Frey was sitting by herself on a quiet autumn evening. Up until now, she had gotten pretty used to feeling lonely. It dawned on Frey as she stared up at the clear sky that she was tired of feeling alone.

The wave of loneliness washed over her after Venti had grown very weak. It had happened during the war with the Sechs…

Even for being the ruler of Selphia, Frey felt as helpless as...as a fly on the wall. Frey sighed and rested her head in her hands. Was there really nothing she could do at all…? Even her closest friends, Margaret, Vishnal, Dylas… couldn't seem to accept the fact that Ventuswill was...well, dying. Having her power sapped. She felt more lost than ever. Without Venti, what could she do? Suddenly, Frey's thoughts snapped back to reality as she heard soft footsteps behind her. She turned around, and to her surprise, saw Dolce standing there. And she was...acknowledging her. In fact, it was almost like Dolce was seeing through her.

"Dolce. Hi." Frey smiled at her, feeling relieved that she had someone to talk to. Even though Dolce was probably the last person she was expecting…

"Hello." Dolce replied, her expression a blank slate. "What are you doing out here? It's late." She finally said, her voice sounding more scornful than worried.

"I thought I'd clear my head. Hey, where's Pico?" Dolce shrugged.

"Somewhere. I guess she decided to not torment me this late at night." She examined Frey for a few moments. "Busy?"

"Not particularly…" Frey replied with a glum chuckle. "I haven't really had the energy to work. Except on the farm."

"You and your farm. You should just marry that farm, already." Dolce muttered, sitting next to her. Frey couldn't help but smile. Dolce had a point. Sometimes she spent more time on the farm than she did socializing with other people.

"But it's my heart and soul!" Frey replied, mock-defensive. Dolce just sighed and shook her head.

"You're hopeless."

"Maybe." Frey's smile wavered as she looked down at the ground. When she looked back up, she realized that Dolce was still looking at her. "Um...what's up?"

"Nothing." Dolce said quickly. "You seem upset about something." Frey flinched. Dolce had pinned her right on the spot...how could she reply to that? She didn't want to bombard Dolce with her own problems, but still...she seemed more distant than ever during Venti's illness. It occurred to Frey that the two of them hadn't talked too much. They were acquaintances, but probably not friends. Well...was there any harm in starting now?

"Well, I guess I am." Frey muttered, rubbing her arms for warmth.

"About what?"

"It's not that big of a deal."

"Liar." Frey let out a resigned sigh.

"Okay...it's just...I've been coping with some loss, okay? I know it sounds like a stupid thing to be upset over...but I'm worried. Doing the things that usually make me happy...just give me pain." She looked over at Dolce. "Sorry. I know I must be annoying you." Dolce shook her head.

"Pour your heart out," She muttered. Frey stared at her with complete shock. Was she serious about this? Frey cleared her throat hastily.

"Well...it's just...I'm afraid of losing...a friend." She said, choosing her words carefully. Dolce looked at her unwaveringly, then acknowledged her response with the smallest nod.

"I know how you feel." Dolce said, much to Frey's surprise. She gave Frey a small smile. "I'm worried about Ventuswill, too. But I know that she would probably want you to move on, and not sulk around like this anymore."

"H-how did you…!" Frey couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was this really all coming from Dolce?

"How did I know? Simple. I know how you feel, Frey. Ventuswill is my friend, too."

"You're right…" Frey whispered, awestruck. "You're right." She repeated, a smile creeping across her face. "I'm so glad I got to talk to you, Dolce...thank you." Dolce's eyes widened a little at this.

"Um...you're welcome. Just so you know...don't push yourself too hard, okay?"

Frey laughed a little, a heavy-weighing burden lifting off of her chest. "Okay. Thank you." She looked at Dolce, even though the other girl now refused to make eye contact with her. "Dolce, I mean it." Dolce finally looked up, taking a deep breath. Frey surveyed her expression. She seemed...bashful, which was very unlike her.

Dolce had the prettiest cream-colored eyes…they were soft, like pastels…

"It was the least I could do." Dolce murmured, finally looking back at Frey. Frey couldn't help but feel like Dolce was looking beyond her. Looking beyond Frey, and into something much more deep...she suddenly realized she was looking at Dolce for a long time without saying anything. She broke her gaze, her face going warm. "Will I see you tomorrow?" Dolce asked. Anxious. Anticipating.

"Y-yes, of course!" Frey blurted. Fifteen minutes ago, she probably would have used working on the farm the next day as an excuse to avoid potential awkwardness.

Frey was so glad this conversation wasn't taking place fifteen minutes ago.

Dolce smiled at her, and something warm blossomed inside Frey's chest. "Good." There was a look of sincerity as she stood up and brushed off her dress. "Well, I'm off...I'll talk with you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Dolce." Frey replied, watching Dolce leave, probably heading back to the clinic. She felt as though the weight she was carrying on her shoulders had been lifted. As matter of fact, she almost felt as though she was floating on air, even though she wasn't entirely sure why.

She clutched her chest with one hand to make sure the warm feeling was still there...

It was.