Ashelia didn't always make it down to the Crystal of Fire's plaza to greet the new Heroes, but she happened to have the time today, and Merlose was always telling her to 'get out more,' so here she was. After the first several times of checking to see if anyone from Ivalice had shown up, it began to feel a bit cruel. Even if she'd never admit it to any of the other Heroes, she longed for anyone from Ivalice - from her Ivalice - to be among the chosen, horrific a fate as it was. She had chosen thus far never to dwell on the selfishness of such desires.

And so, it was for these reasons that Ashelia's gaze passed over Vaan completely. She walked right by the young man, lost in thought. After all, after so long, why would anyone appear now?