Full of Grace

Full of Grace
A/N: This is a Penelo/Larsa fanfic that takes about 5 years after the game ends. This story has graphic content in later chapters including rape. graphic violence, and explicate sexual situations between adults.
Disclaimer: I am making no money from writing this nor do I own Final Fantasy XII or any of the characters.


It was like nothing she'd ever seen before. Huge, beautiful beyond compare; the grounds alone were enough to cause Penelo's breath to catch in her throat. Even the Dalmascan palace wasn't as grand as the Arcadian estate. Larsa had certainly made quite a difference in the five years since he'd taken the throne. The young emperor had an eye for design and used it to shape the once cold and mechanical empire into a garden of life and activity. Flower beds covered the grounds and little growing things wound up the walls and pillars like they had always belonged there.
"Miss?"
The small sound shook Penelo from her thoughts and she turned to look at the young man at her side. His name was Jax and he'd been waiting to meet her once she stepped off the airship. He'd absolutely refused to let her carry her own bags and when she'd been reluctant to let him help her, he'd merely laughed.
"If you'll just follow me, I'll show you to your room," the pale haired youth said, indicating the entrance to the palace. "Lord Larsa has instructed me to make sure you are well settled before I take my leave."
"Oh, yes. I'm sorry," she sputtered picking up her pace.
She hadn't realized that her stalling might have been keeping her guide from his other duties. Hurrying to catch up with Jax, the petite blond made her way down the hall, the heels of her sandals clicking against the marble floors.
"There's no need to apologize, Miss," he assured her, slowing down. "Take your time looking around."
"Thank you," she breathed. "It's just been such a long time since I've been here... It doesn't look anything like I remember."
"Yes, much has changed since Lord Vayne passed."
"Jax, how did you come to be in Larsa's service?" Penelo asked, wanting to change the subject.
"Me? Oh, I was Lord Larsa's whipping boy when we were children," he replied.
Penelo paused, mouth gaping open.
Jax noticed the look and smiled at her.
"Surprised?"
"No, well yes. Why would you stay in the service of someone you got beaten for?" she asked.
"Lord Larsa was a very well behaved child. I only ever had a few lashings as a kid. We were always together, so we became friends. Now that Lord Larsa is an adult, I am something of his personal assistant," the fair haired man said, entering the main hall.
Penelo paused again as she followed him, taking in all the sights. The tall, courtly gentlemen, the beautiful ladies, and the servants hurrying back and forth were all dazzling to the blond. They captured her interest as completely as any flight though the skies with Vaan. She allowed herself a moment to look around as Jax continued walking, apparently un-fazed by all the amazing things happening around him. When he finally stopped walking and pushed open a majestic carved door, Penelo was sure that they had been some mistake.
The room was massive, donned with jeweled mirrors, paintings, and tapestries. The bed was stacked high with pillows and sheets made of the finest silk and fur. Her eyes wandered to the elegant dressing table that would have taken her two lifetimes to pay for and felt almost faint. Beyond the bed was another door and huge windows spanned the majority of the walls with a pair of crystal doors that led out onto a balcony. It was a room more fitting for The Lady Ashe than a simple street urchin like Penelo.
"Jax...?"
"Yes Miss? Is anything wrong?"
"Are you sure this is well, the right room?"
"Of course. Is it not to your liking? I'm, sure Lord Larsa will be happy to have a more suitable room prepared if this one displeases you."
"No no! Gods no, it's not that," Penelo corrected. "It's just..."
She shook her head in wonderment. "It's so beautiful."
Jax grinned.
"Lord Larsa will be pleased to her you're happy. Is there anything else you require?" he asked, setting her bags next to the dresser.
"No, this is wonderful..." she said, still looking around.
"Then if you'll excuse me, I must take my leave. Someone will be in to check on you shortly."
"Thank you, Jax," she whispered.
With a short bow, the youth closed the door behind him, leaving Penelo to explore her new surroundings. With a childlike laugh, she fell against the bed, reveling in how soft the furs and silks were. Rolling to her side, she let her eyes rest on the crystal doors to the balcony. With a heave, she pulled herself from the bed and pushed the doors open, letting the sun and cold air in. The view was astounding and Penelo found herself staring out over the city, watching the people for nearly half an hour. She was only roused from her thoughts when a handmaid slightly older than herself entered, holding a parcel in her hands.
"Begging your pardon, Miss. I'm Luice, Master Larsa said I was to help you with anything you need and to bring you this," she said, holding the parcel out.
"What is it?" Penelo asked, taking it gingerly.
"A dress, to be sure."
"A dress? Why?" Penelo wondered, eyeing the parcel.
"The annual winter ball. Lord Larsa holds it every year and it will be held while you're a guest with us. I'm sure that's what it must be. The young Lord would never think of leaving the Lady unprepared for such a grand occasion."
"When is the Ball?" Penelo asked, setting the package on the edge of the bed, fighting the urge to tear open the paper and reveal what was hidden beneath.
"Two months time, Miss. Lord Larsa wanted you to have time to settle in before overwhelming you, I think."
"Speaking of Larsa, when will I get to see him?" Penelo asked suddenly. Feeling slightly rude with her outburst, she quickly added, "I mean, I know he must be busy. It's just been so long since we've spoken by means other than in letters. I'm eager to see him."
"His excellency has arranged to take his meal with you this evening. I'm here to help you prepare," Luice replied.
"Prepare?"
"Help you bathe, dress, and and lead you to the Lord's private dinning chamber."
"I don't think all of that will be necessary..." Penelo started. "I can bathe and dress myself..."
"Miss, my Lord was most clear that you were not to lift a finger during your stay. I believe his exact words were, 'Don't let her bully you. Make sure she's well pampered for me'."
"Bully? I would never bully..."
"I believe my Lord was kidding, Miss. In any case, I am to tend to your needs whether you want me to or not," the older woman chided. "Now, allow me to at least run you a bath."
"Well...." she trailed off. A bath, just for her? All her life had been public bath house. She'd never even seen a bath that was for an individual.
"Alright," she finally consented, a slight smile pulling at her lips.
"Good," Luice said, grinning. "Now, right this way, Miss."
The older woman motioned to the door that Penelo had yet to open. What Penelo saw made her pause in open mouthed awe. The bathing room was dazzling, made with all white marble with pink and gold designs etched into the very stone. Fluffy white towels were already laid out for her use. Dozens of liquid and salt filled bottles lined the edge of the bath. The tub itself could have held four men and as Penelo watched, Luice turned several of the knobs, running her hands under the water to test the temperature.Water flowed from four different faucets sculpted in the forms of the four elementals into the deep tub, filling it at an alarming speed. Luice poured several bottles into the water, causing it to fill with bubbles and turn a milky white. Once she was satisfied, she stepped back to allow Penelo access.
Eager to get in, Penelo quickly stripped off her clothing, folding them and placing them on the counter before slipping into the deep water. The warmth was engulfing and she felt her muscles relax into it. The water was softer than any she'd ever felt and the fragrance of it was sweeter than any flower she'd ever smelled. Closing her eyes, the blond untied her braids and lowered her head under the water. She stayed there a while, never wanting to get out. Only when Luice re-entered did Penelo let herself come back to reality.
"Shall I wash your hair, Miss?"
Knowing that this would not last forever, Penelo decided to take advantage of all the attention she was receiving.
"If you don't mind..."
"Not at all," the kindly woman assured her, pulling up a stool and settling herself behind the younger woman.
This must be what it feels like to be Lady Ashe, Penelo thought as gentle hands worked her hair and scalp, bubbles rolling down her shoulders.
"The young master seems quite excited for your visit," Luice mused, as she massaged the small dancer's scalp. "He's had several dresses laid out for you in the closet for you to choose from aside from the one that was just finished this morning."
"He has?" Penelo asked, turning her head slightly.
"Oh yes. Seems he didn't know what you'd like better so he had a variety made."
After her hair was rinsed of the soap, Luice wrapped the small woman in one of the fluffy towels, her hair in another.
"Shall I show you what the young Lord had sent up or would you be more comfortable in your own things?"
"Can I just... take a look at the dresses?" she asked shyly, wanting to try them all on. After all, once the visit was over she would never get the chance to wear such fine and luxurious things ever again.
"Of course," Luice said, pulling open the wardrobe doors.
The dresses she revealed were all beautiful. Bright colors, frills, lace, silk, cotton, fur trimmed, and somber. Each and every one of them were stunning. In the end, Luice helped pick a soft blue (for Penelo's eyes, she explained) trimmed with white fur and shimmering beads. It fit like a dream and as she sat poised at the vanity with Luice brushing her hair, Penelo felt like a princess.
Skilled fingers pulled her golden locks back into a loose knot at the base of her neck, allowing only a few strands to hang around Penelo's face. After she was done, Luice stepped back to admire her work.
"You look lovely, Miss."
"Thank you..." Penelo whispered, admiring it as well.
"I believe that the meal is ready if you wish to go. Can I get you anything else for you before I take you, Miss?"
"No, no. This is wonderful. All you've done, Luice, it's amazing."
"Thank you, Miss."
"Please, call me Penelo. Everyone has been so formal with me, it's strange. I've never been 'Miss' in my life."
"As you wish, Penelo. Now, shall I escort you?"
Excitement bloomed in Penelo's breast and she hurried to her feet. Soon she would see her young friend again. She looked forward to it more than she could say and yet... something was troubling her. As Luice led the way, Penelo worked up the nerve to ask what it was she really wanted to know.
"Luice... What kind of a man is Larsa?"
"What do you mean? You know him, don't you?"
"Yes. We write often but it's been so long since I've seen him face to face, I just don't know what to expect.," Penelo explained.
"The young Lord is a kind master. He is not so jaded as his brother, the late Lord, nor his father."
She paused before continuing
"He is good to his people and sincerely wishes for peace and our well being. I have enjoyed being in his service."
As the pair rounded a corner, Luice stopped and bowed to the approaching figure.
"Judge Gabranth," she said, lowering her eyes. "I was just taking the young lady to meet with out Lord."
"Thank you, I can take her from here," came the gravely reply.
Penelo had to fight the urge to throw herself into his arms and hug him until after Luice had left. Once she had, however, Penelo did just that.
"Basch! It's been so long!"
"Penelo, I hardly recognized you. You've grown into a fine young lady," he replied, returning the embrace . "Lord Larsa will be so pleased to see you."
They exchanged small talk for the remainder of the walk before Basch helped her into her seat at the dinning table. It was small, very personal with wine and other drink already set out.
"Lord Larsa will be here shortly," he assured her. "He's just coming out of a consul meeting. "
As if scripted, the doors opened and Penelo had to catch her breath as Larsa entered. This was not the boy emperor from her memories. Instead, a tall, regal looking man stood in his place. The dark chocolate hair had darkened with age into an ebony black. It was combed back neatly behind his ears, slightly longer than she recalled it being. He was taller than her now, more filled out through the chest and shoulders as a man should be. His once soft face had become hard and for a moment, Penelo thought she was looking at the ghost of his long dead brother. The smile that bloomed on his face at the sight of her however, eased her fear and she rose to her feet.
Forgetting for a moment that he was the emperor of Arcadia, she wrapped her arms around him in a hug.
"Larsa, I've missed you!"
And I you, Penelo," he replied, voice deep and soothing as he too folded his arms around her. "You look... Very well."
"You too," she replied, suddenly aware of how close their bodies were. Normally, she wouldn't have noticed but pressed against the firmness of his chest, his arms holding her solidly to him, she was uncomfortably aware that he was a man now, no longer a child.
Pulling away slightly, she turned her attention to Basch who was watching stoicly and to the servants who had paused in their steps as they began bringing the food out. Had they never seen Larsa embrace someone? The way they averted their eyes as if they'd witnessed something dirty caused her to flush.
"Sorry," she mumbled, taking another step back.
"Not at all. Please, sit," he murmured, ignoring the looks and obvious tension she felt. After Basch helped Penelo into her seat again, Larsa too sat, raising a glass of wine to his lips and drinking deep of it. Penelo watched him, taking a sip of her own drink. Seeming to notice her gaze, Larsa raised his own eyes to watch her.
"You look lovely. I'm so glad to see that the dress fits."
"Oh," Penelo said, glancing down at herself. "Thank you. it's really beautiful I've never seen anything like it, much less ever dreamed of wearing it."
"If it pleases you, it's yours. All of them."
Startled, she raised blue eyes to meet his.
"Oh no, I couldn't!"
"A gift, to a dear friend. Please, do not disgrace me by refusing it."
"Thank you," she said softly, touching the dress lightly. "Thank you, Larsa."
The small smile that played on his lips as he reached a hand for hers was broken only by the arrival of their first course and soup. His hand retreated as the servants entered as quickly as if it had never been there but Penelo was able to feel the the lingering of his fingers on her's like a phantom for the rest of the evening.
Finally, full to the brim with food and drink, Larsa offered Penelo his arm.
"Allow me to escort you to your room."
"Thank you," she whispered, eyes heavy with the wine.
When she slipped her arm into his, she took note of the warmth of his body against hers.
"Have you enjoyed your stay so far?" he asked as he led her though the winding corridors.
"Yes. It's been like a dream and I've only been here a few hours."
"Tomorrow I'll give you a tour of the grounds. Have you ever ridden a chocobo? " he asked, glancing down at her.
"No, never."
"They are quite harmless. We breed them here, hand raised so they are quite fond of people."
"Are you sure? I mean..." she trailed off fear tugging at her. She'd flown miles above the ground in airships of all kinds before but never had she been on the back of an animal. A thing with a mind of it's own that could choose to throw her if it pleased.
"You have nothing to fear, Penelo. I would never let any harm come to you," he said, turning to face her.
As he turned, Penelo found her eyes wander upward to meet his gaze. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked into his charcoal eyes. Without realizing it, she leaned into him so that their bodies were almost touching. Their mouths hovered dangerously close and with a start, Penelo realized her attraction to the young emperor. He was a man now, the boy of her memories long fled and she herself was a woman of 21 years. They gazed at each other for several long moments before Larsa reached past her and opened a door.
"We've arrived..." he murmured, taking a step back.
With a flush of embarrassment, Penelo realized why it was they had stopped in the first place. Turning from him quickly to hide the blush in her face, Penelo stepped into the room.
"Thank you," she murmured.
"I shall send for you tomorrow then? Around ten?"
"Yes, that's fine. See you then," she replied, eyes downcast, her back to the young man.
"Good night," Larsa whispered, turning to walk back the way they had come. Penelo watched him for a moment before shutting the door firmly behind her.