Song: I'm Not Fine, The Welcome Wagon
Focal Character(s): Peony, Nephry
"Nephry? Is that you?"
The woman turned - yes, it was Nephry. There was no way he could mistake her. "Pe- Your Majesty! I didn't expect to see you in a place like this."
"I didn't expect to see you here either. It's been a while. How are you?"
"I'm fine, thank you. And yourself?"
"Fine."
No, you're not. But neither of them said the thought aloud. Instead, an awkward silence claimed the space.
"Look, I'm sor-" They both broke off, Nephry reddening and turning away, Peony glancing off at the sea and tapping his fingers against his thigh.
"You know, Nephry, maybe, sometime you - you and your family - could vi-" But he stopped when Nephry shook her head. She hadn't met his eyes since that first moment when she'd recognized him.
"I- I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but right now I don't- I can't-"
He interrupted, half raising a hand. "I know. I couldn't ask you to-" He dropped it and exhaled slowly. "I know. I'm... sorry."