It was a time after war. Spring was in the air.

Madame Suliman was still looking for Howl and unfortunately Howl had weakened lately. Without a heart it can be hard to stay strong although immortal he was too. But what was the point in immortal life if he could not do much than walk to the bathroom without Sophie's assistance? See, the reason for his weakened stance is because during a moment of confusion and bewilderment, Suliman had captured Calcifer. It was a horrible remark not finding the gentle, but sassy fire in the fireplace suddenly, but during the case of violence and horror, all they could do was flee from the sight.

After all the mess and disasters they had finally found an asylum for their moving castle which Howl had with his lasts bits of strength had changed into a flying ship. It still had the different doors to different places and towns, but renewed of course so that no threats knew where they were. The flying ship had long sailed its last sail, because without Calcifer no flying would happen. Howl was the only thing managing to keep the house up still.

Markl was dealing with a magic business downstairs and Sophie sometimes helped him with it when she had the time. Business was pretty good these days even though a wizard's help was still taken with slightly apprehensive looks. But some had got accustomed to it pretty easily. No one was still allowed upstairs were master Howl was resting. That was a huge no-no. Someone who had seen might tell Suliman or be one of her henchman and then it would game over.

Today Howl was resting in his bed with Sophie as usual. Sophie's curse had been finally broken and now she was a beautiful grown woman who had even taken up learning a few spells herself. It was inevitable as Howl could barely take care of himself not to mention everyone else in the house against Suliman.

Sophie ran her fingers through the dark locks curling around Howl's face. The blue orbs were tiredly staring off into the distance. Sophie's gentle touch had calmed him down and he let out a small, appreciative sigh. But then suddenly something caught Howl's guard. He turned to look Sophie and she immediately sharpened her hearing and her hands stopped their movements.

"Someone is coming up", Howl stated and balled the colorful bedspread in his fists.

"I'll go look", Sophie said determined. Howl sat up slightly as Sophie went to the door to look. She opened the door hesitantly as a knock echoed in the room and pressed her head into the door gap not letting the visitor see inside the room.

"Lettie? Oh my! What are you doing here? How did you find here?" Sophie chuckled in relief. She still blocked the Lettie's view from Howl even though she was her sister. "I've been looking for you for ages. I had to find you at some point", Lettie said. She looked uncharacteristically nervous and shy. "Well, you've managed in that. It's good to see you. Mind if we go downstairs?" Sophie said and closed the door behind her. "No, no... But what's there?" she asked curiously and pointed at the door.

"Oh, nothing really. I've been still making some hats in my spare time now, I keep the sewing machine there. But it's been terribly busy with the business. Thankfully Markl's awfully good at it, I barely have to do anything", Sophie babbled as she led them both downstairs. She sat them down by the fire. Some people were swarming around them to go up to a disguised Markl. Sophie cleaned off her dress with a pat to the front and gazed up to her blonde haired sister. She had grown up a bit just like her, but she still looked as gracious as ever.

"So, how have you been, Lettie?" Sophie asked with a smile. "Oh, I've been just fine thank you. I've been missing you though, awfully much. You never told me where you moved", she muttered with a frown. "I'm sorry about that, I've really just been so busy. But now you know at least. But how's your work been?", Sophie said. But in all honesty, she had really been hiding her home in purpose. She was apprehensive herself about her sister's motives. She could be easily persuaded and who knows what might be on her mind this time when the whole of kingdom was looking for Howl.

"Oh, the usual. Nothing too exciting. But I have a met a wonderful young man and we're engaged actually. His name is Charlie Monterose", Lettie told her with a wide grin and showed of the big ring on her finger. "Oh how lovely is that! And what a beautiful ring that is. He must be quite wealthy", Sophie mused as she looked at it closer. In the gold band she thought she saw a familiar looking engraved symbol, but she couldn't be sure before Lettie pulled her hand away to look at it herself.

"Well yes, but that wasn't the only reason I fell for him, you know", she giggled. Sophie smiled back at her. More people were coming into the shop now. "But yes, how is your life, Sophie? You've never been much of a romantic, but is there anyone special in you heart at the moment?" Lettie inquired wiggling her eyebrows. "Oh, no. You already heard me. I've been way too busy lately for any of that." Lettie's smile froze just a little bit. "But wasn't there that man you lived with before? Nothing happened there? What was his name anyway? Do you still keep in touch?" she started asking. That's when Sophie was sure what the symbol was on her ring. Her husband was close to Suliman. This is why Lettie was here. "His name was Ronald Menton. And nothing happened, Lettie. I don't see him anymore", Sophie said and got up. "Would you like me to make some tea for you, Lettie?"

Lettie looked disappointed but tried to smile a little when Sophie turned to her. "Oh no, thank you. I think I better get going now. Charlie's waiting for me outside. But I'll see you another time. It looks like you've got a whole lot of things to do here anyways at the moment", she said and made her way to leave.

"Oh, well it was still nice to see you. Bye then!" Sophie said as she got out. "Goodbye Sophie!"

Sophie's fingers were once again tucked under the jet black lock of Howl's hair as his head was laid on her lap. "I think Lettie's husband is working for Suliman and that's why she came. I lied to her about you. That I didn't know you. I don't know if she believed me though. She looked disappointed enough still."

Howl tensed up beneath her hands.

"My protection of this house is wearing off constantly. We cannot even move with Calcifer gone. She's going to find us sooner or later", he mumbled with a strained voice and then sat up to face her anguish on his beautiful face. "I don't know what to do, Sophie. I'm so tired of running, but I don't want her to capture me. What am I going to do?" he asked desperately tears beginning to swell in his eyes. Sophie cupped his face in her hands.

"It's alright, love. It's going to be fine. She's going tire of looking for you eventually. Until then you just need to do your best. I know that you're tired, but hold on just a little while longer, okay love?" Sophie said and pressed a kiss on his lips. He sniffled. "Okay..."