mooglenet_backup | [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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[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.

[Apologies, but the Princess has realised that the Bazaar, too, is deserted and the sight tightens her stomach. Always was it so busy, vibrant, that the contrast now is startling. She gasps, stopping in her tracks. This is not her Dalmasca.]

No, Vaan is not here... nor is anyone.

[Almost as if the infant in Ashe's arms could sense her unease - possibly the first time for present company's ears, Shain announces 'mama', and she strokes a hand across his hair.]

I am here... do not fear.

[Balthier shifted uneasily as he came to a halt behind the princess, folding his arms across his chest.]

Truly just us four, then. To what purpose, I wonder... and when it's through, which world will we be returning to, if this does indeed have an end to it at all.

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