Chapter 3

The ride was bumpy and cold. It seemed as if the closer you got to the city, the rain became more harsh. But overall, Selena had to admit that the ride was pleasant. Except she didn't know about Glen. She thought that maybe he was just worried about his brother.

"Glen, are you worried about Cormag?"

He seemed surprised to hear her speak since he jumped a little. "Oh Selena…I was just thinking about something else…"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah…," he said dismally.

Selena wished that she could read people's minds so then no one would hide anything away from her. Vigarde had always taught her that you must always think about others before yourself. It was what she heard every single year. Now she knew why. So people would care about you.

Selena placed her hand on his and replied, "Glen, you may speak anything to me. I wish that you would."

He looked up at the rain pouring down and shut his eyes. "No…Not today…Maybe I'll tell you when I feel better."

When he feels better…Oh Glen...I wish I could peer into your heart right now… She stared at him until he noticed.

"Selena, you're staring…Something wrong?"

"I'm just worried about you…Please speak about your problems to me…"

The only reply she got was a dour look. It made her feel guilty and she thought that the best thing to do was to change the subject. Except she had no idea what to talk about, so she got stuck with saying nothing.

It seemed as if the ride gladdened Glen's mind. Selena spotted his calm face now and it made her glad as well. Then before they knew it, the city was spotted. Glen nudged her softly and whispered, "Look Selena, the city."

She looked to where he pointed and couldn't hold in her smile. It looked like a paradise from where they stood. Carriages led by horses, city folk creating conversations with one another, and overall the place seemed so happy even in the harsh rain.

"It's beautiful…" Selena looked in awe at the newly transformed town, "It's changed so much since I was a child."

"Really? To be honest, I never actually thought it changed much."

"Yes but I've lived there for all of my childhood, I know what it was like a long time ago."

"Well then, let's not waste anytime then. Let's go." Glen whipped the reins and the horse went off.

As they were going down the hill, Selena remembered the first time she met Vigarde. How the horse went running down the steep hill and how she stopped it from hurting itself. The whole memory made her feel proud of herself.

"This hill isn't as steep as before."

"You noticed that?" Glen smiled at her.

"Yeah…It was the first time I met Lord Vigarde. Maybe I'll tell you the story when we get home."

"Sure."

When they were done going down the hill, they rode off into the city. People stared at them wondering who the two were. The townsfolk began chatting in secret with each other, but it didn't bother the two at all. An elderly man came out of his house and looked at them. Immediately he noticed Selena.

"S…Selena…? Is that really you…?" The man was mumbling to himself. He ran out with his cane and stopped the carriage.

Glen didn't notice and continued riding until Selena said, "Glen, stop. Someone's trying to speak to us."

He pulled the reins and looked over at her side. He spotted the man and apologized, "Forgive me. I did not notice that you were down there."

The aged man was panting and said in between pants, "I was wondering if you, the young lady, Selena. Am I speaking the truth?"

Selena couldn't believe that this old man knew her. His face didn't bring back any memories, but it would be rude to say anything to hurt his feelings. "I am Selena, but who are you?"

"You may not remember but I was your neighbor from a long time ago."

She jumped to the sudden speech. "I'm sorry, but I could scarcely remember your face… I haven't been here for around eighteen years…" Fluorspar looked up into the sky and then memories flashed before her own eyes. Immediately, the vision was gone once she blinked.

Glen saw her actions and whispered, "Selena, something wrong?"

"Ah…no…" She turned her attention back to the man, "I was just wondering if it was okay if you would tell me your name. It would help me a lot."

"Why of course! My name is Metz."

"Metz…Do you happen to be the woodcutter?"

"Yes! So you do remember me! Such a pleasure it is."

The two smiled then the bell rang signaling that an hour had passed. Metz laughed out heartily, "Who knew that time flew by so fast! I must get back to my duties. I believe that you two should be on your way too, huh?"

"I guess so…"

"Well I'll see you guys later."

They bade good-bye to one another and then Glen rode off into the cemetery. It was eerie and damp. The cemetery was already horrible enough, but now the rain made you want to leave.

Selena stepped out of the carriage and walked to two tombstones that were side by side. Glen watched her from the carriage so as not to get into her way. Slowly, she went to her knees and began whispering undecipherable words. Glen wanted to be by her side right now and comfort her but he knew that she wouldn't want that right now.

Minutes passed and finally, Selena returned back to the carriage, shivering. "Selena, how are you feeling?"

She replied by laying her head on his shoulder. Her eyelids turned heavy and pretty soon she was fast asleep. Glen threw his arms around her and could smell the scent of roses from her hair. You have good dreams Selena.

They rode back to the castle and even in her sleep, Selena could feel the weather lighten up a bit. Glen looked at the sun and realized that it had begun sinking behind the purple mountains. I hope we're not late…

Selena began dreaming about her parents and how great they were. It was true that they were not involved in anything special but protecting her with their lives was something that she was grateful for. Also, if not for their bravery, she would've never met Emperor Vigarde and all the other great people in the castle.

Before she knew it, Glen was waking her from her sleep, "Selena, Selena…"

"Glen…? Are we home?"

"Of course. Just in time too. Can you smell it?"

Selena began sniffing the air around her and smelled the nice food that was cooking. "It seems that the maid has made something nice today. Well, she usually does anyways."

"Yes. Let's get washed up and head to dinner. We wouldn't want to look like beggars while at the table."

"You're right," she replied in a happy tone.

They entered the room and both smiled. Selena was smiling from her joyful trip with Glen, and Glen was smiling because of the sight of a Wyvern flying through the air.

Cormag, looks like you've returned…