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year 5, quarter 3
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The so-called gate offered him exactly what he’d expected -- that was to say nothing.
Balthier frowned as he leaned against a column some twenty yards away. The stone had crumbled. The inscriptions, faded. He’d heard tell that wayward travelers journeyed here from all walks of life, and it was hardly a lie. He caught the antiquated merchant’s clothes of Torensten intermingled with the bright and bangled style of Provo alongside Sonora’s dour colors. The devout lingered about the arch with a somber silence offering prayers and gifts to some nameless gods that Balthier didn’t care to question.
If anyone were to decipher its meaning, it would not be him.
”Can I help you, child?”
Balthier glanced to the side and raised an eyebrow. Beside him stood a man no older than fifty-five with braided hair and glasses that perched at the edge of his nose. When he said nothing, the man gave him an almost teasing smile. ”You look lost.”
”I’ve never much cared for the word,” Balthier said. The man seemed unconvinced, and Balthier crossed his arms, head tilted to the side. ”You haven’t a key, have you? All this talk of gates and it hasn’t an entrance.”
”It’s been barred a long time.” The man (some kind of priest, presumably) turned to consider the archway. ”They say it marks the path of the gods. What lies beyond isn’t for us to know.”
”I’m not one to leave sleeping dogs lie.” A matter of principle, he supposed. He couldn’t care less for secrets, but there was a certain thrill to breaking free the reverent and peering towards its offerings. Dynastic tombs, legendary ruins, shrines to ancient gods. They were nothing more than vaults of weathered stone.
The man looked to him and asked, ”What did you hope to find?”
Balthier paused. It wasn’t a question he had thought to ask. What did he hope to find here? What there was and nothing more. Another village on his way. Another point to cross on his map. He had always been drawn to the edge of the horizon, and he sought to learn its every curve.
Then why had he lingered? What had he hoped to find beyond that gate?
”The other side.” Balthier pushed off the column and started forward, waving dismissively at the man as he passed. The arch loomed further above him with every step, and he approached it without caution. There was a thin crowd bowed at its feet arranging the field of incense, gil coins, and dried wildflowers. Balthier crossed his arms and squared himself against it.
They said that what lied beyond wasn’t his to know, but he had known it. The second he’d heard about the gate, he’d known it. Beyond that mystic veil were familiar skies. Ivalice. He didn’t miss it -- not its bustling cities or snowy peaks or its burning sands. It was pointless to miss anything once it was gone, and he didn’t intend to waste time on what was behind him. The Ivalice he knew was lost. At least so long as the gate lacked its key.
”A stubborn thing.” Balthier smirked to himself, a sour taste on his tongue. ”I’d start to think myself unwelcome.”
The young Lord was sitting in a far corner facing away from the towering gate. He was going through essentials he needed for his trip to Sonora. The man he had met previously was rather a nice gentleman. Its hard going about finding people like that especially when one is in an unlnown realm. As Larsa was putting his small amount of items that he had he took a moment when he had seen the piece of manufacted Nethecite that he once given to Penelo, but had taken it back later, learning that it was actually dangerous to wield after seeing what had happened tp the Viera, Mjrn. She was possessed by Venat. Larsa had began to wonder more about that being and what it had to do with the empire. Larsa then shook his head, remembering that he much more important matters that needed tending to. As he was about to set out, he had heard a very familiar voice. Larsa slowly stepped into view, seeing a sight gor sore eyes. Well, maybe not completely, but Balthier was a friend after all, wasn't he? He had not been noticed yet by the Sky Pirate, however it did not take long for Larsa to speak. "It's not that you are unwelcome, but rather you presume it as so," Larsa said, now stepping more into view. Larsa could not help but form a light smile. What good fortune this was for him to find one of the many people he had hoped to find. It appeared Larsa's gut feeling turned out to be correct all along. However, he had not expected to find one of his friends so soon.
"Tis good to see you again, Balthier."Larsa had said now standing five feet away from the Sky Pirate. Whether Balthier's memories had been affected prior to him coming here to this world, the young lord would find out soon enough. "Twas wishful thinking that the other would mayhap be with you. I shouldn't have expected such a thing, looking back at it now," Larsa had said to Balthier. That was when Larsa gad begun to speak of the gate. "Rather than go searching for aomething that is rather far out of bounds, why not venture to go looking for the others?" Larsa had asked. Of course, Larsa wanted to. However that was not the only reason why Larsa had asked. He truly did want to see if Balthier had per chance lost any of his memories. It was a good thing Larsa had not forgotten.
"It's not that you are unwelcome, but rather you presume it as so.”
Balthier raised an eyebrow as he glanced over his shoulder to the boy approaching him. He was young, perhaps no older than thirteen, and seemingly unaccompanied. While he harbored little pretense, he carried himself with such an air of formality that he could only be of noble birth. His clothes were nearly common. He had little need for jewelry or trinkets, but Balthier knew aristocratic blood when he saw it. He carried it himself, after all.
He would have asked what such a boy could have wanted with him. He could have bantered back that the gate had an odd way of showing its hospitality. He could have answered in any number of ways if the boy hadn’t known his name.
Balthier’s eyes narrowed. A little at least. He watched the boy with something more akin to suspicion than curiosity. He let him speak without interruption. What the boy had to say gave him less than nothing at all.
”I thought I never forgot a face, but you seem to have me outclassed.” Balthier turned to face him, arms crossed. ”A funny thing. I’d almost think myself tracked.” No matter what his purposes, their meeting wasn’t by coincidence. In his weeks searching, Balthier had found little trace of his ship, of his acquaintances, or of Ivalice in general. Their crossing was no accident.
”I’d say introductions are in order.”And explanations. If the boy was lying then it was a funny one concocted only by the fancies of a child. ”As you seem to know your share of me, I’d say I’m owed a name in return. A proper one if you would. I’ll not be strung along.”
Larsa kept his light smile, however despite that, he had confirmed what he had assumed. Balthier's comments also made that more apparent to the young lord. At least he found one of his comrades. Perhaps if Balthier had not lost any of his memories, he mayhap wouldn't consider himself a comrade to the young lord, but an acquaintance held in high regards. Possibly. Larsa had begun to speak once Balthier had demanded to know who he was. Honestly, that was Larsa intentions from the beginning. Although, he believed he would encounter his comrades with all of their memories in tact. However, twas again, wishful thinking on his part. "I wouldn't call it being outclassed, I'm afraid. You have lost your memories prior to you arriving in this realm." Larsa explained. "Lady Ashe will find this most troublesome once she learns you have forgotten. As for me, I am Larsa Ferrinas Solidor. I would assume you've already heard of House Solidor, so I'll skip detailed formalities and continue with telling you what is you should know," Larsa had continued, pausing only for a brief moment to let his words be known to the Sky Pirate.
"You were originally working with the Princess of Dalmasca - Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca, and other comrades in order to reclaim her right to the throne. I had hopes that our efforts at Mt. Bur Omisace would do just that with the help of the Gran Kiltias... However that did not end rather well. It had turned out that my father who was the late emporer, had been killed, thus having Vayne, my brother, become the emporer in his stead. If my father had not been killed, our efforts would reveal in good fortune. However, it appears my older brother was a step ahead at the time," Larsa said. It was actually difficult for the young lord to relive that part of his life when he had got the news of his father's passing. "Twas then that you and your comrades ventured to the Stil Shrine of Miriam to acquire King Raithwall's other legacy thay was left for the Lady Ashe. The Sword of kings." Larsa finished. He was not telling Balthier the entire story and that was because of two reasons why.
The first was the young lord had only ventured with them only in that point in time. If he wanted more explicit details, he would need to find his comrades for that. The second reason was because Larsa had hoped that telling him this would reopen his memories.
Larsa Ferrinas Solidor. Balthier’s eyes sharpened on the name. There was no reason for the boy to lie. In fact, revealing his identity was nothing but a hindrance and a danger to himself when Archadia was cursed by every nation but its own. Balthier knew the names listed for him. Larsa Ferrinas Solidor -- the Emperor’s youngest son. Ashelia B’nargin Dalmasca -- the lost princess to a fallen kingdom. Vayne Carudas Solidor -- heir to Archadia. He knew them, but they had never had a thing to do with each other and certainly never would. Except for Larsa, it seemed, but Balthier couldn’t imagine the reason as to why.
Balthier raised a hand to stop him. ”I’m not one for children’s tales,” he said before he turned to watch the rolling hills and the polished temple that sat atop it. Had he lost his memories? No. He remembered the Empire. He remembered his time as a petty thief and then as a rogue brandished on wanted posters. He remembered his ship and his partner and the blazing sands he’d left behind. He was not like that boy on the boat from Torensten who’d known nothing but his name. If Larsa Solidor thought to spin lies, he would have to try more carefully than that.
”If you've a point then make it. I don't make it a habit to involve myself in politics, let alone dead princesses,” he said. The boy’s claims were absurd -- nearly hilarious in the stretch of their presumptions. They presumed that he’d have any interest in royalty -- living or otherwise -- or that he’d support any throne and their respective claims. Balthier hadn’t given a single thought to such things since the day he’d left Archades. He didn’t expect he’d ever give another.
”Though you've caught my curiosity. What business would a son of House Solidor have with the lady of a fallen nation? And what, might I ask, would have forced my hand? I’d dare call the circumstances extraordinary.”
Larsa was Swiftly interrupted by the sky pirate whom claimed the young lord's claims to be absurd. The young lord had known Balthier to often be stubborn in this regard, however what Larsa was telling him far from being a children's tale. "If you presume I am telling you a children's story, then you are mistaken. If Fran were here, she would only confirm that what I am telling you is the truth. Especially if she had her memories all in check. After all, she was your partner long before you began to aid Lady Ashe." Larsa had stated, now mentioning his partner into it all. His words mayhap have been slightly harsh, however Balthier stated for him to make his point plain, and so he did.
There was also more to Larsa's claimed than Balthier could even fathom at the moment. Larsa was now the current emporer of Archadia, knowing full well what had happened after the fall of the Sky Fortress, Bahamut. However, with Balthier losing his memories of such events, the young lord was conserned that this would be too overwhelming for someone who had lost a good portion of memory. Larsa also had also believed that if Lady Ashe and others were in the same predicamemt as the Sky pirate before him, then telling them this only make matters worse, or so he believed. "As I told you before, it is to continue building peace between our nations. I Did not come all this way in the hopes of looking for you all for naught. As for what forced your hand in aiding the princess of Dalmasca, tis only speculation from my view point, I believe it was because of Dr. Cid. Your father, who was the head of Draklor Laboratory," Larsa said. His words were hesitant, however clear for Balthier to hear him thoroughly.
"If you still believe my claims to be absurd, then I indeed have more proof that would only strengthen my claims." Larsa said, now forcing his hand to make Balthier understand. He pulled out his journal, opening it to reveal a folded up piece of paper, handing it to the Sky Pirate. It was the letter Penelo had sent him on the day of Lady Ashe's coronation. He had no intention of overwhelming Balthier, however if that letter would make Balthier see the truth, then it would be beneficial to the both of them. If you still belive my claims to be absurd after reading that, then it appears that you are more stubborn than I had anticipated," Larsa said, holding out his hand with the letter in it to the sky pirate.
Balthier’s eyes narrowed at the mention of Fran. His partner. It wasn’t uncommon knowledge, but being told his own life was like being laid bare. If he’d have wanted himself known, he would have stayed in one place.
Still, he let Larsa speak. As much as he’d have liked to have interrupted -- to have called him out, to have ended this farce -- the boy had cast a kind of spell over him. He knew Balthier one way or another, and the intrigue caught him as tightly as the gleaming arc behind them. No matter how fanciful, he couldn’t leave a secret to die.
Balthier had prepared himself to hear any number of his exploits. From the tombs he’d raided to the airships he’d commandeered to the host of trouble he’d made for the Empire and other nations alike, but he could never have expected the next words that came from Larsa’s lips.
Dr. Cid. Your father.
He felt his eyes widen -- felt himself tense and nearly jolt with the force of it. ’How?’ The word echoed and died on his lips. ’How had he known?’ He’d told no one. Not once since he’d crossed the Archadian border. No one but-
Only Fran once on a night shot with liquor and coin. He’d sprawled across the bed of their rented room, head in her lap as the ceiling spun and told her something he could only half remember. She wouldn’t have spoken a word, so how…?
He took the letter, but didn’t read it. There were only three options he could conceive. The Empire had surmised his identity, Fran had been compromised, or the boy was telling the truth. Only one of those options left him any room for action. He smirked wryly.
”I made a dashing rebel, I’d hope.” Even in jest, the words felt odd on his tongue. A rebel. He could imagine himself persuaded by profit, but only so long as the gil lasted. Had he heard tell of his father, would that have done it? No. Not unless…
”It was nethicite then?” He recrossed his arms, a sour taste on his tongue. ”Dr. Cid had his hands full, I’d imagine.” He glanced towards the letter in his hand. Further proof. He folded it in one hand and slid it into his side pocket.
”Well you seem quite acquainted with my affairs,” he said. ”Care to tell how we found our way here?”
Larsa had hoped Balthier would read the letter soon as it had appeared in his hand, however that was also wishful thinking on the young lord's part. When the sky pirate asked about the affairs of his father pertaining to Nethicite, Larsa had given a nod before speaking. "Yes ... Unfortunately it was. After my brother had been defeated, I took over in his stead. I shut down the Draklor Laboratory and shut down their research. I didn't want my country to to rely on such a deadly tool no longer. After seeing what the sky fortress Bahamut had done, I discarded the research as well as the manufacturing of nethicite permanently. Not again do I ever want see that kind of destruction wrought upon any land of Ivalice. Nor do I ever want to see someone corrupted by it again. Not like my brother," Larsa's words had a small sense of pain in them, however his expression was serious and firm. He still to this day had wondered if there was still anything he could have done to stop his brother.
Was it unforseen divine intervention that led to his older brother's demise? A construct of Fate per chance? Larsa knew naught of the answer. Larsa had not told anyone that he was still conflicted with such feelings. He was able to hide his feelings well, or at least so he thought. Basch was skeptical while he was presuming his role as judge magister to the young emporer, but he never asked him, taking Larsa's feelings into consideration per chance. It wasn't that Larsa was trying to hide his feelings, but rather that talking about what had transpired with Vayne made him put wall his feelings of it from his heart. When Balthier had asked Larsa how they came to this unknown world, Larsa had shot himself back to reality.
"Unfortunately, that still is what eludes me. I was hoping to find you and your comrades so that we may have yet a chance to learn how this happened. However, as you can see, finding just one of you was not a simple task. In fact, I admit I only found you by sheer dumb luck," Larsa had admitted. "Now that you have heard what I have told you, will you please help me search for Lady Ashe and the others? I have no right to force you to join me, and I won't. But, I believe it'd be in your best interest if you were to help me."
Balthier kept his arms crossed and his head tilted to the side. He didn’t watch the boy. He didn’t feel much inclined to meet his eye -- not now and certainly not while he blathered on in odd fantasies that mysteriously incorporated a past Balthier had kept close to his chest for six years.
Research. Nethicite. The Draklor Laboratory. Balthier worked hard to keep his expression clear and his stance casual. His finger twitched to quiet him, but that would do nothing. It was never any use losing his composure. No, that would get him nowhere.
”Quite the tale.” His voice was bitter and dry. He didn’t know how the boy knew him so well. He didn’t know how Larsa Ferrinas Solidor had taken to his company, but the tale he spun now was even more absurd than the last. Defeating his brother? Reforming the Empire? Balthier wondered if the young Solidor was only telling him exactly what he wanted to hear.
’My support ended what you’ve hated most. Won’t you trust me?’
Perhaps he would have -- or at least pretended to -- had the boy given him some answer as to his current dilemma. Unfortunately, while he knew every twist of Balthier’s heart, he claimed ignorance as to anything else. Balthier tapped his finger against the edge of his sleeve. He gave himself another moment to steady himself before he shrugged, waving his hand as he swiveled away from him.
”Worth a try, I suppose.” He looked back to the arch, brows pricked in thought. If the priests were to be believed, the arch led to a road long sealed. Would it take them to Ivalice or had it no more merit than the child’s fantasies? ”If dumb luck brought you this far, perhaps dumb luck will do the job on its own,” he said. "I'm not much for hide and seek.” Not with only a name and a forgotten title, at least. Balthier shifted his weight with a cross of his arms.
”If I’m to find these ’others’ then I think names would be in order.” He paused. If Larsa knew him as well as it seemed then perhaps…
”You haven’t come across Fran by chance?” He kept his voice lofty and even. ”I'm afraid we've lost paths.”
