Part Three
Aadeane stayed in silence in the Ragnarok. Seifer switched on the autopilot and looked at her, dumbfounded. He had told her straight that they must go there, and what was her response. "Yes, yes we must. I must…"
How vague. And now she was sitting here. Blank, expressionless… Seifer could only guess at her thoughts. Was she angry with him? It would not surprise him.
Aadeane knew it was coming. She knew from what Edea had said… "You will have to sacrifice your freedom, Aadeane. All sorceresses do at some point. What will truly be telling is if you have someone in the world that is willing to save you. Many Sorceresses live their lives alone…"
Alone…
He had to send her to that awful place; either it would prove to him that he loved her and she would have a knight to keep her safe from harm, or she would be sealed away, like her mother, never able to hurt others… maybe she would be cold and lonely… who would she talk to?
I can't let any of this show… she thought to herself, looking straight into the world below her. I can't let him see, I can't let my sadness and affection affect his choice…
Stare. Be calm.
Don't cry.
Seifer landed the Ragnarok outside the Sorceress Memorial, and took Aadeane's small white hand to guide her off the aircraft. It trembled as she gazed at the monument… only then did Seifer notice her fear.
He looked into her large brown eyes… maybe it would be for the last time… he savored each pat of her; her orchid skin, her satin hair, her velvet eyes. They walked together up the long staircase that led to the entrance. Kiros and Ward were waiting for them. Seifer spoke up. "Kiros, Ward, I bring the Sorceress Aadeane to be sealed."
Ward stared at him long and hard. Then Kiros spoke. "Does she come of her own free will?"
"Y-y-yes, I do."
Just like when he first met her Seifer thought as he gave her small pale hand into the trust of Ward. The party led Aadeane through the heavily guarded doors. She looked at him one last time, her eyes desperate for him to speak…
Seifer said nothing.