Rhajat suspected the bouquet of flowers he was cradling were intended for her, but her uncharacteristically timid young boyfriend corrected that they were a present for a family member.

An invitation to a birthday celebration wasn't quite what Rhajat had expected to have received that afternoon the dominating part of her being tried to coerce her into declining; she still wasn't prepared to be introduced to Percy's family. However, her boyfriend's fearful and disheartened demeanour concerned her; she ventured he too felt reluctant about the arrangement. For support and company, she accepted the invitation to join him.

If she found the invitation unexpected, then Rhajat could never have anticipated the venue – the memorial grounds, the resting place for the soldiers who fought for peace during the conflict of the two kingdoms. A cemetery would more than likely be an ideal venue for her celebratory events, but Rhajat quickly reached the conclusion as to why Percy had come.

Arriving at the entrance, Percy politely offered her the opportunity to wait, explaining how he wouldn't be long. Knowing well how sensitive the young man could be, she declined and stated she wished to support him what appeared to be a very confronting task.

Percy politely stated he would be capable of carrying on by himself. Although resistant, his confidence and honesty was reassuring, and Rhajat accepted his request. Still uncertain and concerned for his well-being, Rhajat quietly followed.

As he stopped at the base of a mound, Rhajat obscured herself behind a tree to avoid detection. From her secured position, she silently watched as he concentrated on one of the plaques.

"Hello, Aunt Flora. It's just me, Percy. Again."

Rhajat held her breath and listened attentively.

Percy fidgeted uncomfortably. "I know it's been a while since we last spoke, and I'm really sorry about that. I've…always tried to speak with you as often as possible, but lately I've been kinda…distracted. I really hope you're not upset with me, and maybe you can forgive me for my tardiness?

Rhajat assumed the worst. She hoped ever so much her presence had not been the reason he wasn't attending his aunt's burial place as frequently as did. She continued to listen as Percy's typically jovial demeanour returned.

"Ace and I have been training extra hard", he wriggled excitedly, "we're so much stronger than the last time you saw us. We've practicing this awesome new tag-team attack we came up with. It's called the 'Super Sidekick Slam'. Ace launches me with his tail, and I strike the baddies with all my might." He imitated the entire action, even going as far as to slice the air with the bouquet as if it were a battle axe.

Sheepishly, he returned it behind his back. "We're…still trying to perfect the technique. It's…it's not very practical or effective now that I think about it, but we're gonna master it soon enough. Once we have, you'll be the first to see."

His excitable gestures brought a small smile to Rhajat's lips, relieved to see him behaving like his normal self.

From there forward, Percy shared a collection of stories and anecdotes with his aunt as if she were still alive and well – topics ranging from his experiences with Ace and his parents to some of his more recent practices. Eventually, the rotation of subjects eventually reached the inevitable.

"I know this isn't really important, but I just wanted to let you know that I have a girlfriend now. Yeah, for the first time ever."

His announcement made Rhajat's entire body tense as the heat migrated to her face; she was concerned and curious to hear what he had to say without her presence being known.

"Her name is Rhajat, and she is so sweet. I think you'd really like her – you two have a lot in common. What I mean: is you're both really passionate about your work – like you're a really good caregiver, and she's a really good diviner." He hesitated for a moment. "I really like her. She's not like other girls. She doesn't treat me like I'm a child. She makes me feel like I…really belong. Plus, she is the most beautiful girl in the whole kingdom."

Bringing a hand to her cheek, Rhajat bit her lip, still unprepared and inexperienced to handle such praise – praise she didn't believe she deserved.

"Anyway, that's not why I'm here." He slowly presented the bouquet of flowers. "You probably guessed that these were for you."

Rhajat watched as he knelt down and gently placed the gift beside the memorial plaque.

"Happy Birthday", he cheered weakly, "I hope you like 'em. Mum told me that they're your favourites." The young man hesitated and placed his hands behind his back.

"Mum doesn't talk about you terribly often anymore, and she doesn't like it when others do either. I… I know she misses you though - so much. We all do. I miss you too."

The sadness in his voice was easily detected by the young diviner.

"I…know you and I didn't know each other very well, but I thought you should know that…you're still family, and I love you." He laughed weakly. "I really like it when we talk. Sometimes I feel as if you're the only person who ever really listens to me – you and Rhajat."

Rhajat was unaware he harboured such self-doubt, and his words weighed heavily within her heart; she reciprocated his sentiments wholesomely.

Percy returned to his feet. "Well… that's it, I guess? I…promise I'll visit more often from now on. You have my word." With trepidation, he raised his hand and bid her farewell. "Goodbye, Aunt Flora."

As the young man slowly migrated down the mound, Rhajat immediately observed the solemn and sorrow he wore on his face; what he had done had evidently been quite emotionally exhausting. Disheartened to witness him in such a state, Rhajat held her breath and revealed herself.

As she sadly expected, Percy recoiled with surprise before averting his eyes, visibly embarrassed and humiliated. Cautiously, she closed the distance.

"How are you?" She asked fearfully.

He gingerly returned his gaze and smiled weakly. "I…feel a lot better now, actually. Thanks for coming with me. I was planning on going no matter what, but every other time I've come in the past there's always been somebody else with me like Mum or Ace." He exhaled. "I don't think I would've been able to…if you hadn't have come with me."

Rhajat denounced that sorrowful notion with the shake of her head. "You didn't need my company. What you've done has taken incredible strength and compassion."

She was treated to a haste sniffle from the wyvern rider. "Really?" He whimpered softly. "I just…I just really wish that there was something I could have done-"

She interjected, desperate to comfort him. "There's nothing you or anybody else could have done. She made her choice. She gave her life in exchange for the survival and prosperity of others."

Percy's lips began to tremble. "I know, I know", he hastily wiped his eyes, "I just…I still really wish there could have been another way."

Without hesitation, Rhajat placed her hand on his shoulder. The young man's silent sobbing ceased almost immediately.

Rhajat spoke seriously and sincerely. "What comes with great conflicts…are great losses. But so long as you cherish her memory dearly, her sacrifice not have been in vain."

She studied him intently, hoping very much words provided the reassurance and support he deserved. While she hadn't anticipated an immediate verbal response, she definitely did not expect him to suddenly envelop her in an embrace.

As the young man whimpered softly into her chest, Rhajat gently caressed the back of his head, hoping very much to soothe his despair.

How long? How long must we sing this song?