Four years ago, Abel had left his shop in the care of his apprentice and set off in search of the woman he loved. After the war, Est had crumbled under the guilt of having caused him to betray his homeland and left him without a word; it was only after the fact that Abel realized the true folly of his actions.
This is what I deserve. I betrayed everything I've ever known for true love, and now she's gone.
He eventually finds her standing alone by the ocean on a cold and windy night. She's grown plenty in four years, but he'd still recognize her anywhere.
"Est."
She jumps like a startled rabbit, and for a moment he fears she'll run. He stands in front of her, placing his hands on her shoulders, but she refuses to meet his eyes.
"I knew you couldn't keep running forever," he says. "Est, I'm so sorry. Please, come back to Altea with me."
She shakes her head.
"I can't. Not after what I caused you to go through."
"That's in the past. Prince Marth forgave me, and I thought you had too."
"I do, but this is about me. I...I'm useless, Abel." She pulls away, shivering from the cold. "I only want to help but all I ever seem to do is cause trouble. First my sisters, then you..."
"Est..."
"You betrayed your homeland because of me," she says, her voice breaking. "Every moment by your side was a reminder, and I can't live with that."
"And every moment you're away from me, I can't live with what I did!" Abel protests. "Please...I've spent four long years searching for you and now that I've found you I don't want to let you go again! I know I don't deserve another chance, but if you can find it in your heart...please, Est."
Slowly, she turns to face him, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I do love you," she says, "but it still hurts too much."
He cups her chin in one hand, gently brushing her tears away with the other.
"Then I'll wait until it stops," he whispers. "I don't care how long it takes or what I have to do to make it up to you. Even if we never go back to Altea and stand here on the beach for the rest of our lives."
There's a long silence before she finally speaks up.
"I'll think about it."
But she smiles a little, and he knows he's made some headway.