Full of Grace

Full of Grace
Prt. 2

The next morning as Penelo pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail, she fought the headache that came all too often with too much drink. She touched her scalp lightly, wincing as Luice tightened the laces of her shirt.
"Does it hurt?"
"No, it's not that. It's my head.." she replied, glancing over her shoulder at the other woman.
"Ah, yes. Master Larsa has a taste for fine wines. Don't let him convince you to drink too much. Not everyone can hold their drink as well as he."
"So I see," Penelo said, straightening up to look at her reflection.
The clothes she'd chosen were fitting for what she expected chocobo riding to be. A pair of loose fitting slacks a dark ocean grey with black boots that she'd brought herself. For the top, a long sleeved shirt the color of cream with laces up the back and sleeves. The jacket Luice had pulled out matched the pants almost perfectly and would easily keep out the cold.
A feeling of anxiety was rising in her and Penelo was sure she'd made a fool of herself the previous night and worried that Larsa would not call for her. She fidgeted, twisting to look behind her at the other woman.
"What time is it?" she asked, twisting a lock of hair in her fingers.
As the brunette opened her mouth to respond, a light knock on the door drew both of their attention.
"Come in," Luice called.
Jax poked his head through the door and smiled.
"I'm here to take the young lady to the stables," he said.
"Yes, she's been waiting with baited breath," Luice joked with a smile.
The walk to the stables felt like a lifetime and the cold winter air bit her face as she walked. When they arrived Larsa and a few solders were already waiting. Larsa was dressed in a black jacket trimmed with courel fur with matching gloves and boots. His leggings were made from durable leather and were clearly well worn and comfortable. At his side, a lad held the reins of two beautiful chocobos, one a rich black, the other a radiant gold.
"Penelo, come. I want to introduce you to Stasia."
"Stasia?" she asked, walking towards the young man.
"Yes, this beautiful girl here," he said, indicating the black chocobo. "She's almost four now. The first Chocobo I helped raise. She's quite gentle, I assure you," he said, stroking her neck. "She'll treat you very well."
"I'm sure she will," Penelo replied meekly, still intimidated by the animal.
Sensing her unease, Larsa took the reins from the boy who held them and led the huge bird towards Penelo. This close it it, she was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the animal, her eyes darting to the massive claws that could have gutted her if it wanted and shuddered.
"Quite harmless," Larsa whispered, still touching her feathers. "Go on, pet her."
Slowly, Penelo extended her hand. To her embarrassment, it was trembling. What if the chocobo decided to bite her? It could take her hand off...Gritting her teeth, she places a shaking hand on the large birds back. The feathers were surprisingly soft and she began entwining her fingers in the obsidian mass. When she looked up, a smile was on Larsa's face.
"Feel better?" he asked.
"Yes, a little."
"Right then, on you go," Larsa said releasing the reins.
"What?" she gasped, withdrawing her hand.
"It's alright, Penelo," he assured her.
"A-all right then. How does this...?"
"Here," he indicated. "Stand next to her and, ah, here we go," he said, placing his hands on her waist.
At the touch, she tensed.
"Relax," he murmured. "You can trust me."
"I do," she murmured back, forcing herself to relax beneath his hands.
"Here we go then," he whispered, lifting her with ease. One he'd settled her firmly in the saddle, he smiled up at her.
"There. Now, feet in the stirrups. Alright," he said, handing her the reins. "Just wait a moment and we'll be ready to go."
Larsa turned, hands outstretched for his own mount. He whistled softly and to Penelo's surprise, the great golden chocobo walked to him, standing still as he pulled himself onto it's back.
"Well then, shall we?" he asked, turning to his guards. "Jax, will you be joining us?"
"No, my Lord," he replied, shaking his head. "I'm afraid I'll not be joining you this time."
"Your loss, my friend," Larsa replied, turning back to his men. "Ready?"
"Yes, my Lord."
The dark haired man turned in his saddle to look at the small blond.
"Stay near me. Stasia will be perfectly happy to follow, so do not concern yourself with trying to control her just yet. Relax, and enjoy."
She nodded, tightening her grip on the leather in her hands.
As the group began the tour, Penelo found that the chocobo was indeed content to stay right next to Larsa and she took the opportunity to glance sideways at him. He was so at ease in the saddle, one of his arms hanging at his side as he looked out across the landscape of his kingdom. It was beautiful, the landscape that is.
"Larsa, what is the name of the chocobo you're riding?" she asked, feeling the need to make small talk.
"This is Glorificus. I know she looks intimidating because of her size but she's tame."
"She looks different from the others..." Penelo noticed, glancing at the chocobos the guards rode. they were the standard yellow while Larsa's seemed brighter somehow, more vibrant.
"You noticed," Larsa smiled, patting the creatures neck. "She's rather rare. It was actually a complete accident that she came to be. A mix up in the pastures I'm afraid."
"Wait," Penelo interrupted, taking a closer look at the bird. "You're not saying that she's... a Golden Chocobo are you?"
Larsa simply smiled.
"They're not even supposed to exist!" Penelo gasped.
"Remarkable, isn't it?" he asked, looking down at his mount.
"Sir, if I may," began one of the guards.
"Yes, what is it?" Larsa asked, shifting in his seat to look at the other man.
"We've gotten too close to the border. I suggest we head back into more reinforced areas."
"Of course, I am sorry. I didn't even realize that we'd gone out so far."
"Sir, let us go check the perimeter. It will take only a moment."
"As you wish," Larsa said, pulling up next to the guard.
Penelo watched as four of the guards pulled their mounts ahead while the remaining two stayed by their emperor. As the moments passed and the other men became small in the distance, Penelo felt her chest tighten. Was this what it was like for Larsa? To have people around at all times, guarding against some unknown threat?
As they waited for the others to return, a loud shot broke the silence and the guard next to Larsa gave a violent jerk. Shocked, Penelo stared as blood blossomed from his shoulder and chest. The guard looked down at himself, eyes wide. He gurgled, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. Another shot rang out and a scream ripped it's way from her throat. Around her shouts of pain and panic filled her ears.
"My Lord!"
"I am fine! Tend to Jorge!"Larsa shouted, pulling up next to Penelo.
Without a word, he turned and pulled her off her mount and onto the saddle behind him.
"Hold onto me," he ordered, pulling Glorificus into a sprint.
The sudden motion caused Penelo to gasp and tighten her grip around Larsa's waist. Sparing a glance back, Penelo saw the injured guard pulled onto the saddle of of the other even as the other four began their assault on the men who'd attacked them. Turning away from the scene, Penelo buried her face in Larsa's back and closed her eyes.
The grip Penelo had on Larsa's waist was so tight it must have been painful for him, but he didn't make a sound. The sheer speed of the animal beneath her almost made her cry out again, but she trusted Larsa. He said that no harm would come to her and she needed to trust him.
The sounds of battle behind them were growing dim, but one sound forced her eyes open again. Beneath her fingers she felt the smooth firmness of Larsa's stomach quiver and a small gasp escaped his lips. It was the gasp that she focused her attention on. When she felt the first warm stickyness touch her fingers, she pulled one of her hands free to look at it. It came back thick with blood.
"Larsa," she cried. "You're hurt!"
"It is nothing," he growled through gritted teeth.
"Larsa, please! Stop you'll worsen it!"
"We have to get to the grounds. We're nearly there," he panted.
Fear clutched at Penelo as she felt her hands becoming more coated with the young man's blood. Under he touch, she felt him shudder and the rigidness of his posture began to sag. He was losing his strength quickly and Penelo feared they would not make it to the grounds. Even as she thought it, the sound of the chocobo's claws clicking against the stone courtyard pierced the air. Once inside the gates, Larsa eased up on the speed and let the animal come to s stop. Once they were no longer in motion, he slumped forward, going limp.
"Larsa?" Penelo asked fearfully.
"I am fine," he whispered.
The small blond slid off the chocobo's back and hurried to help ease the young ruler off. With effort, she helped him sit, eyes searching for the injury her hands had felt. There, just below the ribs a line of dark liquid seeped through his jacket.
"Oh Gods," she whispered, turning desperately looking for assistance.
"Help!" she shouted. "Larsa- The Emperor's been hurt!"
The touch of a hand against her arm forced her gaze back to him.
"Penelo, calm yourself. I have sent for help," he whispered, indicating a small device around his throat. "It will be alright."
"Don't talk," she instructed, peeling his jacket off forcefully. "Hold still..."
her hands shaking, Penelo placed them against the ugly wound and concentrated. The familiar warmth of her power grew inside her. The magic flowed from her body, reaching out and coaxing the wound to mend, even if only slightly.
"Talented healer.... I'd forgotten..." Larsa said, closing his eyes as she worked.
"Quiet," she snapped. "My hands are shaking so badly I can barely concentrate as it is."
A slight laugh escaped his lips before he fell silent once more.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean-"
"-I know," he replied. "You must have been very frightened."
Penelo allowed herself to look at the young man beneath her hands and felt her pulse race. He was pale from blood loss, his lips parted as he took shaky breaths. Larsa's eyes were closed again and his body shook quietly as he began to go into shock. Sweat began running down his face, making his hair damp so that it clung to his face.
"I'm not frightened," she lied. "I've fought beasts, maniacs with delusions of grandeur, even Gods. This is nothing. I don't know whats wrong with me."
"It's been years, Penelo. You've had a peaceful life until today."
His words of comfort were a welcome sound but what was more welcome were the sounds of people coming to their aid.
"My Lord!" Basch shouted. "Penelo, are you alright?"
"Gabranth," Larsa wheezed, pulling himself up.
"My Lord, do not try to stand," Basch insisted, leading forward a healer and several more guards.
"I can stand. Penelo has healed some of it," he protested.
Despite the protests, the palace healer peeled away the remainder of his clothes to reveal his pale and torn flesh.
"Looks good. Clean cut, partially healed, my Lord should be fine. You've done well, Miss," she said, placing her hands on Larsa's stomach.
Beneath the skilled and aged woman's hands the muscle and skin began to mend and come together, leaving only a faint pink line to mark where the injury had been. Larsa touched the scar lightly before re buttoning his now ruined garment.
"Thank you, Becca," he said turning to look in the direction the attack had come from.
"The other, Jorge, is he alright?"
"We do not know yet, my Lord. The team sent to help them has yet to report ," Basch said, following Larsa's gaze.
"If harm has come to them," Larsa began, breaking off and straightening himself.
"It was my folly, I did not protect them as I should have. I let us get too far out..."
"My Lord," the elderly healer said, bowing slightly. "Forgive me but it is their duty to protect you, not the other way. If we lost you, it would be the end of us."
"It's a mirical those damn 'Loyalists' didn't do more damage than they did. Especially to the young Lady. Consider it a blessing that they did not recognize her-" one of the started.
"Be silent," Larsa snapped, narrowing his eyes. "There is no need to speak of that."
"Forgive me my Lord. I did not intend to alarm the young Lady."
"Alarm me?" Penelo asked. "Why would they have targeted me?"
She looked from Basch's unreadable face to Larsa's.
"Larsa?"
"These 'Loyalists'..."
"These traitors," Basch interrupted.
"Yes, the traitors, they were loyal to my brother. After learning the circumstances surrounding his death, they swore I would never sit upon the throne. Obviously, they were unsuccessful, but still very persistent. I am, of course, their main target but because you, Penelo, helped to stop my brother they would love the chance to take your life as well. They have been much more active in the past months. Seems they took several years gather their forces and make plans but now they are ready to strike."
"My Lord," Becca whispered, "Is this really how the young Lady should hear of this?"
"Forgive me, Penelo. You need to understand why you may be in danger while in my lands," Larsa apologized.
Penelo thought that hearing news of someone wishing her dead would have had a greater effect on her but with all she'd experienced in the past several years, it wasn't that shocking.
"My Lord, shall I take the Lady back to her room? I'm sure she needs her rest and time to clean herself..." one of the guards asked, glancing at the blonds blood drenched hands.
"Penelo?" Larsa asked, touching her arm.
"Yes um...I think I need to..." she broke off, feeling somewhat weak. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off and her display of magic taking it's toll, she swayed, eyes closing.
"Penelo, are you well?" Basch asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I'll be fine," she replied, shaking her head. "I just need a moment."
"Saul, help Penelo to her room. Gabranth, I need to speak with you in my chamber," Larsa said, taking his hand away from Penelo's arm.
"Yes my Lord."
Saul extended his arm to Penelo who gladly took it.
"Send word for me when you are well," Larsa said, touching Penelo's hair lightly as she turned.
The blond nodded, leaning heavily on the arm that supported her.