[Video, filtered from Kefka, Dr. Cid]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[With what appears to be a dusky green travelling robe hanging up behind her, Ashe sits with the sky phone in hand. Sunset's first rays come streaming through one of Figaro Castle's open windows, bathing the room in an orange glow. With one hand she pushes a shutter, letting her gaze wander for only seconds to the cradle where her sleeping son lays undisturbed. It seems this is going to be some sort of announcement or speech. She speaks in a slightly hushed tone, not wanting to wake little Shain; not when he has a journey ahead of him.]

This is Ashelia Dalmasca Nabradia.

In consultation with the Regent of Lindblum, Rasler and I have agreed to relocate to Warjilis in order to work toward restoring peace to the port.

As we understand the situation, pirates have seized the majority of power and influence and have made the port their own. Dealing with such an established threat shall by no means prove itself simple. We mean to ally ourselves with the sailors and traders who have been forced out of their honest living, who wish to see these invaders leave their shores.

With the challenge ahead in mind, my husband and I prepare to take our leave of Figaro, with the hope to someday return to her sands and those we have come to know.

Comments

[ video ]

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[While Vossler's instinct is to protest their involvement in the affairs of a kingdom other than their own, he can't forget the fact that Dalmasca does not exist on this world. Forming alliances in the wake of everything Ondore revealed to him about Vayne Solidor winning the favor of the people is probably the only way for Ashe to clear her name.

Still, there is the matter of Dalmasca's heir. Typically, Ashe would not be tasked with fighting such a battle. The fact that she is unable to command her army here makes her involvement in such situations unavoidable]

And what of the young Prince? Such an endeavor will be treacherous for one so young.

[ video ]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Securing living quarters at the port's very outskirts, where those desiring a peaceful life have relocated, will be our best option.

[Despite what she's about to say, Ashe does appear concerned. She would give her very life in a fingersnap if it would protect her baby, and resolves never to allow the situation to reach that point.]

Had Rasler and I doubted our ability to protect our son, we would not have accepted this task. I will not place him in the path of harm. Shain will be kept safe and defended, no matter the cost... and I would value your aid in ensuring such.

[ video ]

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

As Dalmasca's heir, I would lay down my life to ensure the safety of the young prince should the fates deem it so.

Even here, my duty to protect the royal family is unwavering. My blade is yours to command, majesty.

[ video ]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Very well then.

Once we arrive, I would suggest an exploration of our location. We know very little of the port's layout and facilities, nor taverns where the pirates tend to gather. It is Rasler's belief that our names and nations may be familiar to the citizens, since the port belongs to Ivalice.

[ video ]

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[Vossler has been made aware of the fact that people are pulled here from various points in time. It would only make sense that the same applied to the locations foreign to Gaia which have also been pulled from various worlds such as Ivalice]

If that is the case, then all the more reason for us to liberate her borders of the pirate menace.

[ video ]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

I agree.

[She considers silently. In a port of working men, sailors and merchants, Vossler and Rasler would both stand a chance of going unnoticed rather well, if pirates pass their way.]

Tact and caution will serve us well.

[ video ]

[loyalties.livejournal.com]

[Having to restrain himself around even more pirates is not exactly something that Vossler looks forward to. Either way, he gets the hint]

Have you any more information on these pirates, highness?

[ video ]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Only that they are openly hostile to those not of their kind. Regent Cid of Lindblum warned me of such; advised us to expect no leniency should they perceive us as enemies. If Rasler knows more than this, I am unaware.

Initially, I will establish my son's security. From there, we must take the situation as we find.

[Private, Video]

[sonoffigaro.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, but an emergency prevents me from going with you at this time - I have to go pull Locke's fat out of the fire. Overconfident thief. I hope to meet you over there in a few days if we don't run into any difficulty; your supplies are already loaded and ready to go.

[Private, Video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[She gives a nod of understanding alongside concern for the thief.]

Of course, do not delay on our part. Rasler and I shall await news and, with good fortune, your arrival. It is likely we shall take a residence on the very outskirts of the town, in an area safe for occupation.

As for the supplies, thank you. We shall see to their loading soon after daybreak.

[Private, Video]

[sonoffigaro.livejournal.com]

With any luck most of that should be done for you overnight; if not, it shouldn't take very much time in the morning. If you'd like to take a handful of the guards as well to protect your new home, feel free, as long as the men themselves are willing to go.

[Private, Video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Overnight would prove better, if possible. I shall speak with the guards myself and notify you of any who volunteer.

The hospitality you have shown toward my family... I am grateful. It is my hope to return, once our newfound duty is fully complete.

[Private, Video]

[sonoffigaro.livejournal.com]

It was nothing but thankfulness for those who protected my home at a time when I couldn't be here. Whenever you'd like to return, please, consider Figaro open. We'd be glad to see you again.

[Private, Video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[She nods and smiles simultaneously.]

Very well. Until then, we do the same for Warjilis.

We will expect you only when you arrive.

[Private, Video]

[sonoffigaro.livejournal.com]

I likely will not notify you when I've arrived - but if a tall man with brown hair and shabby clothing turns up in your entrance hall one day, don't chase him away.

[Private, Video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Have a brief eyebrow-lift of confusion. Does Edgar mean to bring some unfamiliar ally along for the journey?]

... I will do as you ask.

[Private, Video]

[sonoffigaro.livejournal.com]

[No, that's just his disguise - a very successful one in the past, so he's willing to put his trust in it again. He doesn't try to explain, though, preferring to keep an air of ~mystery~ around it.]

Thank you. Take care of Shain, and watch to make sure that husband of yours doesn't try anything too risky. I shall be there soon.

[Private, Video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Those are requests you need not make, for I would do so regardless.

Until we meet again. Be well.

[video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Larsa? I...

[It's some time since they spoke, and the emperor's offer takes her by temporary surprise.]

A generous offer, one we would be foolish to decline. Should your men mean to travel by water, they ought to be prepared to encounter the pirate presence off-shore.

Everything is fine, thank you. Both of us are well, as is our son. These recent weeks - how do you fare, yourself?

[video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[If Ashe doesn't look entirely convinced by his claim of being well, she doesn't question it. Although she considers Larsa a friend, it's a different kind of friendship, and the princess respects his decision not to explore his well-being. However, she still cares.]

Just as you offer assistance to Rasler and I, you need only ask should the reverse ever be required. I do mean that.

[video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Giving a nod in return, she can't help but note the similarity. It's disconcerting to her, but well meant on his part.]

Not at all. We are allies, are we not?

[video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[During the battle to restore Dalmasca, Ashe had grown to accept Larsa as a different creed to his brothers, despite the Solidor name heating her blood. She considers him ally and friend. But there's something about the way he looks at her...]

Then I will keep you informed as to the situation. For the sake of the men you provide.

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[She's looking into the camera, eyes no longer clouded as her sight as returned-- there's a slightly eager expression on her face, but it melts into one of professionalism when she speaks.]

Lady Ashelia, I am SeeD Quistis Trepe of Galbadia Garden. In regards to your pirate situation, might I suggest the aid of SeeD? We are currently in the process of recruiting new members, and a field demonstration is usually required before graduation. I can personally conduct and lead a mission for our two SeeD candidates and liberate Warjilis from the pirates, should you be interested in our offer.

[video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Ashe has a keen memory for faces and instantly recognises Quistis as the woman giving directions on the day of the festival, though there's a clear difference - she seems able to see.]

Your offer does interest me; very much so. Other than our own determination to see the port freed from pirate rule and some assistance from Narshe, my husband and I have limited resources at hand. Your candidates - would they be prepared to face the risks involved?

[video]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

The candidates will be prepared to face the risk-- it is part of the requirements to becoming a SeeD. I believe that they are more than capable of taking care of the situation, but should they need any help I will provide backup. I will also foresee all their actions, and will follow them as they fulfill the mission. You have nothing to worry about.

[video]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

From my understanding, the pirates' numbers are considerable. The more we know about the city itself and available resources, the better. As such, my husband and I will be certain to make you privy to any intelligence we gather from the local people, and would ask you to do the same.

I have travelled on your Garden once before and know of its size. It will certainly alert the pirates to your presence, though such may be inevitable...