First Post: 22nd Birthday Post ^_^

[aorin]

Hehe... I was aiming to post up the first entry to my LJ on my birthday. But many things - an outing with friends, dinner party, cake blowing and a traffic jam - was in my way in completing this task. I just hope I managed to make it in time to finish this post before the clock inevitably strikes 12.

Oh, my birthday presents this year are... a few text messages and a bill for dinner which my friend footed on my behalf  ::sighs:: Seems like presents these day are rather immaterial? Also, I've received a truly memorable present from my younger sister.

Well, she did say that money doesn't matter and it was the heart that counts.

Btw, do you know that chinese folks - especially those in my country - tend to celebrate their birthday twice. Once according to the Chinese Lunar calendar, while the other according to the normal calendar. Not that I receive double the presents, but I did get two cakes XD

Comments

[valeria-15.livejournal.com]

Definitely. I hear what you're saying above. Absolute agreement with you. Noah being difficult is a more challenging, more colourful canvas to paint on, embellish on, than say something that is mundane and such an easy relationship.

What I love about Ashe/Basch is just that: their difficulties of their situations. It has always been thus, from the time Rasler died, to the time of his imprisonment, to Ashe's hiding from her country and people. Their difficulties are so profound and interesting to come together. She's forgiven him, yes, but I bet he struggles with what he has to do: to keep his dying brother's wish, and a country (Dalmasca) he loves, and a Queen he loves. Yes, love.

But, in Basch's life, all of his sufferings have led him away from those he has loved: his mother, his brother, and now this. That's why it's quite interesting and so noble of his character. He is truly the embodiment of unselfishness in many ways. I love that! At the same time, because of this, he can be easily picked on by the harbingers of strife. And he still can walk away innocent in the end. He has these flaws that can make his loved ones angry, and one in which I want Ashe to hit him over the head lovingly.

I'm quite amazed at your plot so far. It's good!

Ok, let me go over with some parts for you:

Where they make love, Pen being a virgin and Gabranth being blind - it's good that its not this overwhelming fantastic experience at first. And maybe, because Noah isn't used to being blind yet, ^^ he's a fumbling idiot. Although, honestly, even with the limited amount of sexual experiences Noah may have encountered, he's still pretty damn good at it.

As for the -wow- surprised bit of news on Pen's parents. That would really put the shocker into the already difficult relationship. -whew- you sure know how to insert conflict indeed.

I can see where Pen would go to find understanding - to Vaan, her best friend and childhood playmate. Perhaps also - asking Basch as well. As for their last night in which they share love, it is very possible. Especially since they have strong feelings for each other. Are both physically and mentally, emotionally attracted, and viola'! you have two people who want to share a physical relationship. And the background where the sound of rain and thunder highlighting the event just makes it all sweeter. That's what you're asking right? ^^

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

I'm quite a sadist when it comes to the characters in my fic, I usually let them have a tug-of-war and a gallon of conflicts before letting them have their bittersweet ending. It makes the r/ship more worthwhile and tightens their bonds.

Ashe/Basch gives me joy in places in which I don’t understand. They seem to be meant for each other, but everything in the world is against their union. Bringing themselves together wouldn’t be a picnic, it’s not only about receiving consent from their allies and general public (which is their first priority), but also to overcome all the emotional and mental barriers between them. While honour and duty is their creed, it is the same object that draws them apart as well. Though, I truly believe that what he does for his queen is not solely out of fealty, but it was made out of the love of a man for a woman. One line that I remember clearly is “I have someone more important to defend and defend her I have”, he could have made a general statement instead of stressing on Ashe individually. I found this avowal very romantic, and touching.

Heh. Deep down, I think Basch is a little masochist, and would rather have himself suffer the agonies of war and strife than allowing his people and those he love be harmed. I agree with you that while he doesn’t realize it, this attitude of his would break the hearts of his love ones unwittingly. But I find it strange that some fics drew Basch as a brutal young man who abandon his own twin and mother when Landis was conquered. I, for one, don’t believe this notion (though, I understand it is highly possible), because he wouldn’t even give up Dalmasca after it has fallen and when he heard the Ashe had committed suicide. Let alone; desert his own kin when they need him the most.

Noah is used to being blind, and by the 5th month he's actually recovering his eyesight slowly (he's able to distinguish light and see fuzzy images but he still didn't know how Pen looked like). When he was struck down by Vayne, the impact caused him to lose sight, and all this while, he has been putting pressure on himself which makes his recovery difficult. But after he spends time with Penelo, he loosens up and dwell less in morbid thoughts, his health turn for the better.

Well, Noah has certain hidden talents and sufficient sexual experience, but blindfolded sex is still a task (he doesn’t want to hurt her), and he won’t know if Pen is enjoying it cause he couldn't see her, he had to rely on his other senses to guide him. Both of them were nervous but they wanted it badly, and while it wasn't the best sex, they did manage to ravish each other, and knew something special has passed between them.

I'm worried on the conflict about Pen's parents, and I hope it doesn't sound too stretched and coincidental. Remember, in the earlier part of this fic that Pen has a fear of thunderstorms? That wasn’t written by whim, and was purposely plotted for Pen and Noah to grow closer together and also for this section. But there’s actually more to the story.

Their first night and last night were painted with a milieu of lightning and thunder. If possible, I don’t want sex to be conducted under the influence of lust, but rather it strings from a stronger emotion. It is easy for a man like Noah to be sexually interested in a beautiful girl, but he doesn’t know how pretty she is (he barely remember the young girl in Basch’s party), therefore his desire for her stem from his genuine love and protectiveness over her. As for Pen, she love this man for all his mistakes, vices and virtues, even after knowing he killed her parents. She knows that if she stayed, her change of demeanour would led to the exposure of the secret, and that knowledge would hurt Noah more. He was recovering and learning to accept his past mistakes, revealing that his doing had destroyed her family is more than enough to throw him back into his shell. And even if they share a physical relationship, till then, Noah had not spoken any promises of eternity after he recovered, she thought that it would be best if she just disappeared (in the beginning she left out of grief, but it was also out of love) and never see him again. Though, when she left that last night, she unknowingly took something with her too ^^

[valeria-15.livejournal.com]

It's actually good practice to have conflict between your characters. It gives good grounding for future stories you may want to try out for publication. But since this is fandom, it's very much appreciated when an author takes that extra mile to earn that happy ending.

Although, yea, it's not always a sappy/all smiles happy kind of ending. (I kind of lean towards those bittersweet endings. But love happy endings) I need to see conflict, suffering, emotions, not just cookie cut outs, to inflict that kind of roller-coaster that the character is going through. It may not always be a wild ride, but it's fun, it's a journey and it's worth it in the end.

So you pretty much have a very good grasp of what's going to happen with Noah/Pen. I can't wait! =)

And yes, Basch is such a masochist. XD I love him to death. I need to write more on him, soon. But with Ashe of course. (gotta finish that in-game Omega hunt and other hunts I plan with those two) With all this discussion on Noah/Pen, I'll write out the rest of the themes up until the end of the game-verse. (since it's more or less based game-canon, and not AU)

I'm glad to have this intelligent and lengthy discussion with you. Oh, before I forget - you mentioned the Revenant Wings game last time. And there were Basch/Ashe moments. Forgive me for a moment, but: -squeals-!
Ok, now that's over with, can you fill me in on what's between those two in the game? I know SE is stingy on the romance in FFXII, yet, heard that FFXII:RE had more.

As for Pen's parents and the heavy conflict that she feels, I think it's another good set up. It may sound coincidental; however, I've found even in real life situations that things are always coincidental around us - we may not notice it, like be aware, but it's not too far of a stretch.

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

Sorry for the late reply. I wanted to complete the final part of ‘Love is Blind’ summary before positing but it sort of turn out longer than I expected, and I would like to apologize beforehand for the extremely long post (I’m never doing this again) XP Funny, I actually enjoyed typing out this summary because it helps me refresh and line out the fic properly X3

Heeh. While I do consider writing fanfics to be a good practice and pastime, but I doubt I'm cut for real publication. In some way, writing fanfic is pretty much self satisfaction for me, but the lack of proper writing skills makes it difficult. And yes, can you just imagine if a reader went through say 30 chapters only to find the story ends in tragedy? To the readers, it is such a blow to find that all didn't end well, while it seems like such a waste of time for the writer to plot all the conflicts, barriers, to overcome them only to end the story in sorrows.

Yes, I side with bittersweet ending (esp. for multi-chaps), a happy ending where the pairing works hard to achieve. But I do not favour happy endings where it seems abrupt and forceful. Commonly happens with wedding endings where everyone accepts their union, while the love rival suddenly found another interest. You get me?

Er. Simply put, yes, I do know where and how far would Noah/Pen go. But it is how to send them there in the most plausible way. Will try to figure that out ASAP. Also, I was lurking around in 1sentence and I notice a claim by you for Noah/Pen, just want to let you know that I’m looking forward to reading it.

And here goes, the final part of the fic (I would like to apologize for the 6 -8 email alerts that you are about to receive ^^;;):

I forgot to add:

[valeria-15.livejournal.com]

Also, I was lurking around in 1sentence and I notice a claim by you for Noah/Pen, just want to let you know that I’m looking forward to reading it.


Oh yes, I'll be working on that too, perhaps soon. I have done half, but I'm so frustrated at the way I word it that it's driving me nuts. Then, I go ahead and do another claim for another fandom. Go me! XD

But yes, I'll definitely write that out, and I'm ashamed that I haven't finished that Pen/Noah set either, but rest assured, it'll get done.

Anyway, fangirling here at your plot. It'll be a pleasure to read a pairing that is, well, probably considered too cracked up to write. But it sounds really good.

Re: I forgot to add:

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

... Oh yeah! Go you! Cause you are brave enough to attempt two claims at one shot. I doubt you'll take too long to complete the sets with your ability. And I'm sure you'll do just fine XD

Funny how 50 sentences can send you tearing out your hair to complete them ;D

About this story, I finally come to a point where I just give up on improvising it and just write whatever that comes to me (if I want to get anything done ^^;;). Before I plotted this fic, I pretty much label this pairing as impossible, crack-laden and an insane idea. Then, the plot bunny attack, and now, I completely in love with the idea of Pen/Noah. In a sense, cheery!Penelo VS stoic!Noah makes me giggle XD

Speaking of which, it did cross my mind to attempt Noah/Ashe for 1sentence. Not as a romantic pairing, though. But more of a general view of both characters, and what are the possible interactions they might have in-game. One thing for sure, they didn't exactly explain what happened to Ashe when she was captured by the Archadians, so that vague period could be taken into consideration. But still, one thing at a time, first XD

hello.

[valeria-15.livejournal.com]

Writing sentences, to me, seems to be loads lighter than creating an entire storyline. -whew- But! It's still trying to come up with images in the brain of how, what, where the couple should go, do, act, speak, so forth.

Good! I hope you do write it all out. Just keep going and then return to it to see for any inconsistencies, or things you need to add, etc, since it's going to be a pretty epic fic. Can't wait!

You know I had thought about Ashe with Gabranth before I came into the fandom: it was the pairing I was going to go for before I wrote out the Pen/Noah sets. But, because I was into the Ashe/Balthier and Basch/Ashe, I felt that it was too much on our Lady Ashe. XDDD. I always figured Penny's easier to write with Vaan. (they're so much fun)

If I can encourage you, I would love to see a sentence set of Noah/Ashe if you have the time. If not, that's cool. If I can do it, and have the inspiration - I'd write them out as well. I have to finish my 2 sets first at the community before I claim Noah/Ashe. XDD.

On aside, it's quite crack if I went for romance with that couple.

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

About 2 months after Pen left, Noah fully recovered his sight (and his temper), and was out to find Pen, and demanded why she left without a word. He was even more determined after he saw the half-written letter that she had torn. Barging into his old office, he bullied Basch (using his JM authority for info XD) into giving him details about Pen’s whereabouts. Basch honestly doesn't know much as Pen said nothing to him about the reason she left, but he tried to help his brother as much as he could (not that Noah told him the reason he was looking for her). Sweet brother bonding, even though Noah destroyed Basch’s possible love life with Ashe.

The hunt for his true love went all around Ivalice (Pen with Vaan went from Dalmasca, to Phon Coast, and lots of other places doing odd jobs and hunting marks). Finally, after a mad wild-goose chase, he found out that Pen might turn up at Balfonheim port for its yearly carnival – something like the Feast of Fools, as if Vaan would ever miss that – so he rushed over. Poor dude had a hard time finding Pen, partly because he don’t know how she looks like (Basch wasn’t with him, neither does he have picture, so you can guess how terrible it was for him). Luckily, he met some old acquaintance, B’gamnan who was grumbling about Vaan and the girl with him (yeah, the mean lizard doesn’t even remember Pen’s name). He literally strangled Vaan and Pen’s location out of B’gamnan, who told them that he saw the both of them heading towards the town square. Noah went there only to find a huge crowd, and was ready to return and drag the lizard with him when he heard a familiar tune (the one that Pen performed on May Day). Look up, he saw an attractive young dancer perform belly dancing (with Pen’s outfit in the epilogue) on the platform. This girls’ physique fits the description, and somehow in his heart, Noah knew he found his girl. Pretty dumbstruck lovestruck actually, he heard from the villagers that Pen is a beautiful girl, and for her to be chosen as the Queen of May, she can’t be hideous. But he never expected her to be enchantingly lovely.

Pen, on the other hand, nearly fell off the stage (figuratively) when she saw him scrutinizing her among the crowd. But she figured that he might not recognize her, and tried to remain calm, as soon as the song ended, she hopped off the stage and ran for her life. Obviously, Noah was not about to let her run off again, he caught up with her and confronted her, in which she denied ever meeting him. Rikken (Reddas’s crewman) came up and demanded that Noah shouldn’t bother the girl, and when he forcefully pulled Noah away, the fuming Judge manhandled Rikken by twisting his arm. This led to Pen to grab Noah’s arm and shouted at him to stop hurting the man, inadvertently calling his name. Sneaky Noah just turned around and told her that he had not introduced himself yet, and Pen realize the cat was out of the bag.

So, both of them ended up in one of the taverns where Noah enquired about her well-being and other stuff. When he asked why she left, she plainly told him that she doesn’t want to be with him (1/2 truth), and that whatever they had was a spur of the moment, and that their relationship would lead to no where. She added that Vaan was able to provide her with comfort that Noah never could and that she’s happier being with him. Fuelled with jealousy, Noah interpreted everything the wrong way, and assumed that she left him for Vaan, and that he was only a short infatuation. He didn’t want to believe her, but she clearly doesn’t feel or look comfortable around him, making him believe that she took him out of pity. Enraged, he spurned her, and told her that what happened between them was a mistake and that he should have never trusted her with his heart. Pen looked upset, and Noah was about to retrace what he said out of anger when he saw Vaan appear. Hardening his heart, he went away. Vaan who was clueless, went over to Pen and wanted to comfort her when Pen fainted in his arms.

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

Running around like a headless cockatrice, Vaan attempted a few spells but nothing could wake her, so he carried her to the nearest medic. After some professional ministration, Pen woke up and the medic lectured her about stressing and over-working herself, then the medic turned to Vaan and gave him an earful, saying that he shouldn’t have let Pen run around in flimsy clothing when she’s in such a delicate situation. After she finished her lecturing, she congratulated Pen on her pregnancy, and revealed to her that she’s with child, 3 months.

In short, Pen was shocked and it was Vaan’s turn to faint. The idea of Pen having sex with that dreadful man (and definitely more than once to get herself pregnant) was too much for him to bear and it gave Vaan permanent brain damage. As for Pen, she was surprised as she didn’t expect that to ever happen, especially on the day she broke up with Noah. Along with this came the emotions of sadness, confused, worried, dread, but in the end, all she felt was relief and bittersweet. Vaan recovered from his shock, and saw Pen smiling, excited and alive (the past 2 months, Pen pretty much acts like a zombie, and Vaan brought her to the carnival just to cheer her up). The idea of abortion slipped away from Vaan, and he promised that he would protect her and her baby, even if he thinks the father is an ass.

One month down the lane (Pen: 4 months pregnant), Vaan decided that taking care of a deadly pregnant woman with bipolar mood swings, was a task from hell. Vaan had a lot of hellish moments, like Pen would be giggling about her being Dalmascan, and Noah being Landisern, while the baby was conceived in Archadia and that makes it an international baby, then… she’ll suddenly burst into tears and say that she’s worried that people would not accept her baby. And Vaan is paranoid about Pen’s safety, he flies his ship at snail pace, and whenever the ship jerks a little, he’ll be nervous if the impact would harm the baby.

Finally, after much thought, they both agreed that Pen’s condition is not suited for travelling, and after more brainstorming, Vaan decided to send Pen to a place where she’ll be safe and well-cared for during her term. The Dalmasca Royal Palace! So, they made an unexpected visit to Ashe – who eyed Pen’s stomach and cracked her knuckles at Vaan, she doubt Pen would share an intimate relationship with Vaan, and yet, clearly the father of the child was not around. Of course, she interrogates them, and Vaan explained that the baby’s father is JM Gabranth. To which, Ashe was very close to slaughtering Vaan, because for a brief moment she thought the father might be Basch. Pen saved Vaan by explaining that the baby is Noah’s and that she understand if Ashe wouldn’t want to care for her, as the child’s father was the man who once destroyed Dalmasca. Ashe pondered hard, really hard, she was torn by various reasons – she’s not concerned for Noah’s child, and yet, this baby is Basch’s nephew; she hated Noah for everything he is, but Pen is a dear to her and doesn’t deserve her fate – finally, Ashe reconcile with the idea that the child shouldn’t have to bear his father’s crimes and that both mother and child are innocent. With open arms, she took Pen under her wing.

When Pen’s term reached the 6th month, Vaan paid a visit to Noah (without Pen’s knowledge). He noticed that Pen always tries to put up a cheerful front for them, but she’s obviously miserable and lonely. Vaan then made up his mind that Noah should at least be responsible for his actions, and he’s not going to let him get away like the last time. Besides, Vaan knows how hard it is to live as an orphan, and how hard it would be for Pen to raise the child as a young single mother. And thus, he flew to straight to Noah’s office.

On this side of the world, the judges of the 9th bureau were having the worst time of their life, ever since Noah returned and switch places with Basch (who now serve as Larsa’s full-time bodyguard under ‘Gabranth’s personal recommendation, and he’s now known as Basch Gabranth? Whatever Basch becomes, his identity now is Gabranth’s distant relative).

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

Even though Basch tried his best to be authoritative and strict with his subordinates, old habits die hard, and he turns out to be a milder and kinder version of the Gabranth that they are familiar with. These lower judges respect Noah but they are more comfortable and enjoyed the change of behaviour during Basch’s session. Therefore, when a grouchy Noah returns and starts terrorizing and over-working them, most of them were close to tears. To them, JM Gabranth has always been bad-tempered but now he’s unpredictable and unbearable.

And Vaan chose to make his entrance during this period of time, he basically told Noah’s secretary (Heimdall: one of the few people who knew Noah and Basch respectively, and have an inkling about Pen) that he had some business with their boss. When Vaan revealed that he’s here to discuss about Pen, Heimdall immediately barricaded the door and forbade Vaan to even bring up the name. Of course, Vaan threaten that he’ll either camp here or mist knack his way in if Noah refuses to see him. Heimdall step back and let Vaan have his way (while dialling 911: Basch’s personal distress code).

Vaan entered, Noah looked up. Both exchange equally powerful death glares, and Noah gave Vaan 5 minutes to speak up and then get out of his office. Vaan felt insulted and both of them swapped heated words. Soon, Vaan brought up the subject of Pen, and Noah just told him that Pen is none of his concern, and he doesn’t care nor bother whatever happens to her, or whoever she consorts with. Vaan lost it and attacked Noah, who was only too glad to find himself a punching bag, one that he’s been itching to smash ever since Vaan intruded into his and Pen’s life. Both men exchange blows, until Basch and Larsa came to the rescue, and pulled them away from each other. Basch restrain Noah, Heimdall held Vaan back, and Larsa stood in between to stop them from killing each other.

Vaan then provoked Noah by saying that he can now understand why did Pen left him for good, while Noah threatened Vaan, and said that Vaan better disappear before he does something he regrets. Somehow, Vaan blurted out that Pen is pregnant with Noah’s child, and next thing, he found himself pinned to the wall (yup, Basch was shocked and accidentally let loose of his grasp of Noah). Noah force Vaan to repeat himself, and Vaan told him that Pen is with child for six months. Proper mental calculation, that child is without doubt his. He bitterly mocked Vaan by saying that there’s no way to confirm the child is his, which earned a punch from Vaan, who stormed away, leaving behind some last words about Pen being sad.

Alone with Basch – who gave Noah a punch that he deserved first – both men had a heart-to-heart talk. Noah confessed about his relationship with Pen back at the village, but added that Pen left him without word. And Basch supposed that there’s more to the story, considering she did have an intimate relationship with him, that means he must have been special to her, and clearly whatever misunderstanding Noah had about Vaan and Pen wasn’t true. In the end, Basch advised him to seek out Pen once more to unravel the full truth, and to take both mother and child back with him, if he truly care and love them. Determined, Noah sought out Vaan and after a lot of apologizing, Vaan gleefully told him: Pen is at the Dalmasca Royal Palace, under Queen Ashe’s protective wing.

With his terrible records in Ashe’s books, it would take a miracle for Noah to enter the palace unscathed or leave the place alive, and Pen might be reluctant to meet him, thus, he convinced Vaan and Basch to join him. After some uneasy audience with the queen, who made it clear that he’s not welcomed and that she’s only bearing his existence because he’s here to make amends with Pen, and thankfully he brought Basch along (who’s practically his passport to Dalmasca) who manage to soothe Ashe’s wrath, Noah went off in search for Pen. But in order, not to scare her away, he pretended that he is Basch.

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

Soon, he found her alone in the library, singing softly to a music manuscript, and petting her belly tenderly. Seeing Pen again made Noah realize how much he missed her. He approached her, while Pen, thinking he was Basch, greeted him with warmly (he refused to remove his helm, and Pen didn’t mind because seeing Basch’s face might trigger some strong emotions). Questions about her pregnancy arise, eventually, Noah asked what made her leave abruptly. After bottling up her emotions for so long, Pen felt that she needed someone to confide in and she thought Basch would be the best candidate, as both Ashe and Vaan were Noah’s victims; they would be prejudice in their opinions. She explained how her fate and Noah’s were intertwined, and that she did what she thought was best for the both of them at that time. But even till now, she cherished his memories, and she’ll love the child she had with him.

Understanding the truth, Noah regretted and wanted to apologize for all the wrong he did to her and make amends. But he was cut short when Pen asked him if he wants to feel the baby. When she related her tale, she noticed that he was very uneasy and quiet, therefore to make him feel more comfortable; she offered him the chance to touch the baby. Gladly, Noah took the opportunity and felt the baby kick when he put his hands on her belly. Noah felt extremely proud and excited, and Pen decided that the baby would be a boy.

At this moment, their private meeting was disrupted when Vaan barged in by mistake, and accidentally exposed Noah’s identity. Eyeing Noah and Vaan, she then wrenched the helm off Noah’s head and saw that he’s the scarless twin. Realizing she’s been duped, Pen went fuming mad and threw both men out of the room, neither of them dared to go against the Pen's wish, and scrambled out of the room. For the entire next month, Noah tried to reconcile with Pen, and to stop her from escaping from the palace. More than once, Pen fled the night but was always thwarted by Noah, Vaan or Basch. She avoided Noah at all cost, refusing to speak with him again, and Noah was distressed by her aloofness and unwillingness to accept him.

Around the Pen’s 7th month, Noah made a visit to Pen’s family grave, and since her parents were executed and the bodies weren’t returned. All he can do is visit a memorial erected for those who died during the war. There, he confessed his misdeeds, and what had actually happened that night. Although Noah went alone, Pen actually overheard his conversation with Basch previously about paying his respects to Pen’s parents, so she silently trailed him all the way.

Pen’s parents were one of the few people who opposed to the Empire’s occupation, and refused to cooperate with the Archadian soldiers, because they were bitter over their son’s death. While, Pen’s parents were not part of the resistance, they willingly supplied resources for the Dalmasca Knights’ Order during the war. As a result, they were arrested and imprisoned on both accounts, leaving Pen under the care of Migelo. These prisoners of wars were presumed to be dead, but in fact, they were secretly transferred to one of Dr Cid’s laboratory and treated as lab rats for the Nethicite experiments. Noah, as the JM of the 9th bureau, who is in charge on gathering and dissemination of information, was ordered to investigate the mysterious rumours regarding Dr Cid’s ‘experiments’ in Dalmasca. He made a covert trip to Dalmasca, and during his investigation, he came across one of the wagons transferring the failed subjects that were to be disposed. Seizing command of the wagon, he found Pen’s parents who were apparently still alive, but only barely. The couple begged him to bring them back to their only daughter, realizing this is their last chance to see their child, and for him to kill them before they lose their mind and harm her. Pitying them, he took them back, and the family reunite, but soon, the Nethicite in them took control and they went berserk, and Noah slain them before Pen was hurt. In the process of struggle, Pen was knocked out, and she woke up the next day to find that the doors to her home have been sealed and listed military property. She had lost both home and family in one night, believing it was the JM that destroyed her life.

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

(Sorry!! Had to repost again because I post it to the wrong reply the first time, and secondly I realized I missed out a paragraph previously)

When Pen heard about this, she was shaken, and that cause her to go into early labour (plus the fact that she was under pressure during her term), and Noah, who shocked to see her in pain, quickly rush her back to the palace. Hours later, a healthy baby boy was born, and both mother and child were safe. Noah was thankful, while Basch, Vaan and Ashe came over to Pen’s room to see the baby and congratulate the exhausted but contented mother.

Now, the midwife informed Pen that the baby should be fed, and Pen insist that she wants to breastfeed the baby herself. Three men – Basch, Vaan and Noah – tried to slink away from the room to give her privacy, only to be halted by the midwife which asked them who is the father of the child. Two accusing fingers point to Noah and the poor Judge stood forward. The midwife then turn back to Pen and ask her if she had any breastfeeding experience beforehand, to which she receives a negative reply. Then, the midwife explained that this might be a problem because it is hard to extract mother’s milk the first time, and though normally that won’t be a problem for a full term baby, it might be difficult for their child, because he is a pre-term baby, and still too weak to suck the milk out from his mother. Her only advice in this is to let the father suck the mother’s nipple until milk starts to flow before feeding the baby.

Vaan was traumatized, Basch was embarrassed, Ashe was blushing (while glancing furtively at Basch), Noah was light-headed and Pen was stunned. After a few moments, Pen politely asked everyone to excuse themselves and for Noah to stay and help. So Basch and Ashe dragged Vaan together with them and left the couple and their baby alone. Embarrassed and awkward – even for Noah whom honestly have never seen Pen nude – they did whatever that had to be done. When Pen breastfeed the baby, Noah sat behind Pen to support her, and they talked about the baby – counting how many fingers, comparing the baby features to themselves. Finally, Noah apologized and asked Pen to give him another chance to take care of her, he understood that there were too many painful ties of the past, but he told her that he loved her (finally!!) and wants a future with her. And it ends with Pen asking Noah, what he would like to name their child, and sealing the deal with a kiss.

And that’s all of it. The end!

Of course, in my own ridiculous mind, I did plot out the sequel of this story which takes place after they both return to Archadia, and more conflict rose when the nosy Archadian spread rumours about the young unwed woman at Gabranth’s household, Noah torn between work and family, Penelo who was learning to adapt to the Archadian ways, and being a parent. Also, when Penelo hears about Drace, Noah’s old flame… I think I should complete ‘LIB’ first before I even consider the sequel XD

[valeria-15.livejournal.com]

This is really great. I can't wait to read it when you've started.

I don't know what else to say, but I look forward to how it all unravels too.

Ok, this part:

Her only advice in this is to let the father suck the mother’s nipple until milk starts to flow before feeding the baby.


(is in a fit of blushing here XD) I can actually see Vaan getting all flustered about it. And poor Basch is all red-faced. Awfully cute.

I can't wait to see you actually write it. I am so shameful! XD

Everything else is really lovely!