surprise, it brought the slightest smile to his face to know he'd made the young royal apologise for her words. in fact, it gave him a fleeting feeling of smugness but he did feel touched that she'd even apologised in the first place.

Yet, when her hand touched his, he almost instantly turned his hand over to brush his fingertips over her palm. It could easily have been said he'd considered making a move on the Princess when they journied together and, whilst the outcome of that consideration was unimportant, he did have a deep affection for Ashe, so her show of care and affection was certainly welcomed.

"Ever the master of words, hmm?" The pirate's gaze settled on her face as he gave her a suave smile, crossing his arms over his chest now. "So, the Lady Ashe has set up home as a wife and expectant mother. I expect it comes as no surprise when I say I am shocked, Princess. I never thought you the type to settle," he murmured, smirking at her before tilting his head back to look at the sky above them.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

The gesture had been a simple one, though the fact he'd returned it told Ashe what she needed to know - that he'd been willing to forgive where she'd been willing to apologize. It was no surprise afterward that Balthier had changed the subject back to her, and Ashe wasn't about to press her suggestions onto him. Were it not for the opportunities Gaia had restored to her, no doubt she'd have been equally as keen not to embrace a strange world and get right back to Dalmasca.

Mirroring Balthier's return to relaxation, Ashe sat back a little, bringing her hands to settle and rest over her stomach. "How you knew me to be during our travels... I have not always been so, you know," she began, voice calm, expression equally so.

"Rasler and I... because our fathers betrothed us on political grounds, the people always assumed our match was only formed to strengthen the bond between Dalmasca and Nabradia, and only for that reason." One finger stroked along her silver band, Ashe looking upward to the sky herself. "In fact, I had fallen in love with him long before our engagement, and remain so, to this day. Not many people are gifted with second chances. Not like this." Speaking to a sky pirate about commitment could have seemed like folly, though Ashe knew it wasn't so with Balthier. He would understand.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Indeed he understood. His own commitment to Fran might've been a far cry for the type of bond Ashe and Rasler held but he was still commited to his Viera partner. His trust in her was the deepest and, whilst he trusted others to an extent, he would take Fran's word over any other. She was who he loved most and, even if they would never truly be, he would hold that love for her for he remainder of his life. Not that he'd ever tell anyone that.

"I am glad to know you've found your happiness, Princess. Whilst I might seem like the worst person to speak to concerning matters of the heart, I am truly happy to know you are in love. I hear it is rather a wonderous experience," he murmured, his smile a little more playful than it had been. It was true that, back in Ivalice, Balthier was famous not only for his great feats of daring and piracy, but also for leaving a string of broken hearts and lonely bedmates as long as the walk from Archades to Rozarria, so it would be no real surprise that he hadn't been in love. As far as anyone was to know, at least.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

If it hadn't been for Balthier's smile, Ashe's own would have been a little more reserved with that particular implication. He hadn't been in love, not even once? As it was, the stories of the infamous pirate's conquests had reached even her ears in Dalmasca. Her maids had been a vast source of knowledge and public hearsay. She couldn't imagine how that would feel, to be intimate with someone without loving them. Nor did she want to.

"You don't 'seem like the worst person'," she chastised, smiling still. "I could not do the feeling justice with words," she stated, "thus I shall not try, save for one word - completion." The hands upon her stomach began to rub, gently. "I feel complete, when I am with Rasler," She met his eyes then."... As you probably feel up there, amongst the clouds."

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Ashe's words made a sleek laugh escape the pirate and he ran his fingers through his hair, toying with the front of it for a moment before returning his gaze to her face. Even so, his hair still looked perfect. It was pretty difficult to make it look bad and he knew exactly how to do that...

"I could be the worst person to speak to about it, Princess. I am hardly fond of making romantic bonds," he murmured, stretching his legs out and crossing them at the ankles, his arms soon folded over his chest. Then Ashe spoke of loving being completion and suggested his completion was found in the skies, which did bring a smile to his face.

With a slow nod, he laughed gently, his gaze on his boots. "Indeed. I suppose it is a form of completion when I am with the sky," he replied, his eyes closing for a brief second as he pondered the state of the Strahl now he was no longer there to give her the care and love she deserved. Really, whilst he felt at home in the heavens, it was never truly home without the Strahl, Fran and their Moogle friend Nono.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Giving him a moment for whatever thoughts were passing through his mind, Ashe remained quiet. She took the moment to study him, remembering. When they had first met, the princess, passing herself off as 'Amalia', had been so full of fight and determination, covering up the grief within her heart. It was easy to understand how Balthier thought her 'not the type' to settle, until now.

Quite content to simply sit with him, she waited for the pirate's eyes to open, before giving him a reassuring smile. "I had thought so. The way your eyes linger there tells me that." With one last touch to the place where her baby grew, Ashe lifted her hands and brought them to rest on the tabletop again, almost business-like in comparison to her friend's casual, relaxed posture. "Strange this new experience may be, and what I am about to say may sound selfish, given your wishes," she spoke slowly, sincerely, "But know this; I am glad to have you here, Balthier."

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

With a light laugh, the pirate shifted, drawing his legs closer to himself and sitting up more regally in his seat, resting one arm across himself on the table whilst the other propped his chin up, his elbow pressed firm to the wood of the table. "Well, Princess, I am truly glad you think so, but perhaps it is a little irrational to think such a thing, given that you are a Princess and I am a pirate," Balthier chuckled lightly, watching her with slight amusement but gentle affection in his eyes. "I do ponder the reaction your husband would have, were he to know you conversed so freely and openly with a pirate. Especially one with a bounty the size of mine," he drawled, winking playfully.

Balthier laughed a little more, though each time his laughter grew it also swelled with an emptiness that hadn't been present in his voice until his father had died. Certainly, with Fran's help, he'd been able to work past that empty guilt and let himself smile properly, but the guilt never left him. With this sudden change to a new world, the vulnerability he felt let that weakness show more than he'd like it to. "I suppose if I must be damned to walk in place of flight, I am glad to see faces of those I hold dear," he stated, smiling quite sweetly at the younger woman.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

His smile was returned, Ashe's eyes briefly lowering in appreciation of his words. Pirate or not, he was a friend, and a valued one at that. "Hardly irrational," she noted, taking his jest to demonstrate a point she'd been very aware of during her months in Gaia, "As this is not the realm I happen to be princess of." Now it was her turn to look wistful, if only for a moment, wondering how her people were faring in their new era of peace. After mere moments, she returned her attention to her companion, that eyebrow arching again in response to (and amusement at) Balthier's wink.

"I have spoken to Rasler of you, as I have everything which passed in the struggle to free Dalmasca. The very night we were reunited." A quiet sigh passed her lips then, head turning toward the city. She couldn't wait to be reunited with him again, now he and the others had found Eiko, as promised. Recovering herself, she turned back, expression calm. "Hmm... Since you clearly have so many curiosities about my husband," she teased with a hint of a smile, "perhaps it would do you well to meet him, and see for yourself."

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

As she spoke of no longer being a princess, Balthier reached his hand across the table, grasping hers and kissing the back of it, just politely. Locking his gaze on hers, the pirate shook his head a fraction. "You will always be a princess to me, Ashelia. No matter how these churls and urchins conduct themselves around you, you will always be Princess Ashelia to me." A charming smile produced itself on Balthier's lips before he lowered her hand and withdrew his own.

"You've spoken of me? I do hope you put me in the best light possible," he jested, chuckling lightly. It was difficult to put him in any good light most of the time but he knew Ashe had the venacular to do so. "I believe my curiosities are mainly based upon wishing your safety, Princess. I will admit I shan't trust any man I've never met with the Princess of Dalmasca... yet Fran and I are bound for a place called Treno. As soon as we get ourselves some wings, mind."

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Both Balthier's words and actions made her quiet, Ashe knew all too well that alliegance to any crown was never going to be on that particular sky pirate's agenda. It touched her, and she didn't know quite how to respond. With luck, her gratitude came through in her eyes.

"There is certainly no need to worry in that regard," she said, with a slow shake of her head. "Rasler would never harm me, or see me hurt in any way." Suddenly reminded of the Epitaph incident and... something more recent which couldn't have been avoided but had hurt her, Ashe pushed those thoughts aside. Now was not the time.

Mention of wings, now that was what she'd been expecting and hoping to hear. "Treno? What do you seek there?" Ashe's curiosity was natural, and friendly.

I'm so very sorry it's so late. D: *bows to you*

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear that Rasler had no intentions on hurting Ashe, Balthier settled a little inside. Well, it wouldn't do to have to maim or kill a prince. It was messy business with a commoner but royalty was difficult. They had all these notions of mightiness and beliefs that they could defeat him with their words. Hardly.

With a smile, Balthier drummed his fingers on the table, watching the princess with a fondness he rarely showed. Truth be told, aside from Fran, the only people he showed fondness for were Ashelia and Penelo. Perhaps because they were women and a little weaker to his charm, but also because he did truly adore the young girls. Though, he did feel a little like their older brother, which made his attraction to both of them quite awkward indeed. Especially his attraction to Penelo.

"Ah, Treno. According to Fran we seek a man by the name of Doctor Tot. Purportedly, he can explain what our latest treasure is. If I am entirely honest, I couldn't care any less what this Doctor has to say," he shook his head, wrinkling his nose up a little bit. "Do not worry. I shall return to see you frequently, once I've found my wings here."

You don't have to apologize ;)

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

It really had been too long since Ashe had last spoken with Balthier; the circumstances were entirely different, now, they were able to relax as opposed to spending their time together with attention focused elsewhere.

The princess nodded at mention of Doctor Tot, he was a native to Gaia and a familiar name across the network. The manner in which Balthier emphasised his title probably reflected his previous experience with another doctor, one much closer to heart and home, and Ashe knew better than to comment, content to listen until he'd finished.

"I have heard of him," she remarked, nodding again. "Perhaps he may have some answers for you where others do not." Upon Balthier's final assurance, her face changed back into an easy smile. The pirate always did have an incredible (and sometimes infuriating) way of reading her mind. "I will hold you to that. I would like it if you could be near... when the baby is born." The prospect of having friends close when it was time, even if those friends were as far from domestic as imaginable, helped to ease her worries.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

"Not to worry, princess. When you give birth I shall be right there, likely holding your husband up from passing out," he teased, smiling at her. He wasn't exactly sure if he was bound for Treno or where he planned to set to first, though he had to see about that stone with Fran. Aside from that, he was likely going to get himself an airship and take Penelo to meet with Larsa.

He was slightly intrigued to see what the boy was like in this world. Without all his power and all those that cared for him, was he still as pompous for a child? Or had he perhaps grown up a little?

With a gentle smile, Balthier watched Ashe, certainly noting again that she had that 'pregnant glow'. She also looked far less likely to break a man's face. Perhaps it was the hormones, or perhaps she had calmed since awakening in this world. Without the stresses of a kingdom to fight for and rule, she had nothing to worry about but her marriage and her baby. It must've been nice to have no worries. No cares in the world but being happy with your family.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

That particular image was too much, bringing Ashe to laughter, the like of which her friend had surely never heard leave her lips. The prospect of enduring childbirth was both wonderful and frightening, and happening to her in some five months time. If Balthier could keep to those words and be close, it would mean so very much.

Ashe watched the pirate in turn as her laughter calmed, knowing all too well he was deep in thought but she waited, rather than interrupting those thoughts. More than once she'd wondered whether or not to delve into the topic of Vayne Solidor's return to existence, and decided against it. Balthier had enough to concern himself with, for now. There would be time enough for concerns. This was not one such time.

Aware he continued to watch her, Ashe tilted her head in curiosity. "Have I something on my face?" A jest of her own.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

He was quite surprised by the laughter but it was a pleasant surprise. It seemed Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca had relaxed quite an extent in this world. The pirate gave a soft smile and then she jested with him and a light laugh of his own escaped. "No, I am simply admiring the beauty of a woman so delightfully content in herself," he murmured, watching only a moment longer before averting his gaze to the surrounding area and soon the sky again.

It was nice to see Ashe so relaxed in this world, and everyone else seemed to be settled well. Even Fran seemed quite contented with her sisters near. He couldn't help but feel quite like a caged animal. A bird, perhaps, but with the fiery built-up anger of a lion. It was becoming difficult to retain his composure.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

And again, his gaze was lost to the skies. Compliment aside, content was the best description possible for her, and also one which had seemed so very unlikely all those months ago during their travels. Ashe's smile slowly faded, almost feeling guilty for being so happy when Balthier was chained, so. Those chains might have been invisible, but she could see them, nonetheless.

Ashe had never been one to pry in the business of others unless they were some manner of threat to Dalmasca; now, she was no different. Fran had been the first to express concern for the welfare of a grounded pirate parted from his beloved ship, and understandably so. Not entirely sure whether to attempt further comfort or not, Ashe looked toward a group of children skipping across the way.

"When do you depart?"

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Finally returning his gaze to the young royal, after quite a pause, he shook his head slightly. "I know not when. Whenever Fran and I get a ride, I suppose," he answered, frowning fractionally. He and his partner hadn't talked much at all recently. In fact, it concerned him. Fran might've seemed silent to everyone; ever waiting to speak when it became necessary but... but to him, Fran spoke more to him than anyone.

Yet, she had the sisters she longed for in this world. Penelo and Reks were together in their longing to see Vaan, Ashelia was deeply bonded with her husband and their unborn child. It seemed everyone had made this place their home, and it made him question why he fought it so violently.

Well, the answer was simple, in his eyes. This could be home, if the Strahl was here. Nobody seemed to realise why he was so attached to her but... he'd likely never explain either.

"Well, Princess, when is the heir to Dalmasca to make an appearance?"

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

With the topic of conversation returning to her impending parenthood, Ashe's hand found its way to her stomach once more. As Balthier had said, this would be a royal child, prince or princess to Dalmasca, should a return there ever come to pass. And, as such, she and Rasler had sworn to raise their child with the values their own fathers had taught them.

"I..." Ashe took a moment to mull over the mathematics of her condition. "From what I'm aware, what the physician told me, I have close to five months to wait. I am able to feel the baby move, now," she revealed, with a soft smile to herself.

She wondered whether apprehension was as natural a feeling as delight. Still a young woman of only nineteen, Ashe felt both. Having grown up in the palace, she hadn't ever known another pregnant woman, and didn't know entirely what to expect. Oh, she had ideas, but tuition didn't always reflect experience.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

"Well, five months then. I shall be sure to remember." Without another word, he stood, sliding a hand through his hair as he did. It was time he got back and found out what Fran was currently doing. No doubt she would be expecting he was in trouble, too. It almost seemed like the Viera didn't trust him on his own for longer than five minutes.

Which, perhaps, was a merittable thought...

Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to Ashe's cheek, smiling lightly. "I must go. I have to find Fran and apologise for being short with her the other night." He winked at the royal, soon giving her hand a squeeze and making to leave.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

No sooner had Balthier squeezed her hand than Ashe stood herself, a polite gesture in return for all those he'd shown toward her. Meeting him again, in person, had been a pleasure and a reassurance. Yes, she was left with concern that he would be able to grow comfortable with living in Gaia, though the pirate was no stranger to the unexpected and was intelligent and resourceful enough to adapt.

"Very well then," came her pleasant reply, though she secretly hoped she'd be able to meet him again, before her pregnancy ended. "For now, farewell, Balthier."