"You sure this is a good idea?" Asked Saito, reaching the bottom of the ladder. "I don't want any of the Musketeers taking issue." "You're my Knight, Saito," Henrietta replied. "As such, I'm perfectly safe being escorted by you." "Ok, if you say so," he said. The two walked the castle grounds and approached the pond. "So why'd you wanna talk down here?" "To be frank, I feel like I can be myself around you," she said. "You've never recognized the division between Nobles and Peasants, so talking with you is easier. It's like when I'm with Louise."
"You can be less guarded and formal, you mean?" He queried. Henrietta nodded, "Indeed. And with so many people aboard, crowding the ship, it can be overwhelming." "Fair enough," Saito agreed, looking around at the quiet, open grounds. "I remember this spot, we all had lunch back here when we returned with Tiffa." Henrietta smiled, "That was such a lovely afternoon. It brings me so much joy, seeing my cousin getting along well with other people." "Yeah," Saito smiled back. "It took a bit of an adjustment period for some of the students, I won't lie. But she's made a few friends since coming to the Academy." "I'm grateful for your continued support, Saito," she said. "My schooling was from tutors brought to the Castle. I suppose I'm a little jealous of her opportunity."
"That reminds me," said Saito. "You're a mage too, right? Where's your familiar?" "She's right here, actually," Henrietta clapped her hands twice, and from out of the water leapt an otter. It flipped and landed on the bridge railing, gazing upon its master with sky blue eyes. "Nice form," said an impressed Saito. "This is Coralie," Henrietta said, petting the animal. "She's an otter and naturally prefers being near water. Since my duties as Queen take up most of my time, I allow her to roam the ponds here. She's very self sufficient, able to catch fish on her own."
"Smart too, I like her," Saito replied, and put his hand out for her to inspect. Coralie cautiously approached, sniffing his fingertips before backing away. "A bit nervous, huh? Here, maybe this'll help," Saito pulled out a cracker from his pocket and offered it to the otter. She tilted her head curiously and crept closer, sniffing the treat before taking a bite out of it. Coralie squeaked with pleasure, enjoying the salty flavor. Saito handed the rest over which she held with tiny black hands. She munched on the cracker and allowed Saito to stroke her head. "There we go," he said with a smile.
"If I didn't know any better," said Henrietta, "I'd say you were Vindálfr, and not Gandálfr!" "Who?" Saito asked curiously. "Vindálfr is a being of legend," Henrietta explained. "He was said exhibit strong bonds with animals and capable of taming even the most savage of beasts." "Huh, with a name like that, I wonder if he was a familiar like me?" Saito chuckled. "That I could not say," Henrietta replied. "While it's true other Void Mages seem to have existed throughout history, Tristain has only ever known Gandálfr." Saito looked at his runes, "Well there's definitely another one out there that needs to be dealt with."
"Which is what I wanted to speak with you about," Henrietta got serious. "In the coming days, I will be traveling to Romalia to meet with His Holiness, Pope Vittorio Serevare. I'm hoping to discuss a formal alliance, should Gallia attempt to start a war." The boy nodded, "Makes sense, strength in numbers would definitely help, especially when we're up against Sheffield and whoever's pulling her strings." "In truth, I don't wish for further conflict," Henrietta admitted, a bit saddened. "The War with Albion was costly, not just financially but with the number of people we lost in the process." She looked at Saito, "Or nearly lost, in your case."
Saito turned, "I got lucky, others weren't so fortunate..." "Siesta... it's still quite painful, isn't it?" Asked the Queen. Saito nodded, "It's like there's this ache in my chest and it won't go away." "I still feel that way when I think of Wales," Henrietta admitted. "I don't think it'll ever truly leave, even if his murderer is no longer alive." The boy realizes what she means by this, and sighs. "You're saying I shouldn't be so gung-ho to fight Sheffield, aren't you?"
Henrietta turns to face the boy, "I'm saying that if war does arise, you'll likely have your chance to face her. But if you prevail, don't expect the pain to simply disappear. I'm afraid grief doesn't quite work that way." Saito nodded, "I know, the rational side of me is telling me that. But I also don't feel like I'll be able to move forward with my life until this is resolved." Henrietta puts a hand on Saito's arm, "I understand. Just know you aren't alone. You have Louise, Tiffa, the Order of Undine Knights-"
"And you?" Saito asked. "Of course," Henrietta replied with a smile. "You may be my Knight, but you've been a friend ever since that first night I came to visit Louise." "I remember that time. I made Parfaits, Louise thought they looked too messy to eat," Saito said, making Henrietta giggle. "And I remember us agreeing to drop formalities and call each other by our first names." "Right," Saito smiled. "I also remember that time I helped you hide from your own guards. That was an... interesting night."
The Queen blushed slightly, remembering their kiss. "Yes... that situation was a first for me," she said. "But I also recall how kind you were, and how easy it was to talk to you. That was the first time you said you considered us friends." Saito nodded, "You know, that night I asked you if that kiss was more than a cover, but you passed out before you could answer it." "Did I?" Said Henrietta slyly. "Just as well, a girl needs to keep some secrets." Saito's eyebrow raised, "Wait a minute..."
"Big Brother!!!" Illococoo came running over, breaking the mood and catching the boy off guard. Coralie dove back into the water. "I wanna go flying, but Big Sis doesn't want to leave the ship yet. Can you fly with me?" Saito recovered and smiled at the girl, "Just a second." He turned to Henrietta, "Ever fly on a dragon before?" She shook her head. "How about a lift back to the ship then?" As if on cue, Illococoo transformed into Sylphid. "Oh, um. I'm not sure..." "You're the one who said you felt safe being with me," Saito teased climbing onto the dragon's back. "Do you trust me?" He asked extending his hand.
Henrietta looked at it hesitantly, then into the boys eyes, and smiled. "Always," and with that, she took his hand. The boy pulled her up behind him. "You're gonna want to hang on," he warned and she gripped around his waist. "Alright Sylphid, let's go up easy!" The dragon raised her wings and gently took off vertically. Flying around the Castle grounds and gradually picking up speed, Sylphid gave a smooth ride to the inexperienced Queen. She laughed and enjoyed the wind blowing through her hair, but always keeping at least one hand on Saito.
They approached the ship's bow and landed in the open section. "That was so much fun!" Henrietta exclaimed. "We must do that again sometime!" Saito grinned jumping off to help her get down, "Wait until you get used to the real speeds Sylphid's capable of. It's a whole different world!" The dragon chirped happily, as if affirming the statement. "I'd better get back to Agnés before she sends a search party," said Henrietta. "It was... nice, to chat as equals." Saito nodded, "Yeah, it was." Looking around quickly to confirm nobody else was watching, she gently kissed the boy on the cheek. "Remember, you're not alone," she whispered. "Until we next meet, Sir Saito." She turned and walked back towards the party.
Saito lightly felt his cheek, staring off as the Queen turned a corner and vanished. "That was unexpected," he said quietly. Suddenly, what felt like a wet sponge went up the side of his opposite cheek. He quickly turned in confusion to see Sylphid, waving her tail and eyes dancing excitedly. Saito laughed, "Ok girl, we can go faster now." The dragon crouched back down as the boy climbed up her back. "Let's hit the skies, Sylphid!"
