Final Fantasy XII (Balthier/Ashe) [week 4 - prompt 1]
Title: Easily Divided Author: Cadence Rating: PG-13 Word Count: 400 Summary: "Rumor has it that you’re dangerously insane," Ashe says with a tight smile. "I believe we can overcome our differences."
"I know where to find more nethicite. The Dawn shard." Ashe’s eyes are hard, and she glances toward the back of the cockpit occasionally. An obvious indication that not only is she here despite Ondore’s will, she is not sure she made a clean escape.
"Oh?" Balthier asks, with a certain disregard for his own life, as Ashe’s hand tightens on the hilt of her sword. "And why should I work with you? Rumor has it you plotted to kill your own father. And without even the windfall that should come from it, as Archadia invaded before you took the throne." He examines his nails nonchalantly. "Not only treasonous, then, but incompetent."
"Rumor has it that you’re dangerously insane," Ashe says with a tight smile. "I believe we can overcome our differences."
There comes the sound of solid footsteps on metal. Basch emerges behind Ashe and raises an eyebrow pointedly. Balthier might be worried but for the fact that his ally approaches much more quietly.
He sees Fran shift slightly in the shadow of the corridor. They’ve still got the upper hand in this standoff.
"To me it seems unlikely, if you want the nethicite for yourself." Balthier responds lightly. "Not a treasure easily divided, is it?"
"Hardly a normal treasure at all," says Ashe. "In that it lacks much value if you can’t use it." She glances briefly at Basch, and then back to Balthier. "You know how to use it, do you not?"
"I still have tests that need to be done," he hedges.
"Fine," Ashe says coldly. "But when they are done, you will use it. You will help me to assert Dalmasca’s new place in the world."
Her goals align with ours. You should accept, Venat whispers. A princess is a useful figurehead.
"We are in agreement, then." Balthier says, his lips curving in a smirk. Fran is moving before he says the next words. "If you make me a concession."
Basch tries to move in, but he’s swiftly blocked by Fran. Ashe doesn’t draw her sword as he nears her, and only flinches back just before he catches her jaw and takes her unyielding lips in a kiss.
He pulls away before he can lose any limbs. Violence is not the way to start this.
"We can discuss further terms later," he smiles at Ashe’s glare. "For now, where is this nethicite you speak of?"