As Arthur and Eliza took the wide, dirt passage back to Eliza's home, Arthur decided to see what his surroundings were. Tall grass flowed heavenly as the calm, cool early April breeze passed through on both sides of the road. A small dust cloud had risen but swiftly settled as the wind dissipated and the environment went back to its tranquil state. To the horizon Arthur saw a dense forest; probably the one I was in, he mulled to himself. As the light, gentle wind kicked up again Arthur noticed Eliza's dress and his own shirt start flowing with it. It was quite beautiful. Arthur did not like that the only sounds were the blowing of the wind and the crunching of the earth below them as they walked upon it. He had thought of some questions to fill up the void of silence:
"Hey Eliza, how long have you been living here?"
Eliza was startled by the sudden question, "O-Oh, not long. Maybe a few weeks at the most."
"I don't mean to pry, but do you have a special someone?"
"We've just met and you're already hitting on me?" Eliza raised an eyebrow and ironically chuckled.
"Ah n-no, I was just curious that's all."
"O-Oh, well I am still single but there's this boy that is just gorgeous." She blushed.
"Really? Does he live around here?"
"Um, yes. He lives a few miles away from my house. His name is Roderich and he is just the sweetest thing."
"Well that's nice."
"Yes, it is. Unfortunately for me though he never leaves his father's grand piano so I've never have really gotten to get to know him," Eliza sighed melodramatically, "It's a shame really."
"Most unrequited love tends to be."
"Do you have a special someone?"
A picture of Alfred appeared in Arthur's mind as soon as she asked. What the bloody hell, he thought, why would he of all people pop up in my head?! "Um…no, I tend to be a loner." Arthur was a bit of a recluse his whole life; this has resulted with no relationships under his belt.
"Really now? That's interesting."
Arthur was so used to that response that he did not even bother to question the interesting part anymore. He did seem to notice that when he brought up relationships she had gotten a tad uncomfortable. She gave off an air that she had those brief answers rehearsed because she was asked numerous times. The theatrical sigh only added to his suspicion. Arthur stopped walking.
"You're not really this superficial, are you?" Arthur said matter-of-factly.
"Excuse me?" Eliza also stopped and a few paces in front of him and turned to face him.
"This isn't you, is it?"
"What isn't me?"
Arthur said crossly, "Oh come on, Eliza! Do not play ignorant with me! You're not this girl who's head over heels over this Roderich. It's obvious that you are interested in him but he isn't of paramount concern to you, so why act like it? It's not like it's getting you anywhere."
Eliza's eyes widened at the unexpected outburst. She then took a deep sigh and replied poignantly, "Y-You're right. Roderich is just a boy that just happens to be one I like. I'm actually devoted to nature and painting," She lowered her gaze in embarrassment, "but I can't be like that. I'm a girl and all girls are supposed to do is marry a handsome man and be boy crazy. I used to tell the truth but people belittled me for it. I wish it was a different world but it isn't so I just conform."
"Well if you just keep following the double standard it's not going to change now is it?" Arthur started to walk past her.
Eliza gazed at him as he strode past like he was patronizing her, "It's not that easy, Arthur."
Arthur halted in his tracks and rotated his head in the direction of her, "Nothing worthwhile is easy to obtain. The only simple part is deciding how willing you'll be to achieve it. Now are you just going to stand there or are we going to get some lunch?"
She stared at him briefly and then caught up to him and said in a more optimistic tone, "I hope my mother has made something good today!"
