Wings of the Valkyria : Hello! Hello! I'm Wings of the Valkyria and this is my first fanfic of Tales of Abyss. I'm a huge fan of the game and I sincerely hope you'll give criticism and love of my first story Charred Light!

Griever : There are a couple of things we would like to put in before you even start reading. Everyone with the exception of Tear and Anise will be in their early twenties. Even if it's canon that Luke is Asch's' replica he will not be in this story. It's slightly AU.

Wings of the Valkyria : We hope you enjoy this story. As stated above criticism -not flames- will be welcome. We have no ownership of Tales of Abyss nor it's characters.

Chapter One : Creating Bonds.

Lunaday. Sylph Decan 39. ND 2020. - Grand Chokmah, Malkuth.

"Are you sure you want to do this Luke? I mean, it's pretty huge task to be taking on."

Full lips twitched. "Tasks? Is that what they call marriage these days Gailardia?"

Gailardia sighed heavily and raked his gloved hand through his thick blonde hair. "You know that's not I meant Luke and it's Guy not Gailardia I'm proud of that name but it's such a mouthful to say…"

"Gailardia Galan Gardios." Luke tried out with a teasing smile on his full lips. "It's a good name I see no reason not to use it. It's much more elegant sounding than Luke Gardios…"

"Now who's complaining about their name? 'Light of the Sacred Flame' is the full translation of your name Luke and it fits you perfectly and don't think you've changed the subject."

Luke let a deep chuckle escape his throat before shrugging. "It's worth a try. I'll be fine Guy don' t worry okay? I'm the one who agreed to this whole marriage proposal in the first place."

It had been entire year since the war between Kimlasca-Lanvaldear and Malkuth but unfortunately tensions were still running high near the borders of both countries. Both Emperor Peony IX and King Inogbert VI had agreed during a summit that an arranged marriage between the next highest families of both countries would settle down the hot-blooded citizens for the time being.

"I know that but…" Guy trailed off but Luke heard the rest of the sentence loud and clear why couldn't Emperor Peony choose someone else?

"You know the next best choice is Mary." Luke explained solemnly. "And I rather it be me than her. You're father has done so much for me by adopting me into the Gardios family after mom and dad died from the plague Guy. This is the least I could do for him and not let his daughter be sacrificed like this."

From the look Guy was sporting Luke knew that he was right. Guy's father would rather die than let either of his children go through with this farce of a marriage and that was exactly why Luke had quickly offered himself up when Emperor Peony called them to court three days ago.

No one would truly say it but, the Gardios family was one of the most influential in Malkuth along with the Curtiss family and the Emperor himself and marrying into the Gardios family was equivalent to entering royalty.

"Did you talk to father about this yet?" Guy asked his voice held a tinge of resignation that made Luke's heart twist slightly.

"Yes. He apologized but I told him that their was no need to do such a thing. So, what do you know about the royal family of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear?"

Taking a seat next to his adopted brother and best friend. Guy stared out the drawing room window watching the light blue silk flutter gently in the wind

"There are two current heirs, cousins. The eldest is Asch fon Fabre nephew to Ingobert VI and Natalia Luzu Kimlasca-Lanvaldear current Princess."

"Charred remains of the Scared Flame." Luke murmured thoughtfully. "How…ironic. Honestly what was the Emperor thinking when he set us up."

"He probably thought it was humorous." Guy put in bitterly . "Because of the names and all."

"I'm sure that wasn't the only reason now." Luke added softly. "It's not like you to pout Guy. Is this really upsetting you?"

"Of course it is!" Guy burst out in a fit of anger causing Luke to jump slightly. "You're my little brother! I can't sit and watch while you become a political hostage behind this farce of a marriage."

A chuckle escaped him before he could stop causing Guy to cast him a deadly glare. "You find my worry for you funny Luke?"

That comment immediately caused whatever humor he previously had to be washed away be replaced with hurt.

"Of course I don't Guy. I know you're worried about me but I've told you countless times that'll I'll be fine-"

"You're just saying that!" Guy interrupted harshly. "I know you're just as nervous and worried as I am! You're going away from Malkuth and living with people you hardly know and most likely hate you. And you're telling me that you're not the least bit scared?"

Luke was scared down to the very marrow of his bones but he couldn't possibly tell Guy nor his adopted father such a thing. For once in his short twenty years of life he wanted to be the brave one and protect his family.

Whichever way he could.

"If you love me." Luke began firmly looking into Guy's guarded emerald eyes directly. "If you trust me as your best friend and brother then you'll let me do this."

The tense silence that followed after his statement was almost unbearable to Luke but he remained firm, he refused to back down.

"….Fine." Guy replied at last. "I'll let you do this Luke. But! You have to let me come with you for your first visit to Kimlasca deal?"

Luke grinned so hard that it nearly split his face in half. "Deal!"

Valkyria : Small chapter to test the waters. Tell me how you like it and review~!