For the past week Zeph had been trying to figure out some way to delay his departure, or at least not have to be separated from his newly realized love. Today, the day of said departure, he has awoken with the perfect solution. If nothing else, he would have at least a little more time. After eight years, he is finally going to go see his fiancée. Like everything else in his life before, no one has bothered to explain to him why the two kingdoms had suddenly stopped having any contact with each other, but he is going to use that to his advantage. The detour should give him a few extra days with Arai as there is a good chance she is planning on being part of his escort home. He decides to broach the subject after breakfast.

“Arai, since this forest is on the border of the two kingdoms, I was wondering, if it’s possible, would you be willing to ensure me safe passage to Galivent before I head home? You see, I’m kind of engaged to their princess and I was thinking, since we are so close I should take the opportunity to contact her. I have something I need to talk with her about.” Zeph is surprised at how disappointed and sad Arai looks before she regains her composure and turns to him.

“The princess you were engaged to is dead. She died eight years ago.” Right around when we became engaged thinks Zeph.

“How do you know that?”

Arai looks dazed, as if her mind is somewhere else. When she replies, her voice also seems distant. “You know, I’ve called this place home for the past eight years, ever since Papa Joe found me unconscious at the border. Makes you wonder what a 10 year old is doing alone in these dangerous woods.” She seems to focus as she turns to Zeph. “The truth is, I was there when the princess died. It was her death that led to my happiness. You were long ago freed of your engagement. If you still wish to go I will not stop you, but I also can’t join you on such a journey.” Zeph feels relief that he won’t have to figure out a diplomatic way to tell a stranger that he couldn’t marry her. Of course he also lost his only good idea to spend a few more days with Arai. Just another case of the good being balanced with the bad.

Out of the corner of his eye, Zeph notices a boy coming towards them. Arai also notices him and mentions “Robin business” before walking to the youth. Zeph watches them talking just out of hearing range. It is obvious Arai doesn’t like what she is hearing. Suddenly she walks back towards Zeph, looking quite upset. “I’m sorry Zeph. It looks like you won’t be going home today”