[Thread; Closed]

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

Characters: Penelo and Balthier (open to Fran if she wants)
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: Balthier catches up to Penelo in Alexandria.
Location: Alexandria
Date: January, 1804
Warnings: Balthier?

There was something bittersweet about Penelo's return to Alexandria. It did not lie in the wintery chill outside, but the one that ate away at her inside. First that horrible fight with Larsa, and then Vaan vanished entirely. It was nearly all too much to bear, but she'd already spent her tears last night, after leaving Ashe and little Shain. Deep down, she knew she just needed to be strong, and she could get through this too. Losing people she cared about was becoming a regularity in her life; a fact she would have to just deal with. She thrust her chin up in the air, physically willing herself to buck up and move on. There was nothing else to do but move on.

She paused by the flower seller in the main square. The woman had been so kind to share her business space with Penelo for the sake of her cafe. When asked if she was going to reopen it, Penelo's answer was vague. While she had the opportunity to begin anew, her heart just wasn't in it. Truthfully, she felt as if she'd been set adrift, with nothing to guide her to solid ground.

Feeling bad for the woman, whose business was sparse from the chill, Penelo bought a single bloom of a red flower she did not recognize, and walked away, nose inhaling deeply of the sweet fragrance. It reminded her of promises of visiting gardens someday, which made her face fall, as well as another slow trickling tear. Why was it that she was always left to pick up the pieces on her own?

Comments

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

"That's part of the problem," she sighed, even while taking comfort in Balthier's hands holding hers. "I called myself one for the first time. And Larsa, he..."

How to even explain what was said? It went from a small swirl of wind to a raging sandstorm in a matter of moments. The things he said were so awful. Even as mad, and hurt as she was, she couldn't betray him by telling everything. There was just too much.

"We're just too different. And he was pretty final."

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

"There is nothing wrong with calling yourself what you are. You're a sky pirate, regardless of whether you have your partner or wings."

His hazel eyes darkened slightly at the mention of a possible perpetrator for part of Penelo's sadness. "What did Larsa do?" His voice remained as calm as ever but, being a veteran pirate, his thoughts turned instantly to how he would deal with Larsa.

He wasn't going to just let it slide. "Final? About what, exactly? Certainly you're different, but so are Fran and myself."

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

Penelo bit her lip, and traced a finger around the table. "It was really my fault. I told him I don't trust Gabranth, and from there... we both said some horrible things." If she could, she'd take back the topic, but it was too late for that. Then again, Larsa had called her ill-mannered. Just remembering that was enough to fire her up enough for a spark to light her blue eyes. She did mean what she said about not apologizing for not trusting him.

Her delicate shoulders shrugged, as the irritation fled as quickly as it had flared up. "Final, about us. Our friendship." And whatever it was I thought we were growing. She swallowed hard and looked away. "He doesn't want to have anything to do with me anymore."

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Balthier's eyes narrowed at her words and he squeezed her hands again. "It is your personal right to distrust, Penelo. If the man hadn't killed Reks and King Raminas, or tortured his own twin, I'd have said you were irrational, but he is rather a cruel being."

He was, however, surprised that Larsa would end things like that. "Your relationship," he corrected absently as the barmaid brought their drinks. Taking a long swig from his own, Balthier sighed heavily. "The boy is a pure fool if he would do such a thing."

A fool for now he would answer to Balthier.

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

She had the good graces to blush, quite a lot, at the correction, and she nodded slowly. The arrival of the drinks provided Penelo with a much needed distraction, and she cradled the warm cup in her hands, making a study of its milky contents.

Finally, she pried her gaze away from the cup and managed a weak smile. "It's okay though. I can take care of myself. Once I figure out what I'm going to do." A small sip of the milk went down, sweetened with honey, and little hints of vanilla. "I think the problem's with me. I never really thought of myself as a sky pirate until I got mad at Larsa, just Vaan's friend or Vaan's partner. So now I'm not even sure what I am."

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Balthier pondered for a moment and then, without permission, as it was his damn airship, he spoke; "You are always welcome aboard my airship. She's a far cry from the Strahl but pleasant, nonetheless."

Emptying his glass in one swift swallow, Balthier set the thing aside and rested back in his seat, his arms crossed over his chest in rather a relaxed manner, despite his contemplations of ill-mannered intent towards Larsa. He indeed planned to sort the boy out for harming her like this. He was angry, yes, but at least it hadn't been more severe. It was never good to make Balthier an angry man.

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

"Thanks, Balthier," she answered him with a tiny smile. It was in its own way declining the offer, but it made her feel better to know that she could ask if there were a need. She still hadn't quite gotten over her fear of flying. "I think I better stick to the ground while I can."

Since Balthier had sunk into silence, she too took a moment to consider what to do next, while slowly savoring her own drink. "I enjoyed watching the kids for the day in Lindblum, and Burmecia is overrun with children right now. I might go there." The rain was eternal, but she could make herself useful that way.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

"As you wish. Just understand that the offer will always stand. Just call on me." He returned her smile, his hands tucked away under his arms as they crossed tight against his chest. He would indeed fly from wherever he was to pick her up if the need came. She was a dear friend and much like the nearest thing to family he had.

Hearing of her plans, Balthier wrinkled his nose at the idea. "And suffer all the rain? I would never have taken a desert child like you to be fond of it, but I suppose your motherly instincts have taken over, hm?" Okay, so perhaps he was teasing a little now but he felt she needed cheering up.