[Action; for Penelo]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Almost exactly one month has gone by in which Ashe has slept alone. During the entirety of that time, friends and allies had endeavoured to offer support in various ways and now, following the disaster in Narshe's mines, Balthier, Basch and Fran have finally departed. In a way she felt... relieved, despite the strength their presence lent her, she was beginning to concern herself that they felt obliged to stay. Of course, they would deny that. Friendship, she had learned, fostered far more commitment than mere duty.

The princess passes through the many rooms of her estate, seeking out the young Dalmascan who remains.]

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[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

[Penelo happens to be in the nursery playing with little Shain. She's got his baby feet situated on top of hers, and is holding onto his chubby hands. Very carefully so he doesn't lose his grip or slip, she goes through a simple dance step, teaching him the same way she'd learned from her brothers.]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[With the search fruitless this far, Ashe tries the upstairs corridor, each room in turn and taking the time to think. When she happens upon the nursery, however, her feet halt in the doorway, quiet as not to disturb the scene which can only be described as enchanting. With slightly parted lips and clear eyes she watches, sees the pure happiness in her son's face and listens to his babbles as he partakes in the wobbly dance.

For the first time since losing her husband, Ashe smiles.]

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

[Not realizing they have an audience, Penelo keeps talking to the little guy like he's an adult. Baby talk is silly and demeaning in her opinion.]

This is where you would spin the girl.

[Instead, she scoops him up by his sides and spins them around a few times, then slowly comes to a halt. The whole process induces gleeful laughter from the tiny prince and Penelo hugs him.]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Shain's laughter is a sound more precious than any sound imaginable, Ashe relishing her son's enjoyment in silence, pleased she had gone unseen. Finally, when the dance ends, she steps into the room, hands clasped. Her fleeting smile may have left her, but the warmth and comfort it lent her heart remains.]

... You are good with him.

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

Ashe!

[Penelo turns at the sound of her friend's voice and puts down the little man who is suddenly quite squirmy himself.]

He's never too young to learn Dalmascan dances.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Nor to enjoy them, I see.

[Once the infant is set down, he endeavours to stand and, after a few attempts, succeeds. Ashe waits for her son to complete his wobbly run toward her before gathering Shain into her arms, who laughs upon being lifted.]

... Thank you.

[It's unclear what the thanks are for - Shain's enjoyment, or for bringing a smile to both child and mother.]

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

Of course.

[Penelo doesn't need to know exactly what the thanks are for. She nods and smiles back at Ashe, relieved that the queen seems better than she has been.]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Unable to sustain her smile for any length of time, it fades once more, yet there's no stopping her child's and such is a blessing. Despite his youth, Shain misses Rasler, she knows. Often he would look around as if searching, or request 'fa-fa,' only to fall into a quiet when no gratification came.]

Penelo... All you have done to assist me - I am grateful, yet I wish not to monopolise your time, not when you are due to be... [Inwardly she falters, yet persists] ... presently wed.

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

I don't mind. I couldn't concentrate on the wedding knowing you were here without help. I think we're going to move it back a month. Figaro's in no condition to host a wedding and... I can't just leave.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

To spend that month here...

I... This is what you want?

[She has to be certain, because Ashe refuses to become anyone's burden.]

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

Ashe, I don't mind. I couldn't sleep at night if I left right now.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[She gives a soft sigh, and there's something about it which conveys her approval.]

Very well.

... I can no longer remember how it feels to sleep a night through.

[She states this quietly, almost to herself, and runs a hand soothingly across Shain's hair.]

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

You will. I was like that when Reks vanished.

[Not one to usually invade Ashe's personal space, Penelo puts an arm around her shoulders anyway for a partial, supportive hug. Out of anyone they knew the dancer was probably one who knew best just how hard these losses were. She'd lost so many people she'd cared about over the years.]

But, I don't think they'd want us to quit living. It's hard sometimes to remember that. I can still hear his voice and see his smile and... I'm grateful to have had that chance again.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[The physical support half takes her by surprise, however, she accepts it, listening and remembering.]

Some time ago... when we believed our return was imminent, he...

[Shain gurgles, waves his arms and carefully Ashe leans forward, setting the boy down upon the rug where he takes up his favourite soft toy. She watches her son, Rasler's words so clear, so emotive, in her mind. If she caresses her wedding band, the motion is not a conscious one.]

He asked me not to bury my emotions away.

[danceawaypain.livejournal.com]

[Penelo sees that gesture and her tender heart breaks just that little bit more.]

I think he was right.

You're strong Ashe. I've always admired you for that. And I think... no, I know you'll make it. You've got good friends.

[She quirks a tiny smile, borrowing Vaan's phrase from so long ago.]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Ashe recalls the reference, silently acknowledging that strength, however strived toward, would always fall short in overcoming obstacles without the support lent by friends. It felt a wish too far that her prince would return to her again, at least in this lifetime, but she had faith.]

... And I have my son.