Luke returned from going out to get the both of them food. Asch was finally almost well enough to return, so he was also making arrangements for their return. He had found out somehow that his friends were going to be in the valley on his and Asch's birthday, which was less than a week away.
The more amazing thing was the fact that he and Asch were getting along so much better now. It seemed almost like dying and coming back had completely changed Asch, he was almost like an older brother now, and a friend now that he could trust Luke.
"So you won't be coming with me then?" Luke asked him.
"No, it's not my place. They are expecting you, not me. I will go right to Baticul instead and explain things to Mother and Father. That way you need not return unless you want to visit." Asch told him.
"And I will. I definitely will come by to see you, Natalia, Mother and Father as often as I can. And you will have to make sure to send word to me when you and Natalia get married, promise?" Luke said.
"I promise, if she hasn't been promised to another in our absence, that is." Asch said.
"I doubt that. Uncle wouldn't do anything to upset her, he would give her some time to recover from it all. Are you sure you will be able to make the trip to Baticul okay on your own?" Luke asked.
"I will be fine. It stops in Chesedonia, if I can't go further, I can always stay there a few days. I will contact you when I have spoken with Mother and Father."
"So you received a response then?" Luke asked.
"Just today. They seemed curious, I was granted an audience with Father a week from now, so I will be leaving tomorrow morning." Asch told him.
Luke nodded. "I found out the others will be coming to the valley on the night of our birthday. So Natalia will not be in the city when you arrive."
"Can I ask that you not tell her about me? I want her to hear it from me. She won't believe it otherwise. And you are sure you don't want to go back to Baticul?"
"I am very sure. I never felt like I belonged, and I wouldn't be able to be with Tear anyhow, and she's all I want. And I won't tell Natalia. Could you tell Mother and Father though?" Luke asked.
"I will. Anyway, I should get ready for the trip." Asch got up and went to his room to pack what little he was going to bring along.
The next morning, Luke saw Asch off as he left via a coach for Kaitzur to catch the ferry to Baticul. Now Luke just had to wait for the night of his birthday to go to the valley, where he would see his friends again.