[Voice; Filtered to Balthier]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Ashe sets up her device as required, as much as she's able considering the events of the past evening. She's pale and unsettled, having not rested at all, and her voice is quieted, strained.]

... If you can hear this, Balthier, answer me.

[Hopefully Fran and Basch are there with him, that he can break the startling news to them in turn. It's likely, considering they weren't present at the meeting, that her friends know nothing about Vayne's assassination.]

Comments

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

[He knows when it's time to be polite and charming, and when it's time to play things seriously. He's going for serious this time.]

Ashe? What's wrong?

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[She hesitates a moment, but there's no other way than to be direct with something like this.]

Vayne is dead.

Murdered, right before my eyes, upon the Invincible setting us down in Troia.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

[He pauses for a split second. Let's assume it's in surprise, shall we?]

Are you and your family alright? What happened?

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

I... They are thankfully unharmed.

[Her family might not be hurt, but things are far from alright with the princess.]

We were leaving the airship, and... there were shots. He fell without warning, leaving chaos in his wake.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

And... you?

[You should know he won't stop until he has an answer to your wellbeing, Ashe.]

I see... was anyone else harmed?

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[A pause; Ashe doesn't like to admit her shortcomings or feelings of helplessness, but the situation is serious. Very much so, and she doesn't know what to do.]

... Prior to the meeting, I spoke with the Regent upon my fears regarding Vayne. In doing so, I have only drawn attention to the rivalry between he and I, thus implicating myself in his death... If anything, suspicion is likely to fall upon the Marquis and myself.

No-one else. Clearly, Vayne alone was the target.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Hmm... Of course, regardless of who killed the man, you and the Marquis, and likely Al-Cid would always have been implicated merely for being on the opposite side of the fence.

[He sighs a little dramatically.] Messy business, politics. I'd much sooner remain in the sky.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

I will face any accusation with certainty in this one fact - despite our stance against Vayne and his nethicite, neither my uncle, myself nor Al-Cid would resort to murder, let alone such blatant and public violence.

[A profound sigh from the princess.]

... I can understand why.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

And certainly you should. I can't imagine what kind of man shot Vayne down.

[He chuckles softly.] You know, the offer to kidnap you is there, Ashelia. It always is.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

... One with good reason, likely.

[Whilst she sighs again, this time, it's lifted a little lighter, softer.]

Doing so would earn you no graces with my husband, Balthier.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Of course. Why else? I'd certainly have done so if this scoundrel hadn't beaten me to it.

[He laughs.] Well, I'll kidnap him too. The three of you are more than welcome aboard the Strahl, should you need a respite from political tensions.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

You should not say such things, not when suspicions and doubts run high.

[There's a slight hesitation which might just imply the idea appeals to her.]

I cannot be seen to hide following the death of a man I was known to oppose. That, and the people of Figaro are in need of our guidance.

Perhaps soon, Balthier... we may find a welcome opportunity for respite in the skies.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Well, I have a gun, do I not? Certainly eyes will turn my way at least once.

[He pauses in thought.] Indeed, your reasoning is correct. Should you and I be seen conversing publically it would also implicate you. After all, I am naught but a rogue and a scoundrel. And to think, I was once an officer and a gentleman.

Of course, should you ever need me, you know all you must do is ask. I may not have an accord with that jackal of a captain, Vossler not Basch, but I would aid you regardless.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[She almost asks him that question, but he's a friend, hero of her people, and Ashe holds her tongue.]

As they will turn to all who oppose Vayne, or possess such a weapon. I shall not keep you uninformed as to any developments from the ground.

... I know. Scoundrel or not, a gentleman you remain.

[xbalthierx.livejournal.com]

Oh, most definitely.

I thank you, princess. It seems many forget that whilst I am a pirate it does not take away from the fact that I am the leading man, and certainly have manners enough to be a gentleman.

Especially to those I care for.