[action] Goug after the Mryyh drop

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita's sitting in the tavern in Goug keeping company. He hasn't had time to replace his cloak yet, rather choosing to be amongst friends. He recognizes that the next few months will be particularly grueling and this may be one last chance to relax and be open before it's too late.]

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[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Ashe sets her drink down upon the table to sit opposite her friend. When her eyes stray to his tattered, burned cloak she releases a quiet sigh, thinking back to the cause. Had he not acted to the detriment of himself, it would be she who bore the marks of the chocobo's assault.

Concern in her eyes, she looks to him, wanting assurance as to his state of health. Now that they're alone, there's no need for Delita to save face.]

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[A fact not wasted upon the knight. He dared not chance her life to the attack. And while it was true that the attack was vicious, he trusted in the skills of his friend.]

You need not worry about myself. My injuries are sufficiently healed. I am extremely appreciative of the speed of your healing.

[Black circles under the eyes belie the fact that he has pushed farther than he should, but a determination to spend time with the princess and possibly come clean over a few issues overrides any sense of self-healing.]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

I could have done no less.

[There's an honesty, almost pained in her voice. The attack was taken for her, thus she feels responsible for ensuring he recovers well. Not only that, but she knows, had he fallen, she couldn't have forgiven herself.]

Nor could I fail to worry, after what you risked for me.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

The party required your services more than my own.

[Some habits take a while to fully overcome as he starts to hide his feelings on the subject, except her brutal honestly widened the crack in his hardened exterior.]

'Tis no way I could chance you taking permanent injury.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[By now, the princess should be fully accustomed to having others defend and protect her, placing themselves at risk in the pursuit of her safety. Ashe will never grow so complacent that she would fail to acknowledge such a noble act, nor show gratitude where it is deserved.]

... Thank you, Delita.

[She doesn't question whether duty or friendship drew him to protect her, because there's no need. She already knows.]

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[It was indeed friendship that drew him as she suspected, yet it was this same friendship that weighed on his conscience now. How could he claim friendship with this woman, when dishonesty and subterfuge had ruled his actions. It would indeed be easier to forget the deed had been done, yet his growing care of the princess commanded honesty.]

My arrival in Warjilis was less than honest. Lest I wish to remain iniquitous in my relations with you, I must confess to dealings made prior to my arrival.

[He trusts Ashelia enough to share the landmine of information, yet is unsure if he should be fearful that its impact will be too great to withstand the bond forged in friendship.]

Lady 'til Alexandros bid my arrival in Warjilis to confirm her distrust.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Less than honest? Dealings made prior? Ashe is rendered speechless by the first sentence alone - as he continues his confession, she responds wordlessly with the widening of her eyes.

Garnet sent him to Warjilis under the pretense of assistance? To supervise her? She feels a sinking in her chest, her gaze falling from his to the tabletop, and the soft gasp which leaves her lips is akin to a wound. For a long moment she says nothing, trying to understand what this means as opposed to how badly it hurts, and resisting the urge to rise to her feet.]

You were... spying on me... all this time?

[How she hoped to the gods it wasn't so. And Garnet - her distrust? The knight's arrival had been after the business with Vayne, hence Ashe could only conclude that as the cause - but that didn't matter, not in light of the possibility that the friendship she and Delita were building... was a lie.]

Delita...

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita had feared this reaction. The instinct to retreat was strong, yet he owed her an explanation. He kept his head low in humility.]

When she spoke of concerns regarding Lord Solidor, I would stand for no other to spy on an Ivalician Princess. A while ago, she sent word that my missive was complete but I could not depart.

[A friendship had thus been forged and Lord Nabradia's disappearance demanded his assistance to the princess.]

Long ago, I would have ceased my missive if I were sure her highness would not have sent another for it was clear your intentions to Warjilis and Gaia were noble. Yet fear of your retribution forbade me speak of it till recently.

[He raises his eyes hopefully yet hesitant for his betrayal of her trust had been serious.]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Lord Solidor. Even now, in his absence, the Archadian snake has found a way to continue affecting her life - yet she will not allow it. Mission complete meant that Garnet no longer had cause to distrust, a thought which assures her, for she sincerely considers the other royal a friend.

'A while ago.' Ashe almost questions exactly how long has passed since he ceased his task, however a sigh comes in place of words. Only one phrase brings her to find her tongue.]

My... retribution?

[Gray eyes meet his, confusion within until realisation dawns. Ashe remembers the Monastery, the revelation that trust was a new concept to him. Another quiet sigh, and she nods. It's a simple act, yet one meant to signify her willingness to listen, her wish to keep his company, her gratitude of his honesty.]

And now, do you stay in Warjilis... of your own volition?

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[The stress lines became pronounced as he awaited her responses. The knight deserved nothing, and if required would abide the princess and never set foot in Warjilis again. Still, the events of Orbonne gave him the courage to speak and hope filled him that that would not be the case.]

My desire to remain is of my own volition, if you would still accept my services.

[He almost adds 'by your side.', the thought shocking himself and thankfully cast aside lest he breech all propriety.

Hoping to accentuate the validity of his declaration, he continues his affirmation.]

I would see no other over Warjilis, for your hand has mercifully governed with honor and justice.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[When he asks whether she wishes him to stay, she too finds herself surprised, since the prospect of a Warjilis devoid of him proves itself unthinkable. He is part of the city just as much as she, and, despite the nature of his arrival, everything Delita has done since has ever supported her. He is a knight - Ashe could never ask him to leave on the basis of fulfilling a duty to royalty, and her eyes reveal as much.

His services are wanted, yet his company is moreso.]

Though I regret the nature of your arrival... I accept that you were obligated to carry out your duty.

[Then her voice quiets, less a princess, more a young woman endeavouring to be a friend.]

If you desire to stay, then I... I do not wish your leave, Delita, and will never ask it. Swear to me... you will never resume that duty again.

[She refers to the act of spying, of deceiving her.]

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita listens intently, not nearly as surprised as he has become to understand the princess. He also regrets the nature of his arrival, and his soberness is evident in his demeanor.]

I am ever a knight of Ivalice and Warjilis is my home so I swear.

[Knightly duties aside, Delita had ever the more reason to reside in Warjilis. He would trust the safety and care of her ruler to none other. Unexpected as it was, he had come to befriend the Ivalician princess and wished not to depart her side.]

Ashelia, please accept my apologies but know that I would not risk your friendship in betrayal of trust again.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Understanding that his oath is not given lightly, she nods, bringing her hands together atop the table. The remorse she sees in him belies her own hurt. He and she are both learning; about friendship, one another, and Ashe finds it within herself to acknowledge that he need not ever have confessed his task, that he did so in the name of an honest friendship.]

I do.

[The princess doesn't specify which of his requests she's answering to - forgiveness or understanding, because she gives both. Considering he risked his life for her and how greatly she values his person, how can she give anything less?]

If we are to maintain trust, there must be honesty. You could have kept this from me... yet you did not.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[He is indeed learning about all same as she. For most, friendship had existed in name only and trust withheld from all. Time would tell if he could truly uphold his oath, but trust was important to the woman before him and he endeavored to hold true.

His eyes fell to the hands upon the table. They held the power to deal death, yet life. He spared a glance at his own next to hers, knowing they had only dealt death.]

I could keep this disservice from you no longer.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Quietly she sits, hands clasped, allowing herself to finalise her thoughts as to the matter. The past... deeds once done, which held little bearing in the present, ought not to be dwelt upon, nor should they be allowed to poison what lies ahead. This had been a lesson learned during the course of her quest to restore Dalmasca's freedom. Where she could have opted for the pathway of revenge, Ashe turned from that, knowing the future more important than lamentation of the past.

Lifting her gaze from the table, she sought his, wishing that he feel no shame when he did not bear ultimate responsibility for his silence.]

Choices of the past... we need not carry them into the future.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita felt his tension flee as he nodded his ascent to the princess. He would like to leave the issues of the past behind. Unsure of much, a smile began to form that he didn't have to always be strong for her.

It was unfamiliar to him not to have his life planned out completely and a little scary, but it was a challenge he would undertake.]

We need not carry them into the future.

[It was a simple statement and a realization that it was indeed possible. As the tension fled, so did his remaining energy as he slumped a little in his seat.]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[While relieved by his smile, for Ashe's concern for his health had not lessened, seeing Delita slump - however slightly, summons her soft frown of worry to return. Instinct has her shifting further along the seat and closer to his side, her eyes falling upon the cloak, a stark reminder of the assault only recently endured.

Still, she feels responsible. If his condition were to deteriorate, she wanted to be there to act in haste.]

... As we ought not depart until we are fully rested.

[The princess choice of 'we' is deliberate and tactful, knowing her friend would want to continue on so long as she felt able. This way, she can ensure Delita rests adequately.]

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita would have indeed insisted they press on, for the desire of fully destroying the Lucavi stones weighed heavily on his mind. He must attempt to continue their missive.]

If you are able, we could leave this evening.

[The spirit may have been strong, but the body was weak. Not only did his presence belie his fatigue, she could possible feel his weight not being held as before.]

'Tis no trouble to rest in the airship.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Whilst the importance of their mission isn't lost on Ashe, she also knows that undertaking a challenge in a weakened state is folly. Indeed she does notice the change in the way he held himself, thinking back to his attempts at a straight back when supported by her, injured, after the assault upon his supply ship.

Impetuous herself at times, she appreciates Delita's urgency. However, she sighs quietly, hoping to convince him that resting is just as crucial to success as the constant bravery he possesses, which she greatly admires.]

A thorough night's rest will serve us better than a hasty departure, lest we proceed ill-prepared. I do not ask this of you lightly, I know we cannot afford to delay... yet I would have you rest this night.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita nods, resigned to the logic of her assessment.]

Then we shall stay this night in Goug as you request.

[He knew it was time to turn in, lest they waste more time before destroying the Lucavi yet he dared not sleep without one last statement.]

Ashelia, thank you for your assistance this day. Your skill was indeed helpful and your presence welcome.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[His gratitude is answered and accepted with a returning nod of her own, relieved by his decision.]

I must also give thanks.

[Ashe doesn't realise her fingers have touched to his wrist until she makes to move, excusing her hand with a small sound under her breath before standing.]

... Good night, Delita.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita has nothing else left to add to the conversation, but he is surprised by his reaction to the princess.

Having felt so natural, his hand starts to cool when hers leaves strangely missing the touch. All he can do is watch her leave wondering why he was left wanting. ]