{ Eight - Action aboard the Strahl/En route to Narshe } (Backdated Slightly)

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[Though the monsters brought forth by the Lunar Cry were far from gone, the initial crisis had passed. The Mist Continent was a dangerous place to be, even moreso than it had been in the past, and each of its cities had suffered great losses. Having done what they could in defense of Alexandria, Balthier now left the city in the care of its capable guard, and had agreed to deliver both Basch and Noah to Narshe, where they had been bound before Lunatic Pandora's movements had demanded the the three of them head to Fum along with Fran.

Balthier gave Basch a sidelong glance, the Captain having decided to keep him company at the helm. They both looked a bit worse for wear -- to be expected, he had to admit, after all the fighting, though getting the blood stains free of his vest was going to be a miserable affair.]

Once I've delivered you, I'll be making a trip to Lindblum to check in on Penelo. I'll give her your regards, of course?

Comments

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

[To say that Basch was tired would be an understatement. From traversing the expanse of Lunatic Pandora to immediately going to help fight off the hordes of monsters from the Lunar Cry, they had yet to stop and actually rest.

Basch opened his eyes the moment Balthier started talking.]

You sound as if you are delivering cargo, Balthier.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[The pirate smiles to himself as he faced forward.]

Do I? Would you prefer I use the term "ferried" instead?

[He, too, was tired after all their efforts, but it was difficult for him to put down roots long enough to rest at the moment, particularly after having spent so much time earthbound the past few weeks. He would rest in Narshe for a day or so, then set off for Lindblum.]

I suppose it would be more accurate, at least. Cargo is something to be lifted in my line of work, not delivered.

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

Gods forbid you do an honest day's work.

[His tone was jovial, despite everything. See? Captain Lineface can still crack jokes.]

And I prefer the term 'transported,' if you so wish to know.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

So noted, Captain. [The pirate smirked, appreciative of the Captain's jibe. Good to know the man was in high spirits, especially considering recent events.]

So. Tell me. [Balthier's tone brightened, cheerful.] As there's no one to overhear. How are things with your ladyfriend?

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

Ladyfriend?

[Pause... pause... he's a bit confused, until it dawns on him.] You do not mean Light-

[He sighs.] We are merely friends.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

Of course. And she is a lady, is she not? The term does apply. [He shrugs easily, making a flippant gesture with his right hand before laying it against the wheel again.]

Did she like the gift I chose for you?

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

[One day, Balthier. He is going to hit you and make it hurt.

He shifted in the seat, rubbing at his chin. He needed to shave. The growth there was getting a bit too long.]

I have not heard otherwise, so I can only assume that she enjoyed it.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[But not this day, Captain. Not this day.]

I should hope so. I put a great deal of thought into it, you know. Of course, coming from you, there's little chance she wouldn't appreciate it.

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

Though I can only assume her companions have seen it as well. Vanille seemed to be all too quick to have us spend time together.

[If that whole Narshe visit was to say anything. He knew something was up.]

And you, Balthier? What of your friendship with Celes?

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

Why am I not terribly surprised that one is playing matchmaker? I assure you, my interest is not borne of a need to meddle, but from simple observation.

[Balthier chuckles, offering the Captain a wry smile. Clearly, he's not at all bothered by being asked.]

She doesn't care for me much, it seems, though I truly can't imagine why. We got on just fine at the start, and I've been nothing short of a perfect gentleman. Perhaps not perfect, but certainly no less than friendly. I may be out of luck as far as pursuing any kind of friendship.

Still, it's curious. I cannot think of what I could have done to offend her.

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

Clearly she does not understand your concept of being a gentleman.

[It seemed that Ivalice was much different than Celes' world. From what he's heard about things, his companion has been a perfect gentleman, much like he always has. Balthier would do no less.]

Perhaps that is what irritates her?

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

Hm. [There's an idea.]

It's possible that she assumes my behavior means I don't think she can look after herself. She's been quite vehement about turning away help of any kind, even when her companions welcomed my aid.

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

Does that not sound like many of the women we know, Balthier? So many who would turn their companions away to prove themselves able to do things themselves.

She is headstrong. It is possible that your personalities clash because of that. You are the Leading Man, after all.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[He laughs openly. The Captain was certainly in good humor today.]

I suppose it does sound rather familiar. Ashelia wasn't so different, at least in principle.

Finally. [He grins, amused.] Someone catches on. I was growing rather tired of repeating myself.

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

How can I forget? It seemed as if nearly every moment you were uttering it.

[There's a quiet laugh from him.]

She will come around, Balthier. I am sure of it.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

Now, now, you make it sound as though I were utterly tactless. Pacing is key, friend. Each reminder was strategically placed.

[He lets out a brief sigh, more contented than not.]

Time will tell. I was considering dropping in on her once I had visited Penelo. I rather think she could do with a ride to clear her head.

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

Announce your arrival first. I do not think she would be happy with your sudden appearance. Women are prone to smacking.

[Which was more of a jab to himself than at Ashe, because more often than not, Basch was on the receiving end.]

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

In this particular case, I think biting and stabbing are also viable options. I'll make myself known, of course. [In some fashion, at any rate.]

Enough of that. When are you going to get around to asking Lightning to have tea or what have you?

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

[Hey hey hey. This was supposed to be about Balthier and Celes, not him and Light. The Captain cleared his throat.]

Why are you so intent on pairing us up, hm?

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

Because I read you like a book, Captain. Or had you forgotten?

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

[There's a sigh. A rather melodramatic one, to be honest. Was he really that easy to read?]

Is it that obvious?

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[He smirks.]

Not to everyone, I assure you. Though I don't see why you keep it to yourself. I'm sure the lady would welcome your advances.

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

I am not one to... openly express myself in such a manner.

[He frowned a bit. This was something he wasn't good at. As it was, he had to apologize for the entire Narshe fiasco.]

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[His smirk hitches a bit higher. He's not quite teasing, but clearly amused by Basch's reservations.]

Perhaps not, though that may be what she finds so charming. You've certainly taken your time. Your brother's not been here a month, and already he's slipping away to spend time with that girl of his from Garden. Can't let him upstage you, now.

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

[Basch hmphs, settling in his chair and crossing his arms.]

Noah has always been like that, unfortunately.

[Another pause.] Perhaps I should.. take your advice and talk to her more.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

I think that would be prudent. Even if you choose to pursue nothing more than friendship, it would be an appropriate gesture, though I feel you would be doing the both of you a disservice if you stopped there.

You have been thread!jacked.

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

[Noah, originally content to simply listen in on the conversation (it's not quite eavesdropping, since they are talking rather loudly and besides, there are no eaves on an airship) fells the need to join in. After a moment to banish the blush that appeared on his cheekbones, the youngest Ronsenburg peeks his head into the helm.]

I, at least, have the courage to do something when I am smitten, instead of lying around like some poor helpless sods I know. [That's a look Basch.]

You are both the stiffest and most relaxed that I've ever seen you, brother, and you haven't seemed so head over heels since that one incident in... [He trails off, a devious smirk on his face. That is a story to tell. He's rather saving it for maximum potential.

He turns to Balthier.]

And you! For a self-proclaimed leading man, your hardly doing anything but skirting around the rosebushes.

APPROVED.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

To my credit, [Balthier began, making an effort to sound far more annoyed than he truly was,] We are barely even friends, at best. The lady doesn't seem to care much for me. Still, I'll be paying her a visit in the near future. I know my role, friend, and I intend to live up to its standards.

Your brother, however, has been in desperate need of encouragement.

\o/

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

[There's linefaces, at the both of you.]

Noah, you swore you'd never speak of such incident again. [And he had threatened you with bodily harm.]

I have no need of encouragement, Pirate. If I so choose to "make my move" against Lightning, as you would call it, I would rather do it properly. I can at least show her respect.

:D

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

See that you do.



And, as you requested, I have not divuldged any details of that certain incident. I simply referenced the event to illustrate what you are acting like.

Really, brother, what is disrespectful about telling someone that you care deeply for them? It is the only noble thing to do.

I fail to see how such a thing can be "inmproper". Though I suppose there must be some ways.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[Balthier lets out a derisive snort, miffed.]

You're not implying that I would be improper concerning such matters.

[bearitproudly.livejournal.com]

I believe you've struck a nerve, Noah.

[Is that a satisfied grin on Basch's face? No. Never!]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

I do believe I have. Whyever would that be?

[That is a smirk of pure evil. It doesn't matter whether or not he knows any of Balthier's escapades, that smirk makes it look like he does.

Hmm.... Flustered, indignant Balthier and grinnig Basch. Noah, thy name is boss.]

[Perhaps it is a good thing that Basch is so uptight about a lot of things. The brothers working together? One should fear that everything will go horribly, horribly, right.]

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[Balthier offers the both of them a dismissive gesture, turning his attention back to piloting. Hmph.]

I am ever a perfect gentleman. [Mostly.]

/sob. how did i miss this?

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

[sometime after his conversation with Basch, likely hovering over Narshe] No worries, it's newish!

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[Balthier steps into the doorway to the engine room, leaning against it with one arm over his head, quirking an eyebrow in her direction.]

Everything ship-shape? We missed you up front.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

The old girl is fine. Everything seems to be in working order.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

She's lucky to have you to look after her.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

She would be fine in your capable hands.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[Point taken. He did design the modifications.] Perhaps, though I would miss the company.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

With all the strays you attract? You'd barely even notice.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[He laughs.] I have been attracting rather a lot of them lately, haven't I? You know as well as I do, it's not the same.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

Merely because we have been partners long enough that I know your ways, Hume.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

Perhaps I should be appalled that I have allowed myself to become so predictable. [He raises a brow, lightly buffing his nails against his vest.] I do believe a year of convalescence has caused me to become soft.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

Do not worry. I shall not tell the others you have become predictable in your old age, Hume.