--we finally were able to gather once more, as a whole group: Claude, Precis, Celine, Chisato, Noel, Ashton, and I. Well, we were still missing Leon, who Precis told me was busy working on his newest creation which would better the world (I wonder what it would be this time.), Bowman, Ernest and Opera, but no one had heard from the latter two since we parted after the battle of the Ten Wise Men. Chisato said something of that she would take Razp with her to travel with Noel and herself. Actually, at the start, I had thought to let Razp stay with us at Arlia, but it seemed that both Ashton and Dias were against that idea..
Perhaps Razp will finally understand that Expel isn't such a bad place as well. I think I might have understood his feelings more so if I had also been living on Nede for a long time. Still, I do remember some places of it.. and it's saddening to remember that my home planet was eliminated.. but it was for the good of everyone else, and I have plenty of good memories of Expel as well.
Everyone in Arlia is helping me cope with my mother's death.. even though we weren't of blood relations, we still were very close. As I've said once before, she is the only mother to me. Although many people are still sad about my mother's death, they seem to be glad that Dias is back. I wonder if he will plan to stay any longer this time. Along with that, the children are extra happy about Ashton's return as well.. he's always been popular with them. Then again, there's no one as glad about his return than me.. the more I stay with him, the more I've grown to enjoy his company. ..I wonder if he feels the same about me..
Tonight will be the last day our group will gather again. Claude and Precis are going back to Earth, and Celine is going to the Cross Castle, saying she had some business there with a friend of hers. Obviously, Chisato would never stay in the same place for a long time, and poor Noel has always been dragged along with her. Even though he seems to be reluctant most of the time, I think that he really enjoys his time with her. I wonder how much longer it will take for them to settle down? On the other hand, Ashton and I--
"What are you doing, Rena?"
Rena jumped, dropping her pen as she turned to spot Ashton in the doorway of her room. "Who?! Me?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Journal writing again?"
The young woman blushed, shutting the book and diverting her eyes. "Mm-hm. I have a lot to record now."
"I can't blame you." he took a seat on her bed, his eyes going to the picture frame set up on her table. She hadn't changed it from the picture of her family, and he couldn't help but feel bad for her. Now both of her parents were gone, somewhat like his. He had never thought to speak about his family to anyone else.
"..aren't you going to talk to everyone else? They're going to leave tomorrow.."
"I just came to check up on you, that's all." he sent her a quick smile. "And to remind you that you should go to sleep early tonight. You've had quite a busy time, and you've used so much magic as well. You must be tired. Celine's already gone to bed."
Rena shrugged. "Thank you, Ashton, but I think I would like to finish this entry before I sleep."
"Should I leave you alone?"
She hesitated, then turned from the table and toward him. "..I can wait to write my entry."
Ashton gave her another quick smile. "I won't keep you too long then." he waited for her to take a seat next to him, and watched her silently for a few minutes. She put her head down on his shoulder.
"A lot has happened since you came back," she said softly, "But now it seems everything will be peaceful again. I'm glad." she pulled away and looked him in the face. "You're not planning on leaving again, are you?"
"I don't have any reason to leave anymore," he replied with a shrug, "All that's important to me is in this village now."
This remark set a smile on her face. "I'm glad." she repeated. "Um, Ashton, could we go to the Salva Drift sometime?"
"Huh? Sure. Um... why?"
"I think we should say hi to Gyoro and Ururun." Rena responded, giving the young man a hug. "Don't you?"
"...I guess that's right." he fidgeted a little, which made her pout slightly.
"You don't want to?"
"No, that's not it. I just have something to say to you, and I don't know when the right time to say it is," he blurted out, then scratched his head sheepishly. "Um..."
"You have something to say to me?" she examined his face enough to make him blush. "What is it?"
"This might be a little early for you, but..."
"But?"
Ashton took a deep breath, then stood up, turning back so he could face her. "Rena..."
She watched in confusion as he went down on one knee.
"...wi--will..."
"..will?" she echoed, still not understanding.
"Will you marry me?"
Rena's ears perked up, and a smile slowly made its way to her face. "..oh Ashton..!" she leapt up and embraced him tightly. "Of course!"
>>FIN
Author's Note: Yeah, choppy ending, but I didn't want to include much
more (= year-long conversation) and make it overly sappy because then..well
it'd be about 2,000 chapters longer. ^.^; Yeah..those who know me would
know that much.