[Action; for Rasler]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Out of a first floor window, Ashe gazes out across Warjilis. The distant ocean sparkles as if beckoning, revealing no indication of the pressing pirate threat which grips the port city. Masts of ships stand to attention in the harbour, flagless and still. The princess looks, but sees nothing. Her eyes are glazed over, vacant and reddened.

Beside her, Shain slumbers in a linen-lined basket. His mother stands still save for one hand; slender fingers stroking those of her son. Ashelia now watches him, listens to the boy breathe. Filtering out the sounds of men working and unloading below isn't difficult - in the face of the impending journey to Terra, what does this new governance matter compared to her loved ones, to the prospect of...

If her fingers tremble now and again, she doesn't notice it, nor the wetness trailing down one cheek. Only the warmth of her innocent, sleeping child.]

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[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[After he speaks, Ashe falls into a silence broken only by her quiet, irregular breathing. His plea has her conflicted; to ask such proves he loves her, so very much that he wouldn't want her to live a life devoid of feeling her own love returned. But no, she's defiant. How could she ever feel this way about another man? She can't, won't -

Dampened lashes settle against her cheeks, her gaze locked away until she can find the strength to return it to his own, and she squeezes his hands in equal measure.]

... I know why you ask this of me, but I -

I could never find it in myself to love another. Not after... None could ever touch my heart as you have.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[She breathes in deeply, gathering composure. He's right, and Ashe knows what she must do; be strong, not for herself but for her husband and son. Taking a gentle hold of his one free hand with both of her own, she leans in so that their foreheads touch once more, noses brush, her words a soft whisper.]

Forgive me for reacting so, only I...

[No, strength, Ashelia. She trails off with a quiet sigh and touches her lips to his.]

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[Softly she kisses him, but there's one more thing she has to voice, and Ashe lifts her lips temporarily from his.]

If we are returned to Dalmasca I will see Nabudis restored. Your kingdom may reclaim her glory, her beauty... and the refugees of Nabradia may return to their rightful home. This I promise you, Rasler.

[And she leans back into slow kisses, trying and slowly succeeding in leaving the troubling thoughts behind her.]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Ashe settles easily upon Rasler's lap, in his possessive hold, pressing against him in response to that low sound. When he shifts she's pulled with him, fingers weaving through the prince's soft locks.]

For our people. For you...

[The instinct to return his kisses proves too strong to resist, Ashe's lips parting, allowing him entrance.]