Étiquette : self reblog

vivisucre:

– They may be gods, but we are the arbiters of our destiny

I’m getting emotional that Fran and Basch are the ones in the frame for this line.

Basch is a paladin, he is loyal to the core, but that doesn’t mean he blindy follows the person he serves. He has always chosen his own path. He chose Rabanastre. He chose to follow his duty even when he was supposed to be dead.

And I’m really happy we see Fran too. She chose her path too. With irrevocable consequences. But she did it anyway so she could seek happiness and there is nothing wrong with that. No one judged her in Eruyt when the party learned her past. But here Basch states it loud and clear. 

Destiny is the heart of Final Fantasy XII. The choice to free themselves from the gods,  is the principle which bonds them. They become a family because they all believe and long for the same freedom.

[456/?]

vivisucre:

After @skystones’s post, I need to write a few words about Vaan too.

A character doesn’t have to do Big things to be a good, well-written, enjoyable and important character.

One trait I utterly love about Vaan is his instinct to protect and defend powerless people.

Vaan is always the first to speak his mind, especially when someone needs protection.

In Eruyt it’s not Balthier who get mad at Jote when she won’t do anything to find Mjrn. Even though he’s the closest to Fran. No, Vaan does. Of course Vaan does it because he cares about Fran, but also because he can’t understand the behaviour of the Vieras. One member of the community is missing and no one cares ? Well, they care but they won’t act ?

Vaan cannot accept this situation. If one kid in Rabanastre would go missing, Vaan wouldn’t come back home until he find them. Hey guess what ? That’s what he does for Penelo ! And also for the missing kid in Giza plain (was it Jin?)

In Nalbina Dungeon there is this one unarmed Vangaa who get beat up by those two big Seeq. Vaan shout at them to stop.

Even in Bhujerba, when they meet “Lamont”, Vaan immediatly acts as a big brother. “Don’t worry, you’re in good hands”

Sometimes a character’s actions and behaviour is important plot-wise, sometimes it is not. Nevertheless, a good characterization, and empathic feelings are a very important trait of character, and I’m glad Vaan exists.

vivisucre:

Queen Ashelia’s wish was to get closer to her people. To do so, she decided to organize an annual ball, the doors of the castle wide open, welcoming everyone. 

Penelo was ecstatic, she would dance all night. She spent days in the shops of the capital to find the perfect dress. She was looking for something light and simple, but also elegant. A dress that would make her feel pretty. 

Penelo really wanted to make an effort, and she was looking forward to Vaan’s reaction. As expected, Vaan was speechless, looking at her with an admiring gaze. 

The girl felt shy, and proud.

vivisucre:

Queen Ashelia’s wish was to get closer to her people. To do so, she decided to organize an annual ball, the doors of the castle wide open, welcoming everyone. 

Penelo was ecstatic, she would dance all night. She spent days in the shops of the capital to find the perfect dress. She was looking for something light and simple, but also elegant. A dress that would make her feel pretty. 

Penelo really wanted to make an effort, and she was looking forward to Vaan’s reaction. As expected, Vaan was speechless, looking at her with an admiring gaze. 

The girl felt shy, and proud.

vivisucre:

Basch casually putting his arm around Vaan’s shoulder. This is so meaningful. In a previous post I mentioned Vaan holding someone responsible for his brother’s death. At the beginning of the game, it was Basch, the traitor. Now they both are confortable enough with small skinship. And as I headcanon Dalmascan to enjoy casual skinship with their close friends, I like it very much.

[380/?]

vivisucre:

She’s so surprised Vaan mentions Larsa. He knows her so well. And not one moment there is a cliché “you can’t befriend him, he IS the Empire”. No. Larsa is a kid, a good kid. He made sure Penelo stayed safe, so archadian or not, Vaan is grateful.

I stated countless of times how much I like clueless!Vaan, but here it is the complete opposite. He knows Penelo is worried after Bur Ominace, he helps her the best he can. They are family after all, they take care of each other. 

[379/?]

vivisucre:

This scene is so important guys. They’ve just arrived in the heart of the Empire, they should be full of anger and sadness. But no ! They are excited to discover a new city, new people. As Vaan said, it’s because he’s seen new horizons. But clearly traveling might have done the opposite. He witnessed misery in Nalbina Dungeon, the destruction of Bur Ominace, he could be even more hateful towards the Empire. But no. He learned to differientiate the city of Archades, the citizens, the culture, from the ruler(s) who are responsible for the war. Vaan is finally able to put a face, a name, on the people to blame. That’s why he could move on and stop being angry at anyone. 

The second important thing is Penelo’s feelings here. She is the epitome of tolerance and peace. She still holds the Empire responsible but she already knew they should put the past behind and wish for a better future. She took care of Vaan since his brother’s death, she saw him always angry, putting himself in danger. Her worst fear has always been Vaan being imprisoned or worst because of his behaviour towards Imperial guards.

But now she knows. He won’t do that anymore. He became more tolerant, he won’t disappear far from her.

[378/?]