Chapter 4
"Sir, you might want to awaken if you plan on showing up for the ceremony," came a familiar wry voice. "It's already well past noon."
"Oh, shut up, Sam," Edge groaned, rolling over in bed. "I'm tired. Can't you just let me be?"
"Of course, but the upcoming King and Queen of Baron might be upset when they can't find one of their rings, or their best man, or one of their crown-bearers," the voice went on, deadpan.
Edge sighed with exasperation and sat up in bed. "I'm up, I'm up," he complained. "What's first again? The wedding?"
"Yes, sir, then the ceremony, and then the banquet," the Chamberlain reminded him. "So you'll have to wait a while until the only part that you came for."
Edge gave him a look. "I like Cecil and Rosa just as much as their food," he defended himself jokingly.
The Chamberlain, who was already fully dressed in a royal blue robe with the crest of Eblan embroidered on its chest, merely shook his head and handed him his clothes.
The King of Eblan dressed and combed his hair carefully. He made sure the ring was in his pocket, retrieved the Masamune from its hook, and checked himself out in the mirror. "Well, Sam, what are you waiting for? Let's go!"
"Of course, sir," Sam murmured with a roll of his eyes, and they left for the throne room.
The room had become even more beautiful after its treatment in the morning. The royal red carpet had been cleaned and looked newly soft and bright. Bunches of white and red roses adorned the lighting sconces, and sheer white curtains had been hung around the room and on the walls. The chandelier, which was not for everyday use, had been polished and was lit; even Rosa had never seen it lit before. The precious crystals of the chandelier acted as prisms, catching the light and spreading it across the room in magical-looking rainbows.
The Chamberlain entered the throne room to be seated with the other guests, but Edge waited in a side room with Cecil. Rosa and Rydia were in another side room, awaiting their turns to walk down the aisle.
"So, you nervous?" Edge asked Cecil, feeling half-obligated to do so. He was, after all, the best man, and even if it was only because Kain wasn't there, Cecil still deserved a confidant if he needed one.
"Not about the marriage, not even about ascending the throne," Cecil said slowly. "It's just -- " Cecil paused. "I heard Golbez today when I was getting dressed."
Edge's eyes widened. Golbez was Cecil's brother and the evil vessel through which Zemus had worked to try and take over the world. Golbez had returned to the moon to sleep with the Lunarians. He had come back to his senses and lost that evil thing, but he and Cecil hadn't parted on the best of terms.
"I'm sorry, man, that's rough," Edge said. "What did he say?"
"Well, all he said was -- " Cecil heaved a deep sigh. "He said 'Goodbye, brother.' "
Edge nodded and, for lack of anything to say, put his hand on Cecil's shoulder in an effort to comfort him. Cecil was deep in thought.
"If only I'd told him that I forgive him!" Cecil burst out.
"Cecil, I think that Golbez sent you that message to let you know that he knew you forgive him," Edge said quickly. "He called you brother, just as you did at that last parting on the moon. You two are brothers. He understands."
"You think so?"
"Yes, I really think so," Edge replied.
Cecil turned to him. "Thanks, Edge. That helps."
"Besides, you've got other things to concentrate on!" Edge said. "Not only is it your wedding day, it's your becoming-a-king day! And you've got lots to think about for the wedding night ." with a wicked wink.
Cecil laughed embarrassedly. "That's enough out of you!"
A footman peered in the door. "Sir Cecil? They're ready for you in the throne room."
Cecil nodded to Edge. "Guess this is it."
"It's going to be fun," Edge assured him.
Cecil disappeared from the doorway. Edge could picture what was going on. The guests were seated in the throne room, facing the throne, where the priest was. Cecil had chosen to dress in Paladin-looking gear, although not real armor, of course. His suit was silky white fabric, embroidered in gold and accented in red, with a longish shirt with four large buttons and matching loose trousers. On his shoulders was a golden-tinted majestic white cape that fell to the floor, lined with red. And, crowning the blonde hair that fell to his shoulders, so blonde that it looked almost white, was a golden crown. Not the king's crown, of course, because that was to be saved for the afternoon, but the prince's crown, which was thin but set with red rubies. And in all of the clothes, Cecil looked every inch the king he was about to be.
The door opened again, and this time, a vision in green peered from around it. "Edge? It's our turn."
Edge could only gape. Rydia's hair was pinned back with a silver tiara and had more of a green tint than ever. It was emphasized by her green dress, which, designed by the magical Sylphs, was sheer but not transparent. They had draped a matching sheer shawl artfully around her shoulders and arms, and added heels so that Rydia, who usually only came up to Edge's chin, could almost look him in the eyes. She looked more beautiful than anyone Edge had ever seen before.
"Edge?"
He came to himself and said, "Sorry. Do you have your ring?"
Her eyes narrowed. Jokingly, she said, "Who do you take me for, you?"
Edge laughed and offered her his arm. She took it, and Edge tried not to shiver at her touch.
They walked into the throne room and down the aisle arm in arm, and the audience ooh-ed in appreciation. They looked like a king and queen, Rydia in her gorgeous dress, Edge in a dark blue, slim suit that betrayed his Ninja status, and a dark blue silver-lined cape that brushed the floor as he walked. Edge also wore a silver version of his crown that kept his rather unruly, now-longish hair in check.
Edge and Rydia reached Cecil, who was smiling rather nervously, and all heads turned to the back of the room.
Rosa stepped in, and the crowd was hushed. She had put aside the cape that a white wizard usually wore, and instead was dressed in a flowing white bridal gown. Her blonde hair was crowned by a silver tiara, and a sheer white veil fell from behind it. Everybody in the room understood at once why she was known as the most beautiful woman in the world.
The wedding ceremony progressed. Edge looked at Rydia just as often as he watched the priest in front of him, and she felt his gaze upon her and wondered at it.
But the wedding went perfectly, Edge and Rydia handing the rings to the couple right on schedule. Afterwards, Cecil and Rosa retreated to change for the crowning ceremony, and Edge and Rydia returned to their rooms to change as well.
Edge dressed himself in traditional Ninja gear, which felt entirely natural to him, since he'd been wearing it practically non-stop since he was thirteen years old. He went upstairs to Rydia's room to pick her up, knocking on the door.
"Come in," he heard her call, and he entered to see her dressed in the plain white heroine robe that they'd found on the moon those months ago.
"I think it's a little ridiculous that Rosa asked me to wear this, actually," she laughed, a little apologetically, as she fastened the protect belt around her waist as well. "But whatever she wants -- it's her ceremony, right?"
"Yeah," Edge said. Seeing her in that reminded him strongly of their battle with the Ogopogo, just after they'd found the heroine robe and fitted Rydia in it. She'd gotten the worst of that battle; after she'd called Bahamut, the Ogopogo seemed to feel particularly virulent towards her, and attacked her until she fainted. Kain and Edge, spurred to greater heights by the fall of their friend, had then fought furiously until the Ogopogo was vanquished, but Edge could remember the pain in his heart as he looked at Rydia's fallen figure, limp and helpless. Rosa had revived her, of course, but in that moment, he'd wanted to protect her from anything that could possibly hurt her.
"Well, let's go," Edge said, and they went downstairs to the throne room, where another huge ceremony was about to take place.
The only job that Edge and Rydia had here was to bring the crowns of the new king and queen to the Chamberlain of Baron, who was then to place them on Cecil and Rosa. But it was much longer than that. There was a whole lot of talk, as can only be expected out of a royal ceremony. The Chamberlain went on and on, and Edge found himself nearly nodding off. Rydia's sharp jab in the chest, however, saved him. Sam would've been truly disgraced if Edge had fallen asleep now.
But finally, the moment arrived, and the Chamberlain placed the golden crown upon Cecil's head, and a matching one upon Rosa's. The crowd cheered as the new king and queen bowed, beaming.
Then Cecil and Rosa sat in their new thrones to receive all of the guests, every single one. Edge and Rydia took the time to hasten back to their rooms and change into party clothes, as opposed to the battle outfits that would seem slightly ridiculous in a room full of party-goers.
Once again, Edge picked up Rydia from her room, and they headed downstairs to join the end of the line to be received by the new king and queen.
They quickly reached them, and Cecil and Rosa greeted each of them warmly. "Thank you, you two," Cecil said. "Our ceremony would not have been complete without you."
"Yes, we can't thank you enough for agreeing to participate today," Rosa smiled.
"No, no, we can't thank you enough for allowing us to participate," Edge returned courteously. Rydia smiled and nodded her agreement, reaching up to kiss Rosa on the cheek.
"I'm so happy for you!" she squealed, and the four of them laughed. The party began.
For the banquet, Edge found himself happily situated next to Rydia, and the two alternated between talking earnestly and joking throughout the meal. Edge was overjoyed at his easy conversation with Rydia; they had fallen back into the pattern of old times without any trouble at all. Perhaps he could follow Kain's advice and tell her how he felt about her.
After a magnificent six-course meal, the plates were cleared and the orchestra set up for dancing. Edge extended his hand to Rydia and asked, "May I have the first dance with a beautiful lady?" with a gorgeous smile spread across his face.
She blushed (and scolded herself, really, Rydia, you must stop doing that!) and accepted his hand.
They glided across the room, she holding her shawl as to not trip him up, he guiding her through the dance flawlessly. Among his many years of training as a Ninja, he had not neglected to train as a gentleman as well, although he seldom showed it. They both thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
After four dances, Edge was trying to think of some way of asking her again when Edward came up. "Rydia, would you mind if I stole you away from Edge for a dance?" he asked with a smile.
With a quick glance at Edge, Rydia laughed, "Of course, Edward!" and flew away.
Edge felt -- well, not angry, definitely not angry at Rydia at least, but a little bit uncharitable towards Edward. Nonetheless, he swept over to a Sylph and, most daringly, asked her to dance. The Sylphs were gorgeous creatures, all with long blonde hair, gossamer wings and shoes, the most delicate of dresses that only the Sylphs could craft, and entirely unreachable. They detested most humans, and three had only consented to come because Rydia was in need of an escort. However, for some reason, the Sylph looked at Edge critically and then inclined her head, lending her magical grace to the beauty of the dance floor.
Rydia had danced with Edward for minutes before she looked up and realized that Edge was dancing with one of her escorts. For a second, an inexplicable searing feeling rushed through her, but she forced herself to look back to Edward with a smile.
Edge could not help but be stunned by the beauty of the Sylph he was dancing with -- no mortal, after all, could -- but at the same time, he never took one eye off of Rydia and Edward. Not even when the Sylph began to speak, telling Edge that her name was Thalithynia, and she had been the Sylph to find Yang unconscious in the underground, and she had been the one to insist that they take him, a human, back to their cave and nurse him back to health. Edge knew that even hearing the name of a Sylph is considered a great honor, and did indeed pay attention as the Sylph went on in her low, melodious voice, amusing him with a story of her wishing to dance with Yang ten minutes ago, but Yang's wife pulling him away abruptly.
All in all, Edge truly enjoyed Thalithynia's company, but was nonetheless glad when the dance was over and Rydia out of the clutches of Edward. However, she was quickly swept up by Cecil, Cid, and even Palom, the Black Wizard of Mysidia who was at least fifteen years younger than her. Edge had no urge to ruin his reputation with women and sit out one dance, so he in turn danced with Thalithynia once more, a cleric of Toroia, and then Rosa.
Finally, as his dance with Rosa closed, he saw his chance and asked Rydia to dance with him again. She blushed again as she murmured her assent, a habit that had not gone unnoticed by Edge. He wondered, but did not even dare to hope.
"You've been dancing quite a bit," he said to her as he felt her familiar and yet unfamiliar figure in his arms once more.
"As have you," she replied. "I see that you met Thalithynia. I even overheard her talking to you."
Edge winced as he realized belatedly that he was befriending a girl in Rydia's escort. That can't be a good idea, he told himself. "Yes, she seems quite friendly towards humans, unlike the others."
"Maybe she's got a crush on you," Rydia said demurely.
Edge studied Rydia. "I don't think so," he brushed it off in words, but in reality it spoke volumes to him. Rydia, however, simply shrugged.
After a few more dances (during which Edge made sure not to let Rydia get away from him), the guests were exhausted, and the party was over. It was only early evening, but nonetheless, most of the guests drifted back to their rooms, Cecil and Rosa bidding goodbye to them. Many were staying a few extra days, so it was just a formality, but it was only to be expected.
Edge walked Rydia back to her room in the tower in silence. He couldn't help but realize rather uncomfortably that Thalithynia must live across the hall from her.
"Well, goodni -- " Edge began courteously, but Rydia cut him off.
"I'm not tired, are you?"
"Not particularly," he answered honestly, since he had slept most of the day anyway.
"Will you go up to the roof with me again?"
Looking into her eyes, he wouldn't have refused her anything, so he of course agreed.
"Sir, you might want to awaken if you plan on showing up for the ceremony," came a familiar wry voice. "It's already well past noon."
"Oh, shut up, Sam," Edge groaned, rolling over in bed. "I'm tired. Can't you just let me be?"
"Of course, but the upcoming King and Queen of Baron might be upset when they can't find one of their rings, or their best man, or one of their crown-bearers," the voice went on, deadpan.
Edge sighed with exasperation and sat up in bed. "I'm up, I'm up," he complained. "What's first again? The wedding?"
"Yes, sir, then the ceremony, and then the banquet," the Chamberlain reminded him. "So you'll have to wait a while until the only part that you came for."
Edge gave him a look. "I like Cecil and Rosa just as much as their food," he defended himself jokingly.
The Chamberlain, who was already fully dressed in a royal blue robe with the crest of Eblan embroidered on its chest, merely shook his head and handed him his clothes.
The King of Eblan dressed and combed his hair carefully. He made sure the ring was in his pocket, retrieved the Masamune from its hook, and checked himself out in the mirror. "Well, Sam, what are you waiting for? Let's go!"
"Of course, sir," Sam murmured with a roll of his eyes, and they left for the throne room.
The room had become even more beautiful after its treatment in the morning. The royal red carpet had been cleaned and looked newly soft and bright. Bunches of white and red roses adorned the lighting sconces, and sheer white curtains had been hung around the room and on the walls. The chandelier, which was not for everyday use, had been polished and was lit; even Rosa had never seen it lit before. The precious crystals of the chandelier acted as prisms, catching the light and spreading it across the room in magical-looking rainbows.
The Chamberlain entered the throne room to be seated with the other guests, but Edge waited in a side room with Cecil. Rosa and Rydia were in another side room, awaiting their turns to walk down the aisle.
"So, you nervous?" Edge asked Cecil, feeling half-obligated to do so. He was, after all, the best man, and even if it was only because Kain wasn't there, Cecil still deserved a confidant if he needed one.
"Not about the marriage, not even about ascending the throne," Cecil said slowly. "It's just -- " Cecil paused. "I heard Golbez today when I was getting dressed."
Edge's eyes widened. Golbez was Cecil's brother and the evil vessel through which Zemus had worked to try and take over the world. Golbez had returned to the moon to sleep with the Lunarians. He had come back to his senses and lost that evil thing, but he and Cecil hadn't parted on the best of terms.
"I'm sorry, man, that's rough," Edge said. "What did he say?"
"Well, all he said was -- " Cecil heaved a deep sigh. "He said 'Goodbye, brother.' "
Edge nodded and, for lack of anything to say, put his hand on Cecil's shoulder in an effort to comfort him. Cecil was deep in thought.
"If only I'd told him that I forgive him!" Cecil burst out.
"Cecil, I think that Golbez sent you that message to let you know that he knew you forgive him," Edge said quickly. "He called you brother, just as you did at that last parting on the moon. You two are brothers. He understands."
"You think so?"
"Yes, I really think so," Edge replied.
Cecil turned to him. "Thanks, Edge. That helps."
"Besides, you've got other things to concentrate on!" Edge said. "Not only is it your wedding day, it's your becoming-a-king day! And you've got lots to think about for the wedding night ." with a wicked wink.
Cecil laughed embarrassedly. "That's enough out of you!"
A footman peered in the door. "Sir Cecil? They're ready for you in the throne room."
Cecil nodded to Edge. "Guess this is it."
"It's going to be fun," Edge assured him.
Cecil disappeared from the doorway. Edge could picture what was going on. The guests were seated in the throne room, facing the throne, where the priest was. Cecil had chosen to dress in Paladin-looking gear, although not real armor, of course. His suit was silky white fabric, embroidered in gold and accented in red, with a longish shirt with four large buttons and matching loose trousers. On his shoulders was a golden-tinted majestic white cape that fell to the floor, lined with red. And, crowning the blonde hair that fell to his shoulders, so blonde that it looked almost white, was a golden crown. Not the king's crown, of course, because that was to be saved for the afternoon, but the prince's crown, which was thin but set with red rubies. And in all of the clothes, Cecil looked every inch the king he was about to be.
The door opened again, and this time, a vision in green peered from around it. "Edge? It's our turn."
Edge could only gape. Rydia's hair was pinned back with a silver tiara and had more of a green tint than ever. It was emphasized by her green dress, which, designed by the magical Sylphs, was sheer but not transparent. They had draped a matching sheer shawl artfully around her shoulders and arms, and added heels so that Rydia, who usually only came up to Edge's chin, could almost look him in the eyes. She looked more beautiful than anyone Edge had ever seen before.
"Edge?"
He came to himself and said, "Sorry. Do you have your ring?"
Her eyes narrowed. Jokingly, she said, "Who do you take me for, you?"
Edge laughed and offered her his arm. She took it, and Edge tried not to shiver at her touch.
They walked into the throne room and down the aisle arm in arm, and the audience ooh-ed in appreciation. They looked like a king and queen, Rydia in her gorgeous dress, Edge in a dark blue, slim suit that betrayed his Ninja status, and a dark blue silver-lined cape that brushed the floor as he walked. Edge also wore a silver version of his crown that kept his rather unruly, now-longish hair in check.
Edge and Rydia reached Cecil, who was smiling rather nervously, and all heads turned to the back of the room.
Rosa stepped in, and the crowd was hushed. She had put aside the cape that a white wizard usually wore, and instead was dressed in a flowing white bridal gown. Her blonde hair was crowned by a silver tiara, and a sheer white veil fell from behind it. Everybody in the room understood at once why she was known as the most beautiful woman in the world.
The wedding ceremony progressed. Edge looked at Rydia just as often as he watched the priest in front of him, and she felt his gaze upon her and wondered at it.
But the wedding went perfectly, Edge and Rydia handing the rings to the couple right on schedule. Afterwards, Cecil and Rosa retreated to change for the crowning ceremony, and Edge and Rydia returned to their rooms to change as well.
Edge dressed himself in traditional Ninja gear, which felt entirely natural to him, since he'd been wearing it practically non-stop since he was thirteen years old. He went upstairs to Rydia's room to pick her up, knocking on the door.
"Come in," he heard her call, and he entered to see her dressed in the plain white heroine robe that they'd found on the moon those months ago.
"I think it's a little ridiculous that Rosa asked me to wear this, actually," she laughed, a little apologetically, as she fastened the protect belt around her waist as well. "But whatever she wants -- it's her ceremony, right?"
"Yeah," Edge said. Seeing her in that reminded him strongly of their battle with the Ogopogo, just after they'd found the heroine robe and fitted Rydia in it. She'd gotten the worst of that battle; after she'd called Bahamut, the Ogopogo seemed to feel particularly virulent towards her, and attacked her until she fainted. Kain and Edge, spurred to greater heights by the fall of their friend, had then fought furiously until the Ogopogo was vanquished, but Edge could remember the pain in his heart as he looked at Rydia's fallen figure, limp and helpless. Rosa had revived her, of course, but in that moment, he'd wanted to protect her from anything that could possibly hurt her.
"Well, let's go," Edge said, and they went downstairs to the throne room, where another huge ceremony was about to take place.
The only job that Edge and Rydia had here was to bring the crowns of the new king and queen to the Chamberlain of Baron, who was then to place them on Cecil and Rosa. But it was much longer than that. There was a whole lot of talk, as can only be expected out of a royal ceremony. The Chamberlain went on and on, and Edge found himself nearly nodding off. Rydia's sharp jab in the chest, however, saved him. Sam would've been truly disgraced if Edge had fallen asleep now.
But finally, the moment arrived, and the Chamberlain placed the golden crown upon Cecil's head, and a matching one upon Rosa's. The crowd cheered as the new king and queen bowed, beaming.
Then Cecil and Rosa sat in their new thrones to receive all of the guests, every single one. Edge and Rydia took the time to hasten back to their rooms and change into party clothes, as opposed to the battle outfits that would seem slightly ridiculous in a room full of party-goers.
Once again, Edge picked up Rydia from her room, and they headed downstairs to join the end of the line to be received by the new king and queen.
They quickly reached them, and Cecil and Rosa greeted each of them warmly. "Thank you, you two," Cecil said. "Our ceremony would not have been complete without you."
"Yes, we can't thank you enough for agreeing to participate today," Rosa smiled.
"No, no, we can't thank you enough for allowing us to participate," Edge returned courteously. Rydia smiled and nodded her agreement, reaching up to kiss Rosa on the cheek.
"I'm so happy for you!" she squealed, and the four of them laughed. The party began.
For the banquet, Edge found himself happily situated next to Rydia, and the two alternated between talking earnestly and joking throughout the meal. Edge was overjoyed at his easy conversation with Rydia; they had fallen back into the pattern of old times without any trouble at all. Perhaps he could follow Kain's advice and tell her how he felt about her.
After a magnificent six-course meal, the plates were cleared and the orchestra set up for dancing. Edge extended his hand to Rydia and asked, "May I have the first dance with a beautiful lady?" with a gorgeous smile spread across his face.
She blushed (and scolded herself, really, Rydia, you must stop doing that!) and accepted his hand.
They glided across the room, she holding her shawl as to not trip him up, he guiding her through the dance flawlessly. Among his many years of training as a Ninja, he had not neglected to train as a gentleman as well, although he seldom showed it. They both thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
After four dances, Edge was trying to think of some way of asking her again when Edward came up. "Rydia, would you mind if I stole you away from Edge for a dance?" he asked with a smile.
With a quick glance at Edge, Rydia laughed, "Of course, Edward!" and flew away.
Edge felt -- well, not angry, definitely not angry at Rydia at least, but a little bit uncharitable towards Edward. Nonetheless, he swept over to a Sylph and, most daringly, asked her to dance. The Sylphs were gorgeous creatures, all with long blonde hair, gossamer wings and shoes, the most delicate of dresses that only the Sylphs could craft, and entirely unreachable. They detested most humans, and three had only consented to come because Rydia was in need of an escort. However, for some reason, the Sylph looked at Edge critically and then inclined her head, lending her magical grace to the beauty of the dance floor.
Rydia had danced with Edward for minutes before she looked up and realized that Edge was dancing with one of her escorts. For a second, an inexplicable searing feeling rushed through her, but she forced herself to look back to Edward with a smile.
Edge could not help but be stunned by the beauty of the Sylph he was dancing with -- no mortal, after all, could -- but at the same time, he never took one eye off of Rydia and Edward. Not even when the Sylph began to speak, telling Edge that her name was Thalithynia, and she had been the Sylph to find Yang unconscious in the underground, and she had been the one to insist that they take him, a human, back to their cave and nurse him back to health. Edge knew that even hearing the name of a Sylph is considered a great honor, and did indeed pay attention as the Sylph went on in her low, melodious voice, amusing him with a story of her wishing to dance with Yang ten minutes ago, but Yang's wife pulling him away abruptly.
All in all, Edge truly enjoyed Thalithynia's company, but was nonetheless glad when the dance was over and Rydia out of the clutches of Edward. However, she was quickly swept up by Cecil, Cid, and even Palom, the Black Wizard of Mysidia who was at least fifteen years younger than her. Edge had no urge to ruin his reputation with women and sit out one dance, so he in turn danced with Thalithynia once more, a cleric of Toroia, and then Rosa.
Finally, as his dance with Rosa closed, he saw his chance and asked Rydia to dance with him again. She blushed again as she murmured her assent, a habit that had not gone unnoticed by Edge. He wondered, but did not even dare to hope.
"You've been dancing quite a bit," he said to her as he felt her familiar and yet unfamiliar figure in his arms once more.
"As have you," she replied. "I see that you met Thalithynia. I even overheard her talking to you."
Edge winced as he realized belatedly that he was befriending a girl in Rydia's escort. That can't be a good idea, he told himself. "Yes, she seems quite friendly towards humans, unlike the others."
"Maybe she's got a crush on you," Rydia said demurely.
Edge studied Rydia. "I don't think so," he brushed it off in words, but in reality it spoke volumes to him. Rydia, however, simply shrugged.
After a few more dances (during which Edge made sure not to let Rydia get away from him), the guests were exhausted, and the party was over. It was only early evening, but nonetheless, most of the guests drifted back to their rooms, Cecil and Rosa bidding goodbye to them. Many were staying a few extra days, so it was just a formality, but it was only to be expected.
Edge walked Rydia back to her room in the tower in silence. He couldn't help but realize rather uncomfortably that Thalithynia must live across the hall from her.
"Well, goodni -- " Edge began courteously, but Rydia cut him off.
"I'm not tired, are you?"
"Not particularly," he answered honestly, since he had slept most of the day anyway.
"Will you go up to the roof with me again?"
Looking into her eyes, he wouldn't have refused her anything, so he of course agreed.