Swear by Your Sword or Some Such

[The scene changes to Ashe and Larsa’s conversation, shortly after meeting up in the garif camp.]

Ashe: To Bur-Omisace?

Larsa: I say we ought leave tomorrow. I was going to wait for my escort, but meeting you presents a great opportunity. This terrible war can be stopped, but I will need your help to do so.

Ashe: A war?

Larsa: You know the Marquis Ondore leads a group of insurgents - your pardon, he leads a large resistance force against the Empire. Lady Ashe, neither of our countries can afford this now. The Rozarrian Empire would stir. They would aid the Resistance and use this aid as a pretext to declare war on Archadia… and Archadia would have no choice but to answer. Lady Ashe, let us go to Bur-Omisace. With the blessing of his His Grace the Gran Kiltias Anastasis… you may rightly wear your crown, and declare the restoration of the Kingdom of Dalmasca. As queen, you can call for peace between the Empire and Dalmasca… and stop Marquis Ondore.

Ashe: For peace? How dare you say that! The Empire attacked us, stole all we hold dear… and you would have me save them from war?

Larsa: Dalmasca would be the battlefield! What if nethicite were used on Rabanastre? You know my brother would do this!

[As Larsa continues to speak, we see Ashe, later that night, walking away from the Great-chief’s fire with the useless Dawn Shard in her hand.]

Larsa: Forgive me. I presumed overmuch. I could think of no other way to avoid bloodshed. If you cannot trust me, then please, take me as your hostage.

[Ashe sees the ghost of Rasler again, this time standing on the bridge before her, looking out over the Sogoht.]

Ashe: Rasler.

[She starts to run for him. Suddenly, it’s not Rasler on the bridge, but Vaan. He turns to her as she approaches.]

Vaan: You saw him, didn’t you. Like at the King’s tomb.

Ashe: So you did see him, too. But why?

Vaan: It’s strange. Before, I didn’t even know what you looked like. And the Prince - I barely knew there was a prince. Who knows? Maybe the person I saw was my brother.

Ashe: Basch told me about him.

Vaan: He enlisted, right at the end. But for what? He knew we couldn’t win.

Ashe: To protect something.

Vaan: How can he protect anything when he’s dead? Was it different for Prince Rasler? Did that make sense?

[There’s a long pause. Ashe looks down.]

Vaan: Hating the Empire, getting revenge. It’s all I ever thought about. But I never did anything about it. I mean, I realized there was nothing I could do. It made me feel hollow, alone. And then I’d miss my brother. I’d say stuff like, “I’m gonna be a sky pirate”... or some other stupid thing. Just anything to keep my mind off it. I was just - I was running away. I needed to get away from his death. That’s why I followed you. Know what? I’m through with it. I’m through running. I’m ready to find my purpose. To find some real answers - some reasons. If I stick with you, I think I will.

Ashe: I wish I knew.

Vaan: I’ll find ‘em.

[The scene fades out, and then in on Ashe, Larsa, Penelo, and Vaan standing on the bridge near the exit to Ozmone Plain the next day.]

Ashe: I will accompany you to Mt. Bur-Omisace.

Larsa: I had hoped you’d say yes. I am glad.

Ashe: My heart is not set. I still have questions. I hope to find answers along the way.

Larsa: I had other reason to invite you. There is someone I’d like you to meet waiting on Bur-Omisace.

Ashe: Who is that?

Larsa: An enemy, and an ally also. You will just have to wait and see for yourself.

[Larsa turns and walks away.]

Vaan: That Larsa likes his secrets.

Ashe: He does not mean ill by it.

Vaan: He’s not bad. At least for an Imperial.

[In the background, Balthier, Fran, and Basch have a chat.]

Basch: Holy Mt. Bur-Omisace stands at the northern edge of the Jagd Ramooda. Once we’re in jagd, we need not fear pursuit by their airships.

Balthier: Don’t get your hopes up. You remember the Leviathan sailed straight over the Jagd Yensa, right up to Raithwall’s tomb. Skystone that works even in jagd. You know nethicite’s behind it. Little wonder they’re so keen on the stuff.

Basch: And what is it you’re after, Balthier? You’re a welcome hand, and a great aid, but why?

Balthier: Worried I’m out to steal the nethicite, eh? Can’t say I’m unaccustomed to people doubting my intentions. Nothing could be further from my mind. Shall I swear by your sword or some such?

Basch: Apologies. But I needed to know where you stand. Her Majesty depends on you. And you seem to have an interest in the Stone.

Balthier: I’m only here to see how the story unfolds. Any self-respecting leading man would do the same.

[Larsa joins the party as a guest!]