It seemed like the whole world was in Alexandria to see the play, and of course, the reunion of Zidane and Dagger. It had been a happy moment for everyone up until the time where people had started to drift back into the city and go home for the evening. She didn't know why, but a depressed mood suddenly came over Freya. She had enjoyed the time spent with Zidane and the rest of the gang. She had made a notable difference in the world, and had ended up with Fratley. She knew she should be happy that it had ended as well as it did, but she felt as if when they all parted ways, it would be like the last chapter in a book; so final, but yet so incomplete. They would all move on in their separate directions, and eventually lose touch with each other, then eventually forget about each other, and…

"Have you been petrified, or do you just enjoy standing in the way?"

Freya jumped slightly and turned around to see Amarant standing behind her. She shook her head and brushed the depressing thoughts to the back of her mind as she composed herself.

"Hello, Armarant. I didn't see you when I got here. I assumed you weren't going to come."

"What? And pass up the free lodging and meals that I'm sure the queen will bestow on us? Not likely."

Freya felt her spirits lifting as she talked to him. She considered him a friend, although she had no idea if the feeling was mutual. He was very good at hiding his thoughts and feelings behind that thick curtain of red hair. Even facial expressions were impossible to read. Something as simple as a smile was usually unreadable, although Freya had been around him enough to see his cold exterior slip and a flash a grin.

"You haven't changed, Amarant. It's good to see you again"

"Well, I wish I could say the same…too bad. Now, let's go see what kind of grub we can get…"

Freya smiled and nodded. They walked up to the castle, where Stiener and Beatrix were standing. Steiner's expression lit up as he looked at Freya.

"Hello, Lady Freya. The queen will be very happy to see you. Everyone else is already in the banquet room. Please make yourself at home."

Steiner's look hardened somewhat when he turned to Amarant.

"The queen's invitation also goes out to you. However, I will be watching you. The first sign of trouble I have with you and you will be banished from the castle."

            Amarant gave an arrogant shrug and walked through the doors. Freya sighed and smiled at both Beatrix and Steiner before thanking them. She walked through the castle entrance and followed Amarant to the banquet room where everyone was already sitting. They were all there: Dagger, of course, Zidane, Vivi, Eiko, and Quina. Amarant leaned lackadaisically against the wall as Freya bowed slightly and sat down. Dagger rose happily, and eagerly looked at them both. "I am so glad that you both could make it. It has been some time since we have all seen one another. I have invited the others to stay here at the castle for a few days. I would be very pleased if you both would accept my invitation also."

            Freya glanced at Amarant and could tell that he was smirking.

            "Sure." Amarant said. He liked giving one word answers. They could only be taken one way, and not read into at all.

            The queen's gaze turned to Freya.

            "I would be honored to accept your invitation."

            Dagger grinned as she clapped her hands together. She sat down motioned for everyone to begin eating. In a few minutes, everyone was enjoying a plate full of food and they all began talking about what they had been doing since they had last seen each other. Freya was enjoying herself as she listened to the merry conversations. She nodded every once in a while and made an occasional, yet subtle joke about Zidane, who would, in mock anger throw some of his food at her. But, after a while, she began to think those depressing thoughts. She was happy that she was there in the company of her old friends, but she didn't know why she kept coming to the conclusion that they would eventually forget each other. She kept imagining her life at an old age where Zidane or Dagger didn't exist, or Steiner, or Quina, or Eiko, or Vivi, or…Amarant. She shook her head and tried to come out of her daze. She looked to her left and found Amarant sitting there. "I must have really been out of it. I didn't even see him sit down." she thought to herself.

            Amarant looked at her. "Daydreaming again, huh?"

            Freya shook her head. "I'm just a little tired from the trip, I think."

            Zidane hear what she said. "I think we're all a little tired. It's late, and we have all day tomorrow to catch up with each other." He looked at Dagger. She nodded.

            "I think that is a good idea. I will show you all to your accommodations."

            Zidane shook his head. "All that common folk talk I taught you. It's completely gone!"

            Dagger looked at him and shrugged. "Well, I am a queen now. Let us all head upstairs to retire."

            Zidane laughed and shook his head as the group followed Dagger upstairs. She led them all to their separate rooms. As it was, Freya's and Amarant's room were directly across the hall from each other. Freya stepped inside the room and heard Zidane make one of his quips about where he would be lodging, and then heard Steiner yelling all the way down the hall. She chuckled to herself and shook her head. No one had changed a bit since she saw them. That was a comforting thought. She reflected upon that as she lay in the bed, but for some reason, she was having a very difficult time sleeping.