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[Video/Action for Rabanastre-bound]

[This happened before so it's not a surprise to Penelo, but unfortunately it's still heartbreaking to see her home completely devoid of people. She's standing inside Migelo's Sundries, checking the stock like she did when she was still a young orphan under his wardship. Everything's in order. Only there are no people. No customers lifting goods, haggling over prices. No shopkeepers endorsing products or taking payment. No one. The streets outside the shop are the same and it's frightening. Never in her life has she seen her the bustling desert capital wholly empty.

At long last, she'll take a deep breath and turn on the phone, forcing herself to smile and find the best in the situation.]

I don't know how, but it's happening again. Never thought I'd see Rabanastre so quiet. It's almost like it's somewhere else entirely.

[What she's not saying is that it reminds her of Nabudis in an eerie way, only even then there were the shrieks and growls of monsters lingering in the Mist. Here, there's not even that.]

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Yeah. I'm tougher than I look, remember?

[Although she's decidedly creeped out.]

Is Shain okay?

[Penelo might be fighting some maternal urges to want to hold the little guy, but it's been a few months since she minded the baby for Ashe. Also hard to miss the little prince trying to take everything in.]

We can't be the only ones here. If all three of us were brought here, someone else must have come, as well. Penelo, you mentioned that it was on a much smaller scale the last time this occurred?

[He shielded his eyes with one hand as he looked off into the distance.]

I can see through almost to the bazaar, if you look down that street. I'm curious; could you see further than you could walk the last time?

[At Penelo's reference to her son's health Ashe looked downward, where he was just drinking in the sight of Rabanastre - someday his own city - with wide eyes.]

I see no change in him; the experience appears not to have caused him any ill.

[It was Balthier who earned her attention next. This scenario reminded her staunchly of the past, the familiarity drawing on her memories. She, too, turned toward the bridge leading to the bazaar, but Ashe merely squinted, choosing to cover Shain's eyes rather than her own.]

Last time... Yes, the limitations would not permit us to travel far. You suggest we make our way further?

I'm not sure we'll accomplish much else otherwise. Though, to be honest, I don't know that we want to leave this place or not. If it's a way home, I wouldn't say no, but the emptiness tells me otherwise. There is something at work here, and I find the whole thing very disquieting.

[He paused, turning his attention to the child in her arms and offering a subdued smile.]

This is Shain? He has your eyes, Princess.

Then we make for the bazaar. Should we reach a boundary, we turn back.

[Wanting this to be a mutual decision, she looked to Penelo, awaiting her opinion before making a move. Her mind lingered on Rasler, on the certainty that she wouldn't take an opportunity to return to Ivalice without him. But then, in the midst of musings Balthier addressed her son.]

I... I have been told so, yes.

[In the bright sun Shain blinked, but that didn't deter him from making little grasping motions in the direction of Balthier's earrings and pursing his lips in the effort to reach upward.]

[Penelo nods in acquiescence that they move to the bazaar.]

The last time it was a little different. You could see what was beyond but when you crossed a certain place, you went back. Like in Eryut, the only thing there was the center of the village. You could see the rest but when we tried to go further in, it went away.

Mjrn said she could still hear the Wood and it was angry that the Viera weren't there.

[Basch had only arrived in Rabanastre a few minutes before. He had arrived in the Southern Plaza, and had to stand there for a few moments. It had been some time since he had seen Rabanastre last, having been in Archades for some time.

After letting it sink in, the Captain began wandering through the empty streets. The silence was unnerving, to say the least.

Rounding a corner after some time walking, he spotted those he knew up ahead.]

It seems as if I am not the only one present. [He said, after moving closer.]

Captain. [Balthier gestured broadly with one hand, fingers splayed.] How good of you to join us. You look well. Any news from your part of town?

[The addition of another, welcomingly familiar voice had Ashe turning to greet its owner. Despite the anxiety hanging heavy in her stomach as to what exactly was going on with Rabanastre, and Rasler, she could do no less than offer her once-Captain a faint smile.]

We were about to attempt movement through the city, to discern whether or not this is... an illusion.

[Basch's arrival garners a warm smile from Penelo. It's oddly nostalgic for them to all be present here again. All that's missing is Fran and Vaan and she almost expects them both to come round the corner next.]

I almost hope it is an illusion and not just pulled here through a Rift.

[Needless to say, Basch was relieved to see his friends there, but worried that Rasler was not among them.]

The southern portion of the city is empty, I'm afraid. Let us move quickly, then, and hope we should find others.

[The absence of Fran and Rasler had not escaped Balthier's notice, either. He was still unsure as to whether it was wise to hope they had been brought here too -- if they had been sent home for good, then certainly, but considering their surroundings, that was highly unlikely. He began to walk again, heading for the nearest of Rabanastre's raised walkways, a common feature of Galtean architechture.]

Agreed. Even if there is something foul afoot, I'd rather we all be in the same place than scattered and unknown. Fran can certainly take care of herself, but I've no interest in leaving things to chance.

[He paused, glancing over his shoulder at Penelo.]

If it is an illusion, it's of a bloody unsettling likeness.

[Trying not to give in to her fears, Ashe set her mind on one course of action. They were to explore the Northern part of the city, then - and either find the others, or a way back to Gaia. She couldn't consider other options at that point. Holding Shain close, the princess nodded toward the north and took a decisive footfall.]

Let us make haste. We must locate the others, and answers.

[Falling in to follow Ashe, Penelo placed a hand on one of the grand columns in front of one of the shops.]

It's solid too. Probably a good thing Vaan's not here or he'd be emptying the place out.

[Sigh. That boy and his sticky fingers.]

We'll follow you, Ashe.

[Balthier halted just long enough to fall back a step so that he walked just behind and slightly to the left of their princess, letting her lead. This put him in a better position to look over to Penelo as they spoke; a sideways glance revealed a detail he had somehow managed to miss earlier, but his carefully-honed eye could not ignore that tell-tale sparkle.]

What's this?

[Despite their situation, a smirk pulled at the pirate's lips as he gently reached to lift the dancer's hand in his own.]

Something you've neglected to tell, Pen? I did ask for all the news, you know.

Edited 2011-01-25 19:40 (UTC)

[Basch had taken up the rear in their little group, mainly to keep an eye on Ashe and Penelo. Yes, he knew they could take care of themselves, but old habits die hard.

Balthier's sudden quip made Basch's line of sight go down to Penelo's left hand, where a ring now lay. The last time he had seen the dancer there was no ring on her finger.]

Indeed. [Basch's eyebrow raised in question as he looked to Penelo. Over-protectiveness go!] It seems Edward has taken the initiative.

[Oops. She hadn't counted on Balthier noticing like that. Penelo steals a glance at Ashe to see if the queen's noticed what the guys are talking about. It's sweet that they're worrying about her, but she's not a little girl anymore ~~especially if her clothes are anything to go by~~. She looks up at Balthier without blushing or hesitancy.]

We're going to announce it next week.

[She then looks to Basch with a tiny smile.]

I hope you don't mind.

[It shouldn't have come as a surprise that Ashe, in fact, had not heard - there was little which managed to distract her when she set herself on a course of action, and she was determined as a person could humanly be to resolve the situation. However, she did catch earshot of an announcement, and turning to see Balthier putting a ring so on display, she realised. Only then did she pause, turning back on a heel.]

You are... engaged?

[She appeared surprised, but not rudely so. Little Shain, oblivious, cuddles close.]

Well, I'll just have to meet this boy of yours sooner than planned -- once we've sorted this out. You have my word, I won't intimidate him.

[Balthier released Penelo's hand as he continued to follow Ashe's lead, letting his own beringed hand fall to his side.]

I'll leave that to our dear Captain.

[Basch just gives Balthier a look.]

I've already promised Penelo that I would not intimidated Edward.

[Even if the bard was... girly. Undeniably girly. It boggles the mind. Clearly something needed to be done about it.]

[He's not girly! He's just a musician not a warrior. Honestly you men need to get used to having a bard in the party. They're very useful.

Penelo gives both of the men a serious look. One that's usually only used on Vaan and her signature I-mean-business expression. Don't go scaring Edward. She turns and nods at Ashe.]

Only for a few days. We haven't picked a date yet.

[Certainly, Edward isn't as manly as some, but he is, at least, a good man, one who will undoubtedly treat Penelo well. It's then that she smiles through her concerns, genuinely pleased for the pair. No comment is made as to the men's banter - Ashe knows Balthier means only to tease.]

My congratulations - you must convey such to Edward, when we return to Gaia.

[Because make no mistake, Ashe is finding a way back to Rasler.]

[Having not met the man yet, Balthier had decided to reserve judgement for the time being, though he very much intended to give him a fair appraisal. Just to be certain he's good enough for Penelo.]

Likewise. Congratulations, Pen. [He shielded his eyes from the sun a second time to get a better look at the path ahead of them, spotting the numerous spreads and stalls of the Muthru Bazaar.]

Vaan would have a regular holiday in this place, with no one to tend their goods.

Then let us be lucky Vaan is not here.

[There was no more word on Penelo's engagement. Basch knew that Penelo was happy, so he would be happy for her. The time to discuss it would be back on Gaia, when they returned.]

I keep hoping he'll grow out of that, but you know Vaan...

[Not that Penelo didn't love talking about Edward but the change of subject was welcome because it hadn't been announced yet and it was awkward dealing with men who were more or less protective older brothers. Not that she minded having brothers again, mind.]

He better be staying out of trouble. But I doubt it.

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