[Video/Action for Rabanastre-bound]

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

[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.]

Comments

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[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[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.]

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[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[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.

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[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

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.]

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[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

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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[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[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.

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[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[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.