It was a particularly harsh day for Rella. Shinobu had forced her to go to bed with no supper again.
It was on nights like this that Rella snuck out of her tower and got on her horse and went for a ride in the woods.
Rella paused when she saw a stag being chased by huntsman.
"Hurry go that way!" She urged the stag, and the stag followed her, and was saved.
"Now why did you do that?" A young man rode over and asked her.
He was blonde, dressed in the clothes of a noble, with violet eyes.
"What did the stag ever do to you, sir?" Rella replied, easing her horse.
"Friend of yours then?" The man said.
"We only just met." Rella said. "But I believe he has so much left to live for, mister..."
"Ah...don't you recognize me?" The man said.
Rella shook her head. "No."
"You may call me Zen." Zen Said. "That's what my father calls me, when he's in a good mood."
"Well alright then Zen." Rella said. "Where did you come from."
"The palace." Zen Said.
"Oh! You must be an apprentice." Rella said.
"Yes I'm learning a trade." Zen Said. "You are a servant? Do they treat you well?"
"As well as they are able." Rella said sadly.
"Oh! Well I—"
"Your Hi—"
"Zen! It's Zen!" Zen Said quickly to his red haired friend. "I'm coming Tanjiro."
"I hope to see you again, Zen..." Rella said as he rode off.