Awaiting them at the castle were Amelia and her father. She greeted them all with open arms and when she hugged them, she threatened never to let them go. "I am more than overjoyed to see you all again. But I knew Justice would prevail and you all would come back." Her eyes trailed the sheath that hung on Tabby's side. "I presume that is the Sword of Ruin?"
"Ruin!?" her father suddenly shouted. Blushing then, he leaned down to Amelia and whispered something in her ear.
Before the Princess could answer though, Tabby replied, "Yes, it is the Sword of Ruin. Prince Philionel, you have nothing to worry about. I have earned this sword from the Lord of Nightmares; she has deemed me pure of heart and soul. Worthy to bear the power of this blade."
The Prince looked more than relieved. "Well, then I suppose this is okay. However, why don't you all come in? I have a feast prepared for your joyous return."
As the Prince headed inside soon flanked by his daughter and the ravenous faces of Lina and Gourry (Zelgadis sighed with audible distaste when he looked upon this), Valgaav looked to Tabby and asked, "You think you're up to feasting or would you rather rest?"
Rubbing her eyes, Tabby yawned, but nodded. "Valgaav, who could turn down a feast offered by Crown Prince Philionel? That's like turning down water in a desert!"
He chuckled, "Then I guess, let us feast."
Tabby smiled back at him and nodded. "After such a journey, food is a welcome luxury." Then she hooked her arm through his and the two went inside to enjoy that which the Prince would bestow upon them. However, just before she entered the castle's main door, Tabby looked back at the vast kingdom that stretched out before her. She wondered just what kind of luck had been with her on her travels, had it been the Lord of Nightmares' anticipation of Tabby's existence? Or just the blind sort of luck one seems to get on such adventures? Tabby guessed she might never know, but she knew one thing. She was happy to be alive and standing among her greatest friends.
Taking a deep breath, she turned and looked at Valgaav again and smiled. "Let's go eat."
