Why am I doing this? Because I need some god-damned romance in my life right now! Especially with Valentine's Day coming up next month! So yes, this will be an Alternate Universe, with my character standing in for the WOL but it will be pure Warrior of Light/Alphinaud Leveilleur Romance. Alphinaud will be aged up to nineteen years old and the WOL is around twenty. There will be some Explicit scenes with the two, never really had much practice writing such scenes so try to bear with me.

Chapter 1: The Selection

"Was anyone selected yet?"

"Not yet, the Forum needs to be careful who they will choose to represent them."

"Then why not send one of themselves? Why students of the Studium?"

"I don't know, but it's going to be an amazing opportunity for whoever is selected! Who do you think stands the best chance?"

Whispers of the upcoming selection were echoing off the walls of the Studium as students stood in the halls to converse with one another while waiting for the bell to ring, everyone eager for the declaration to be made already on who was chosen among them.

Just little over a moon ago, a surprising announcement had been made when the head of the Studium appeared before the students in the middle of class. Everyone was stunned to learn that one of their upper classmen was to be selected to journey across the sea to the lands of Norvrandt and treat with a king on behalf of Sharlayan. According to Lord Montichaigne that if anyone was interested then they simply needed to prepare a presentation before the Forum on why they believe that they should be selected as their emissary. More surprisingly was that the only requirements for those aiming for such a role were that they had to be of age and prove that they are able and willing to treat with the people of those lands.

This had everyone talking, some raising hands as they asked question after question of Lord Montichaigne on why this was happening now of all times, especially since Norvrandt never seemed interested in exchanging any king of policies before now.

"Lord Vauthry is the ruler of the kingdom of Eulmore in the lands of Norvrandt," he explained. "According to the envoy that he sent, he is very interested in forming a trading route with Sharlayan. In exchange for certain natural resources, he is willing to part with great knowledge that has been kept in Eulmore's libraries. It would be a great boon to all on this island were we to be allowed access to such knowledge."

More excited whispering was heard before the professor waved his hands to get them to settle down so he could continue.

"Furthermore, Vauthry is quite interested in getting to know his neighbors in recent days for he is getting on in years," he explained. "Also according to the emissary, Lord Vauthry seems ready to set up plans should he pass unexpectedly and has chosen Sharlayan to aid him in this affair."

"So Eulmore has no one to take the throne when Lord Vauthry passes?" one of the girls asked with her hand in the air.

"No children of his own yet, I fear," the professor answered back. "But there are two princesses, his nieces, who live within Eulmore, having been brought there to be placed under his care. If he doesn't have children by the time that he passes—more than likely—the throne will be passed onto the eldest of his two nieces. While I confess I know very little about the princesses, it is rumored that the eldest is a direct descendant of Venat, in fact."

"The famous wanderer?" someone else gasped in amazement.

"That is just the rumor, I'm afraid that we don't know for certain, but what matters is that she, along with her younger cousin are living in Eulmore with Lord Vauthry," the professor stated. "It seems that King Vauthry is eager for the princesses to be able to meet with more people outside the kingdom, therefore have those they can rely upon in the future should one of them take the throne. Hence why we believe he was so insistent that any representatives be close to their ages."

Understanding washed over everyone as the reason for the sudden age importance for the selection was explained.

"So as you can all see, this is an excellent prospect for all involved. That is why the Forum will take great care in selecting one among you to take this journey," he finished, holding his arms out wide with a smile. "Any and all who are of age will be permitted to participate. You simply need to arrange an appointment before the Forum and give a detailed explanation to why you believe you are the best fit for this role—your teachers will be more than willing to assist you in setting up a time and date. Aside from the age requirement, Vauthy's emissary gave no other requisite. So things such as House, nobility or otherwise, will not be taking an active role here. Simply do your best. So best of luck to you all!"

Upon hearing all of this, Alphinaud couldn't wait to sign his name down for a chance to prove himself. He remembered fondly how his grandfather would often leave home to visit neighboring lands to try and build stronger ties with Sharlayan. Before he passed, he always lamented that he wasn't able to build any kind of friendships with Norvrandt—well Alphinaud realized that he could fix that here and now!

He was so excited that he couldn't focus upon the rest of the lesson and simply bolted for home as soon as the bell rung. His mind was already going over his presentation and he was even muttering under his breath, practicing what he would say for it by the time that he ran up to his bedroom. He was already nineteen, well within the age requirements, and he knew that he could handle the duties of emissary, which was what he explained as he wrote and rewrote his entire speech until his room was littered with crumbled notes.

He grew extra nervous when he learnt that his own father would be among the members who would be judging his presentation. As much as he loved his father, he was a difficult man to please and wasn't afraid to point out criticisms within his work if he felt that something was wrong. He couldn't afford to make any slip ups so he spent the following week going over his speech until he couldn't find a single thing wrong with it. He also practiced answering the most likely questions that they were sure to ask, all while training his voice to be confident and charismatic, before he felt that he was ready.

When the day came for his presentation—about a fortnight ago at this point—he didn't think he could be more prepared. He gave excellent reasons and examples, was able to answer each of their questions no matter how tricky they were, and by the time that he finished he had seen the impressed expressions on their faces—including one of pride from his father—before he was allowed to leave the hall.

All he had to do now was wait and see what the Forum decided, but he kept his fingers crossed and prayed to Thaliak that he would get this role.

His twin sister Alisaie, was also eager to begin her own journey, but she had decided against going this route. Instead, she decided to leave after graduating from the Studium straight to Eorzea, believing that her skills would be better suited there. There was talk of rebellions and fights breaking out and she was eager to see what she could do to help the common folk especially after having learned some healing arts and swordplay.

Alphinaud understood, of course, but he believed that he was better suited to the negotiating table than upon the battlefield. While he had trained a little with a Sage's armaments, he was more likely to want to talk his way out of a fight than finish it.

Which meant that Norvrandt would be a tremendous step to take in his goals if he were chosen.

It was agonizing to wait it out; being tense all day during classes as he wondered if today would be the day to hear who won, only to be disappointed when nothing happened, but then leave him with mounting tension for the next day. He even tried to ask his father how the decisions were going, but his father only stated that they were going well and not to worry about it.

But it shouldn't be much longer at this point since he hadn't heard of anyone else setting up their meetings for the last few days.

"He has to remain as non-bias as possible, sweetheart," his mother said as she invited him to tea early that morning. "Despite him being your father, he can't be seen showing any favoritism. But he did tell me that the decision has been all but made so you should be finding out either today or tomorrow during class the same as everyone else."

"Really?" he gasped in excitement, now eager to hear more as he followed after her into the living room where he got a surprise to see a woman there with a girl whom he guessed to be her daughter. His mother set the tray of tea and sweets down and quickly made introductions as she insisted that he join them, which he did.

Only a few minutes into the conversation did he understand what was going on. His mother was trying to set him up with another young lady and he had to resist the urge to groan out. He remembered how she used to bring Alisaie to these tea sessions to meet free young men, but Alisaie would just go marching out of the room without another word. Eventually he could only assume that his mother gave up after a while and could only reasoned, "Well, I guess she'll find someone when she's ready."

Alphinaud was tempted to do the same as his sister, but knew how rude that would look for mother and merely kept the answers for the young lady short and polite until she and her mother left.

"So, what did you think of her?" his mother asked with a twinkle in her eyes. "She seemed nice."

"She was very lovely," he agreed as he helped her to gather up the cups and saucers.

"Oh? Just lovely?" she pressed.

"Mother," he groaned out as she chuckled. "Please don't tell me that this was another attempt to get you to match me up with someone?"

"What? No, don't be ridiculous my love," she said but the mischievous smile gave her away and he shook his head in amused exasperation.

"Mother, she was lovely, but I barely know her," he reminded her. "I am not looking to wed anyone now or anytime soon. At least allow me to graduate from the Studium before trying to set me up."

His mother sighed, "Very well. I can't help but worry though. Alisaie turned down so many suitors that I don't think that there's anyone left in Sharlayan whom she is interested in. Well, mayhaps she will find her true love in Eorzea."

"What? Are you hoping that she will remain in Sharlayan if you are able to find someone she is willing to marry?" he asked her in surprise.

"Well, truth be told, your father was very insistent about it," she confessed as she carried the tray into the kitchen. She had given the servants the afternoon off but had no problems cleaning this small tray with her own hands. "I believe he is constantly worried about you and your sister and feels that remaining in Sharlayan is the best option for you both. So he asked me to arrange these meetings in the hopes that you both will be able to find someone to keep you here?"

Ah, so that was the way of it. He had thought it strange that his mother suddenly started caring so much about the two of them finding partners, but he just chalked it up to her spontaneous personality like usual. But the idea that father was the main force behind this didn't surprise him at all. He had given Alisaie his disapproval for thinking to leave the safety of Sharlayan so he could only assume he was willing for them to wed just about anyone if it kept them around.

"I also fear what will happen to you both when we are no longer here," she confessed softly. "It would put my mind at ease to know that you had someone to help take care of you. After all, those whom are real treasures are often the first ones to be taken. I do not wish for you to be with someone who does not understand or care about you as you deserve."

"Mother I…?" he began before shaking his head with an exasperated smile. "I appreciate the concern, mother. And I understand your worries. But I don't need help in finding someone. I'm not even looking for anyone right now. I'm sure that she will come along when the time is right."

"Well, that does comfort me a little," she confessed with a purse of the lips. "Very well, I promise I won't try to set you up with anyone else in the meantime. But I expect you to find a charming young lady and then bring her home to introduce us."

"Of course, mother," he promised before he checked the clock on the wall and realized that he was going to be late for his afternoon classes if he didn't leave now. "Sorry mother! But do you think I can do these dishes later? I don't wish to be late!"

"No, I know how important it is, you go on ahead," she reassured him, shooing him onwards. "And when you see your sister, remind her that in exchange for allowing her to go to Eorzea, she has to first graduate from the Studium! I don't want another letter from her professor claiming that she skipped out on lessons again!"

He gave an acknowledge wave before he dried his hands and went rushing out the door, almost forgetting his bag in the process, and jogged along the familiar path towards the Studium on the other side of the small island.

He passed by the familiar white stones and felt a strong sense of nostalgia going through him at the sight. It was hard to believe that he had taken these roads so many times before as he worked hard in school. He couldn't even begin to count how often he walked these streets? Seeing the same people as he passed by the many buildings, often seeing someone sitting outside enjoying the rare sunny weather, as they had their nose in a book.

Ah, speaking of familiar people…?

"Alisaie!" he called out and his twin turned to look back at him, even stopping to wait for him to catch up so that they could walk together. "Where did you go this morning?"

"The Last Stand," she shrugged. "I just can't get a good cup of coffee anywhere else. I know that the servants try their best, but there is just something about that coffee that tastes so good."

"I can imagine," he chuckled, often finding his sister's strange preference to 'good-tasting' foods to be strange while regular Archon Loaf works just fine. While it takes a while to get used to the taste, he found that eating it with some jam tended to make swallowing it a little easier.

"So, did mother try to set you up with another young lady?" Alisaie grinned mischievously, nudging him in the side with her elbow, "I saw the two of them coming into the house before I left."

"Something like that," he sighed as he rubbed his tired eyes. "But mother did promise to not try anymore match-making parties after I asked her about it. More importantly though, she told me that today may be when we finally hear about the selection!"

"Today? Already? That sounds—exciting," she said though the way she said 'exciting' made it sound like she couldn't think of a more boring subject to talk about.

He chuckled at that and reminded her, "Now, this is a big opportunity for me if I was chosen. I know that I can do this and I am quite eager to see Norvrandt. Are you still set upon Eorzea?"

"Yes," Alisaie said brightly. "And my mind hasn't changed brother. That's why mother hasn't bothered trying to get me to meet with anyone new suitors recently. She knows what I want and she has—thankfully—accepted that. The only reason she still pushed for you to find someone was because you were always going back and forth what you want to do upon graduating."

"I understand that," he said with a roll of his eyes. "But there is just so much that I want to do that I wasn't sure what the best course to take was. I know that what I strive for isn't easy but…?"

"Nothing less than the 'salvation of this star' or something?" Alisaie interrupted with a grin and he turned red at the embarrassing memory of the first words out of his mouth to his teachers when he entered the Studium.

"Please stop bringing that up, Krile still hasn't let me hear the end of it," he muttered and she laughed as she bumped against his shoulder with hers.

"Well, we'll be graduating by the end of this year and I'll be set for Eorzea," she said brightly. "All I'm saying is that if you had given mother your firm answer before now then she wouldn't have wasted everyone's time with trying to find you a nice girl to marry."

"I don't believe marriage is in the cards for me, dear sister," he answered truthfully. He knew that many his age, including some of his own classmates, were already planned to wed once they finished school. Some of them were doing so by arrangement, others for love, but he couldn't see himself doing the same. He had so many plans and goals to work towards that he couldn't see a future where he would have a wife who would be so understanding. That wouldn't be fair to either of them and he knew it. He wasn't even sure how he felt about the whole concept of matrimony. He thought of his own parents—truly thankful that this grandfather would never have forced his father into such arrangements and instead believed that his son would find true love in his own time.

That was what he wanted to do as well.

If he was ever to wed, he wished for it to be like that. But unless his future wife understood just how much he was planning on doing, he could not accept any kind of vows that would justify the ends. He had said as much to Alisaie as they walked, who kept the teasing only to a minimum when he confessed how he felt about the whole concept; which she, thankfully, kept the teasing to a minimum.

She looked at him, still playful and he couldn't help but grin back as the Studium came into sights, both of them wondering who will be the lucky one in being given such an important role. Little did either of them know that this selection will forever change, not only Norvrandt and Sharlayan, but the entire world.

*Hours later*

He was all but bouncing in his seat for the rest of the day, wondering if the announcement would truly be made here or if his mother was just teasing with him once again? It wouldn't surprise him either way if she did.

But at long last, during the senior class's final lesson of the day, master Montichaigne appeared, a bright smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes as he stepped forward, his arms raised up in expectation as everyone seemed to be holding their breaths.

"I would first like to thank all those who were brave enough to present before the Forum," he called out kindly to them all as they were all but leaning off their seats as he spoke. "I also want to say that everyone who volunteered should be very proud of themselves and that even for those who weren't selected for such an honor, I wish for them to all know that they did fine jobs and they should take what they leant from this and apply that same passion for all future opportunities."

Alphinaud was shifting uncomfortably, all but longing for the name of the winner to be announced.

"Myself and all the other members of the Forum also want to thank you for your continued patience as we debated upon whom we believe would be best suited for this role," he went on, causing Alphinaud to suspect that he was enjoying keeping them all in suspense.

"As you know, there was a presentation to select one of you to represent Sharlayan in a future meeting with a king from the distant land of Norvrandt," he went on. "So we had to take care not to send just anyone, but to prove that the next generation will be here to continue on Sharlayan's great duty as this world's keeper of knowledge."

The head smiled mischievously and Alphinaud realized that he was enjoying all of this and had to bite back the urge to laugh.

"But enough pretense," he finally said as he looked over them all fondly. "I know that you are all waiting for the name. Well, let me just say that it is with a great honor that the one we have selected is none other than…!"

Alphinaud was sitting within the Rostra, beaming with pride as he waited for his father and the others to join him. He could hardly wait to learn of his future duties—and the moment that he heard master Montichaigne call out his name before the entire class was enough to cause him to relive that moment over and over in his head.

Finally, the doors opened and he stood up as his father, who was also beaming with similar pride when he saw his son there, as well as masters Montichaigne and Barnier.

Alphinaud bowed low as he spoke, "Honorable members of the Forum, I want to thank you for this amazing opportunity you saw fit to grant me."

"Now, now, my boy, don't be so formal," master Montichaigne chuckled. "You have more than earned it. Your presentation, in short, was nearly perfect. There was no doubt or hesitation when you gave your points as well as how politely you answered our questions."

"Exactly as I would expect, my son," his father said, clapping a hand on his shoulder and he smiled back, nearly at his father's height now. "You have done well."

"Thank you, father," he answered in a pleased way. "Now, what exactly would my duties entail? And when should I be preparing to leave? Will it be after I graduate or…?"

"You need not fear," master Montichaigne reassured him. "You will not be marked as absent from school during your time away. You should be back in plenty of time before your graduation ceremony."

"As for your duties, master Barnier will explain," his father explained as the leader of the Forum cleared his throat.

"You are to act as a representative of Sharlayan and to present the many benefits that entering a trade route with us will entail," master Barnier answered formally. "We do not expect that trade routes will be opened immediately, of course. The point of the meeting is, more or less, a mere introduction, and we will be more than willing to give Lord Vauthry all the time that he needs to make his decision. But also, this could be a good chance to become on good terms with royalty as well. One of the main reasons that he insisted that we present someone close in age to his eldest niece is to introduce her more into the world of politics and he believes that having one closer in age to her will be good for all parties involved. As such, you are encouraged to meet with her. Even if Vauthry doesn't agree with our proposal now, this could still lead to open communications with the rest of the royal family in the years to come."

Alphinaud nodded in understanding, already planning out the best way to be able to present all the ways that both nations could hope to benefit from this agreement.

"The only bad news that we have to tell you is that you are to leave on the first ship on the morrow," added master Montichaigne, causing Alphinaud's jaw to drop in shock.

"T-Tomorrow, Sir? Are you quite certain? That seems awfully sudden?" he repeated in surprise and they nodded.

"Yes, indeed, we were quite surprised at the suddenness as well," he explained. "But the emissary was quite insistent that he return to Eulmore as soon as possible and he wished to do so while leading our own Emissary back at the same time."

"I see, very well," he said, knowing that he would have time to pack tonight if he went straight home after this. "How long will I be expected to be away, if I may ask?"

"Hard to say since Vauthry didn't give an exact time, but he did state that depending on the Emissary, it could be longer or shorter, which makes sense," his father reasoned. "You will, of course, be accompanied by a member of the faculty during your visit. We are pleased to say that Miss Krile has volunteered to go with you. I am certain that you will learn a great deal from this."

Alphinaud nodded as his father's hand gripped his shoulder tightly before saying, "I will inform you of everything else that you will need to know and what will be expected of you as we head home. Come, let us inform your mother and sister of this joyous moment."

A lot of his shock faded when he saw how overjoyed his father was and happily agreed. He thanked the members for their time before they left. Along the walk home, his father told him all that he knew of Norvrandt and how the lands had once been pushed to the brink of desolation not long ago. But within the last few years, it suddenly flourished when the people seemed to come together and now the lands were thriving like never before.

"As such, I trust that you shouldn't have too hard a time there," he finished. "Remember, the point is to work towards open communications. Krile will be there to lend you her assistance should you require it, but if you handled yourself as posed as you were when you gave your presentation, then I have no doubt you shall make us proud."

"I shall strive to prove myself worthy of such faith, father," he promised. "And I thank you for trusting me with such a role. I know that you must be worried…?"

"In truth, I feared that I was the reason that the selection took so long," he confessed to him as the manor came into sights. "Everyone was very impressed with you but I would have felt more comfortable had you graduated first?"

So it was true that father would still worry about him. He remembered when he and Alisaie were still children and how they would rush out to greet him when he came home from his meetings with the Forum. They had been closely watched by their mother and the servants their whole lives but that day everyone had been busy and so they were able to stray a little bit farther than normal from the manor and made it as far as the bridge that connected them. He remembered how Alisaie had leaned far over the bridge to look at the water below when their father came into sights. When he saw Alisaie leaning over the edge, he went white as his Forum robes and went running to them as if terrified that she would fall in.

Since then, Alphinaud and Alisaie became aware of how closely that the household would watch them. It was a wonder that they got any privacy at all after all these years. But now, for the first time, he would be leaving without his parents or the servants there to make sure that they never strayed too far from home. He was almost giddy with excitement.

"I have been hesitant in allowing you to go with all these concerning rumors coming from Norvrandt in recent days," his father finished and Alphinaud blinked in surprise.

"Rumors?" Alphinaud repeated slowly.

"Apparently there are rumors that rebellion is slowly being planned," he said slowly. "It could be that Vauthry is worried about such tactics and is hoping that by reaching out to other lands then he would have more security over his rule. Apparently, there are rumors of a Warrior of Darkness stalking those lands."

"Warrior… of Darkness?" Alphinaud repeated slowly. "Sounds ominous to say the least."

"Yes, well, as I said, they are just rumors. You will be accompanied by the emissary, who is an accomplished warrior the entire way across Norvrandt and the castle will be heavily protected as well," he said bracingly. "I have no doubt that you will be just fine. Perhaps you will be able to visit other such lands if you prove yourself here."

"Which I promise to do, father," he said firmly as they entered the estate's premises and mother was upon the steps waving at them with a knowing smile on her face. He would do it, he would show father what he was capable of doing and change the world for the better.

The entire household was excited for him when he returned and they were planning a big dinner for his departure for the next day.

"Wow, they don't waste any time," Alisaie said, having left class early so that she could go and train in the main hall, thus missing the ending of class and the announcement. "Giving you one day to prepare?"

"True, but your father has had similar deadlines with important work," mother informed them with a twinkling laugh. "They can't be there to hold his hand completely, otherwise it would look poor to Lord Vauthry who so graciously opened his home to us."

"I wonder what this Lord Vauthry will be like?" Alphinaud asked eagerly.

"I heard that he is temperamental at the best of times," Alisaie chimed in as she enjoyed her stew. Everyone looked at her as she looked around and added, "What? That's what I heard of him."

"Now, children, behave," mother scolded lightly but with an air of amusement still in her tone as she cut up her steak. "I quite look forward to hearing of your tales when you return, Alphinaud."

"Indeed," father nodded. "Now let us enjoy this night together before come the morrow."

They always tried to share dinners together as a family, of course with schoolwork and father's duties, it wasn't something that happened every day. But he couldn't remember enjoying a family dinner more than he did that night as they talked and laughed, going over what they knew of Norvrandt and wondered what kind of people he'll be meeting with soon.

"I expect that you shall be gone for around a week, perhaps a little longer," father explained to him as they finished with a desert of Pudding pudding—pudding in the shape of a monstrous pudding. "Lord Vauthry will undoubtedly wish for you to learn of the surrounding lands and exactly what the people would need before going into any types of negotiations. So you take care to take notes so that you don't forget anything."

"Yes, Father," he answered as he enjoyed his sweet treat.

"And since winter is coming, I heard that it can get cold there during winter so you best pack warmly," mother added.

"Of course, Mother," he chimed in, rolling his eyes at their worry. He would be fine, he knew he would. When they were finished, mother gave him nudge and told him that he best finish his packing since it would be at least a three day sea voyage and he best have everything ready.

"I would hate for you to have forgotten something and feel the need to turn back," she teased as she waved him up the stairs as he hurried to his room. The room, which he normally tried to keep neat and orderly, was in a bit of a disarray. With only one night to pack, he had started going through his closet and began tossing any kind of clothes into piles while adding all manner of books, ink, and parchment that he felt that he needed to use on his desk to pack as well.

As he was debating on the pile of clothes that he thought he would take, there was a knock at his door and he called, "Come in!"

"Wow!" came his sister's voice as she opened the door to see the mess that he had made in such a short amount of time and whistled in an impressed way, "You would think that Garuda's winds came sweeping through here or something."

"Heh, sorry," he said as he turned to look at her. "I was just debating on what to take and before I knew it, I emptied everything from my closet."

"Its fine," she waved her hand at him as she came over to examine what he had so far and rolled her eyes at the expensive quill and paper that he had on the desk. "You do know that they probably have plenty of paper and ink waiting for you when you get there? Why take this?"

"Because it's my favorite quill and I like this stationary," he retorted as he shook out various ties and looked over them.

"Brother, you do know that you will be expected to carry your bag to the docks on your own, right?" she reminded him as she looked over the many clothes and books that he spread out. "Good luck getting this down the stairs, let alone all the way to the harbor."

"Well, I will be meeting with royalty," he reminded her. "I want to make a good first impression."

"Right, because of the princesses that will be there," she snorted with laughter. "Of course you would be going overboard. Just my advice? Don't dress up too much because it will look like you're trying too hard to get attention. Didn't father say during dinner that you would be expected to be wearing certain clothes?"

"Well, yeah but…?" he began before he sighed, knowing that she was right. Besides, he didn't think he knew how he would manage to fit all this in his bag anyway. Better to save himself the trouble. "You're right," he agreed as he began looking through his clothes again, this time being far more rational in deciding.

"Well, I hope that you will be alright with this at least," Alisaie said and he looked back as she took his hand. He felt her pressing something hard into his palm and when she pulled back he looked to see that it was a bright silver earring.

"This is…?" he whispered, recognizing it at once and looked up to see the twin of the earring being worn on her own ear.

"Grandfather passed them down to me before he died," she said sadly. "But I feel weird wearing both at the same time so I only ever wore one. It seemed a shame, so I thought that you could take the other half? For good luck?"

"Alisaie?" he said, stunned by her gift before clenching his fingers around it and vowed, "I shant ever take it off then."

She laughed with a role of her eyes as he quickly slipped the earring onto his own ear. "Just take good care of it. I expect to see you in one piece when next we meet. So hold nothing back and enjoy yourself while you're there. I look forward to learning about what I should or shouldn't take with me on a lengthy voyage." She then yawned out and added, "Well, I'll be heading off to bed now. Lucky for you that you don't need to worry about that big exam coming up next week. You know, I almost volunteered myself for this role just to get out of that, but then again I know next to nothing about diplomacy. As much as I hate to say it, I don't think that there was anyone better suited to the job than you. No one knows more about how to outwit someone at the negotiating table like you. Well, except for father or grandfather."

"True," he chuckled as he finished fix the earring to his own long ear and felt the light weight attached to it before promising, "And I shall not disappoint you."

"I'll hold you to that," she said as she left the room with a friendly wave and he watched her go with a mixture of pleasure and sadness. As far back as he could remember, it had been the two of them always nearby. She used to get him into the worst kinds of trouble while growing up, but he knew he could always count on her to be the first one to jump in and get him out if he needed it. The thought of being so far away from her for the first time made him feel a little… lonely.

But he knew better than to become dependent on his family forever. He would have to learn to stand on his own two feet sooner or later and now was a good test for that. His first real test out in the real world. Alphinaud couldn't stop himself from smiling as he continued to pack his clothes, ready to head out as soon as the sun next rose.