It was a particularly harsh day for Haruhi. Benio had forced her to go to bed with no supper again.
It was on nights like this that Haruhi snuck out of her tower and got on her horse and went for a ride in the woods.
Haruhi paused when she saw a stag being chased by huntsman.
"Hurry go that way!" She urged the stag, and the stag followed her, and was saved.
"Now why did you do that?" A young man rode over and asked her.
He was blonde, dressed in the clothes of a noble, with violet eyes.
"What did the stag ever do to you, sir?" Haruhi replied, easing her horse.
"Friend of yours then?" The man said.
"We only just met." Haruhi said. "But I believe he has so much left to live for, mister..."
"Ah...don't you recognize me?" The man said.
Haruhi shook her head. "No."
"You may call me René." René Said. "That's what my father calls me, when he's in a good mood."
"Well alright then René." Haruhi said. "Where did you come from."
"The palace." René Said.
"Oh! You must be an apprentice." Haruhi said.
"Yes I'm learning a trade." René Said. "You are a servant? Do they treat you well?"
"As well as they are able." Haruhi said sadly.
"Oh! Well I—"
"Your Hi—"
"René! It's René!" René Said quickly to his dark haired friend. "I'm coming Kyoya."
"I hope to see you again, René..." Haruhi said as he rode off.