An elegantly inscribed sheaf of parchment was tacked to a sign outside of Zofia Castle. There was little point in it being there anymore, as the surrounding city was in such a frenzied bustle a mere day after it was posted that no one was stopping to reread the news the royal proclaimers had already spread through town faster than a wildfire-

'King Alm l and Queen Celica are proud to announce the joyous birthday of their first child. Their heir prince will be christened two weeks from this posted date. The gates will open and festivities and a royal ball are open to all who can attend in honor of our new family member.'

The One Kingdom Of Valentia enjoyed a golden age of rebuilding and unity under King Alm l and Queen Celica. The Brotherhood Of Knights grew stronger every day, their lands flourished with bountiful harvests, border conflicts were almost nonexistent, Rigel was recovering and smoothly becoming one with Zofia, the prince's birthday celebration was only a fortnight away- and Leon was sorely missing the battlefield.

Not the battling, exactly. He sighed, pacing his empty shop after a small rush of customers. With how much fuss the town was making over the prince's birthday, he might as well close early in the afternoon to join in. Leon rolled his shoulders, wincing at the old injury to his right shoulder- tight and awkwardly healed, and significant enough to have earned him an honorable retirement from the military. He knew he was fortunate to have most of his strength and a steady business in a town that only knew peace, but his heart ached for the camaraderie of old friends. His eyes traced his Killer Bow mounted on the wall and his fingers twitched. Not that he didn't see his friends at least weekly, but it wasn't the same as being one of them again.

"Mrrrrrrp?"

Leon blinked with surprise and smiled, stopping down to pick up a fluffy cat winding around his legs. The golden haired cat had a collar Leon knew well with a bright amber stone set into it. "Well hello there, little one," he cooed, stroking its soft fur. "Tell Luthier it's alright- all of my other guests just left."

His chronic injury might've taken Leon out of the castle guard for good, but in his soul he was still an adventurer- and who better to provide gear for the road than someone who'd lived on it? Luthier opened the door and scanned the tidy, rather spacious shop, as though both he and Leon didn't know he was looking for more journals to fill with research. Rope, lanterns, oil, flasks, trail rations, bedrolls, small tents, utility knives, arrows, cloaks, fishing gear and even luxuries like fresh scented soap- Leon had thought of most anything. A bright orange tabby kitten poked out of the top of Luthier's robes and Leon grinned with delight. "Oh my gods, that's adorable! Welcome to the Dungeon Crawl Shopping Mall- journals again, and perhaps a fancy quill or two?"

"Ah, um- yes, actually." The eccentric mage always seemed baffled by Leon's friendliness and hospitality, and Leon was determined to show Luthier he could be friends with humans as well as cats. Luthier relaxed enough to speak coherently. "You wouldn't believe how many quills my familiars destroy despite my attempts to guard them."

Leon set the cat down to take Luthier's coin as Luthier slid a couple handsomely bound journals into a satchel and examined a few vividly colored quills. "Have one on the house, if you like. I know it'll be very loved."

Luthier managed a smile as he helped himself to a fluffy white feather, stuffing it quickly into his bag as his cat desperately tried to claw it. "Thank you. I- er." He straightened up and obviously had to gather his courage. "Okay, this might've been something of a social errand as well as a supply trip. Sir Leon, do you know of the royal christening? Of course you do, everyone does- I believe I'm being called upon to help the Queen plan a fireworks show, and I'm quite lost in how to handle being around a certain person I'm supposed to meet up with."

"I was going to head out and see if there's any party planning I could be involved in myself. I can't think of anyone who'd have any quarrel with you, Luthier." Leon left off the fact that the reason for this kind of thought was that Luthier's cats were generally more social than him.

Luthier seemed distinctively uncomfortable. He shied away from Leon's look. "Well, it's my sister. We haven't spoken face to face in quite awhile, and I fear I've failed her as a brother."

"Delthea?" Alm and Celica's armies had meshed together quite easily, at least for the members still living by the castle. While many people knew the two better than Leon did, he couldn't imagine Delthea being more upset with Luthier than trying to perhaps pull harmless pranks. "I know you two don't see eye to eye, but I doubt she wants anything but to love you as a brother." Leon put a hand on the back of his own neck and huffed with a laugh. "I'm really the wrong person to ask for sibling conflict advice- I was an only child who routinely challenged my peers to duels."

"Goodness." Luthier managed a soft laugh of his own, scooping his golden cat into his arms, reflexively checking his pocket for his kitten as well. "Alright, I'll just try to not mention anything we don't agree on. Which is everything."

Leon tidied the bits of clutter he had on the counter and pocketed his daily earnings. He guided Luthier towards the door, sweeping quickly before putting up a CLOSED sign, locking the door, and putting his lantern out. He'd return to sleep in his flat above the shop, but was still relieved to be out in the fresh air and cobbled streets. Gossiping with anyone was an excellent stress reliever, even if Luthier could be terribly shy and socially inept. "What exactly does she do nowadays?"

"She spends a lot of time in court, I'm not entirely sure what she does." Luthier sighed, and Leon widened his eyes as two more cats appeared out of the side alleys, collared with amber set in the leather. They rubbed up against Leon and Luthier's legs as they walked down the Main Street of town and towards the castle. "I can't imagine not using magic. I just can't."

"Well, as someone who had my own gift taken from me, I understand why you'd be so puzzled. I'd love to have my full capabilities returned to me in a heartbeat." Luthier had unintentionally bogged Delthea down with responsibilities of their magical roots, and eventually Delthea wanted to live her own way. She sealed away her magic to a ring- accessible, but no longer a core part of her. "There's a lot to be said for a mundane life, you know. I find much joy in small pleasures." Leon swept up a random cat from their posse and pet it, rewarded instantly with purrs.

Queen Celica had kept her friends across the sea in close correspondence for years. While predicting the exact time of her child's birthday was difficult, everyone was rightfully excited for royal visitors. Leon heard the commotion before he could see it. A large carriage was surrounded by gawkers and a few knights and castle servants were jogging over to help its passengers. His heart skipped a beat as a doorman opened the carriage door and he could hear familiar voices bickering from inside.

"-why none of our three children can just stay PUT-"

"I TOLD you feeding them those candies was a bad idea-"

"They're always like this! Just help me get the luggage-"

"Ugh! I'm just getting out!" A shock of pink hair tumbled out of the carriage step, ignoring the servants trying to help. Mae bounced to her feet and waved cheerfully at the crowd. "Hey everybody! Celica's best friends are HERE!" She spotted Leon and gasped, shoving through the delighted crowd to tackle him in a hug. "LEON!"

"Oof! Mae!" Leon's shoulder twinged but he accepted the hug with a laugh. Behind her the crowd was parting to let Sir Clive, Sir Forsyth, Sir Lukas, Sir Valbar, and Dame Clair through to formally welcome the travelers. "It's been too long."

Mae laughed and turned to the group of knights, running at Valbar and also tackling him, the two laughing at Mae's contagious energy. "Valbar! Oh goodness, what a welcome."

"Nothing can take you down, can it?" responded Valbar, hugging her back. Mae didn't know the others from Alm's army well, but nothing could stop her from flinging herself at Clair, both excitedly talking faster than anyone could keep up with.

"Can SOMEBODY help me with my many, many children?" Leon watched with fascination as Boey made it out of the carriage but kept trying to keep their triplet toddlers in the carriage in an endless loop, lifting one safely back in from the edge of the step down and immediately having to rescue another.

"Here, I know how it is." Clive helped the toddlers out of the cabin with the gentleness of a father as Boey, Forsyth, and their doorman got the rest of the luggage. A good portion of the onlookers were equally enraptured by the handsome knight's presence as the visitors themselves, a few sighing longingly at Clive.

Leon didn't dare exert his shoulder but stood by the carriage with an amused look. "How do you tell them all apart, Boey? They're all in the same skirts!"

"I don't," replied Boey helplessly.

Mae turned her head from Clair and waved her hand. "Oh don't be ridiculous Boey, you know who's who!"

"Right. The one we named after me is the cutest."

Clair pushed through and knelt by the kids, grinning as the children gazed at everything with curiosity. "Oh Mae, what're their names? They're so cute!"

"Not just cute," warned Mae. One of their children sneezed and sparks flew out of their nose. Luthier's cats approached the gaggle of children, purring and letting them pet their fluff. Mae made eye contact with Luthier and beamed at him. "Oh hey! You're a mage too, right? Celica wants us to work on the most awesome fireworks show ever!"

A new voice could be heard in the throng of people, the only one not merry. "Don't get my brother started on magic- he might never stop."

Leon and Luthier turned to see Delthea standing by one of Luthier's cats. She was seventeen and still wore a large bow in her hair, loud and proudly normal. Luthier looked seasick with nerves and Leon gave him a friendly push towards her with his good arm as awkward silence filled their bubble. Luthier stumbled forward and most of the crowd left, following Mae and Boey to the castle. Leon distracted himself with a cat, keeping his promise of staying close by Luthier.

"You don't seem happy to see me," stated Luthier.

"I would be, if I wasn't bracing myself for another lecture."

Luthier grimaced. "I- I really don't understand the choices you've made with your life. But I love you. And I hope you're happy."

"So your version of being nice is to be passive aggressive instead of active aggressive?!" Years of arguments colored Delthea's tone as she stood with her hands on her hips, still shorter than her brother but much more an adult than a girl. Leon inched away, not wanting to be too close. Neither noticed.

"Delthea, I'm not meaning to be aggressive. I've never meant to be aggressive! I just- if you're happy, then I am too! I'm sorry." Luthier shyly looked away. "I failed you as a guardian, and you have every right to be angry with me."

Delthea stared at him. She simmered down, and sighed heavily. "Do you think I sealed my magic because of you, Luthier? Or even because of what happened when I was possessed at Sluice Gate? It's my choice to make- it's a choice, don't you get it?! I could finally be free- I never wanted power like you, just freedom."

Luthier shook his head. "Listen- it's not about magic. Not anymore, okay? I consider Alm to be my first friend-"

"-good GOD will you ever let that go-"

"-and I'm upset because it should've been you. My sister." Luthier squirmed. "I tried to be a father to you. I tried to fill a role I knew I couldn't. I thought I knew what was best for you, and that I couldn't be your friend or companion when I thought you needed a parent. I'm sorry I placed myself above you all those years, and I hope as an adult, you understand."

Delthea blinked and then she choked on a burst of laughter. "You? A dad?! You have the paternal instincts of a woodchipper!"

"I don't know what that means, but probably." Luthier bit his lip. "You're as old as I was when it fell to me to take care of you. You were eight. How did you think I felt whenever you rushed off, got hurt, or exceeded my own abilities when I could never forgive myself if something happened to you?!"

Delthea got closer to him and took his hand with a solemn expression, foreign to her face. "Alright. I get it. I love you too Lu, but I want to confirm something."

"Yes?"

"So you TOTALLY admit I was better at magic than you?"

"Oh for- yes I admit it!"

Leon slipped away, certain that Luthier would be alright. He rarely let Valbar out of his sight without so much as a word. He sprinted to the castle foyer, the teasing phrases already on his tongue. Knight or not, Valbar was his best friend. Just the mention of his name could make Leon's mood soar, his chest light with joy at Valbar's warm, positive presence in his life. Friendship, being at his side at all, was enough. Leon's heart had finally accepted that. His more tender, unrequited feelings had never truly faded, but he was fine.

Or so he thought.

"Leon!" Clair cut him off from the entry hall, breathless as she came to a halt. "Salutations! I've been meaning to ask you something. You and Valbar are close, correct?"

Leon drew himself up proudly. "I should think so!"

Clair glanced around quickly to ensure they were alone. The sudden self awareness worried Leon. "I've been so stumped, Leon. If anyone knows this it's you- who on earth is Valbar courting?!"

Leon felt like he'd taken a swift kick in the stomach. He found himself sinking down the wall, legs unable to bear his own weight. His lungs ached as his mind blanked for a moment, shock reverberating through his system. "What?"

"He didn't tell you either?" Clair folded her arms and sighed. "You're so close I thought- oh I've upset you terribly-"

"How do you know?" Leon's mouth was dry, his heart hammering in his ears. Perhaps this wasn't an event to mourn. Valbar deserved love, oh Leon wanted nothing more than Valbar's happiness. Maybe if Valbar engaged someone else, Leon could move on. He could someone who could reciprocate his softer, intimate desires he'd kept to himself for so long.

But underneath all off that was pure shock. Not quite betrayal but- why wouldn't Valbar tell Leon, his best friend? Had he been selfish enough to drive Valbar away? Even the thought of Valbar's affection and companionship being a single degree removed because of Leon's own feelings made him want to vomit.

Clair sat by Leon, guilty as she put an arm around him. "Gods, I thought you knew. A week ago, during a sparring match, one of the recruits knocked Valbar's armor askew just enough to jostle a fine scrap of bright cloth free from where it was secretly tucked right next to his heart. Everyone's been buzzing about it- it must be a lady's favor given to him! Valbar's been dead silent about it, he brushes it off easily, laughs and says he won't tell. I know he's been married before but if it was from his wife, may she rest in Mila's light, he'd just admit it! He won't even say how long he's had it!"

Leon stared at the ground. He was sure he'd never seen Valbar with such a favor back when he was an active knight. A fairly new love, then. There was only one thing to do. "What a mystery this is! I'll find out who is."

"Will you tell me?" Clair pretended to swoon with horror when Leon raised his eyebrows. "AGH! Of course not! It's probably such a secret I'll only find out at the wedding, because you're such a loyal friend! Damnit!"

Zofia Castle inspired wonder in anyone who laid eyes on it, even those who lived in the surrounding capitol city. Leon passed under the high stone archway and through the open gate, marveling at the high towers and ivy crawling up the stonework to the sky. The well kept courtyard was huge, lined with baskets of flowers and semi crowded with vendors already trying to put their claim on a spot for the christening festivities. Merchants swamped Prince Conrad, the normally composed enigma of the royal family. Celica's brother was floundering and half hiding behind his clipboard as he was bombarded with business proposals, as opposed to his typical marriage proposals. Leon hid a grin and rushed between them all, making his way for the barracks with a friendly wave at the guards.

Leon scanned the mostly empty barracks for Valbar and frowned. He headed back outside, relieved as he spotted him with a group of knights out on the sparring lawn. Valbar's height and brawn combined with his easygoing nature provided him with both friendliness and respect from seasoned knights and recruits alike. Even nobility like Clive gave him final authority over the training grounds. Leon jogged until he was within earshot, wondering what anyone would have to argue with Valbar about.

"...is a Rigelian bloodsport, it's no wonder Her Majesty is against it!" Forsyth managed to look irritated at all times. Leon thought it must be exhausting.

Clive nodded in agreement. "It's true- tradition be damned, none of us want actual jousting in a tournament. We'll have to come up with something that won't put anyone in danger."

Sir Gray appeared behind Valbar, his shorter stature and laid back attitude made him seem more like a squire, but Leon knew he was deadly with a blade and Clair's husband- yet another reason to respect him. "Alright guys. Wooden weapons. We already use wooden swords for training and, um, wooden lances? That never killed anyone, right?"

The final knight Leon had been yet to see that day also appeared from the side of the group and stepped in the center. Sir Tobin was Gray's best friend- and Gray was the only one who could effortlessly get under Tobin's skin. "Gods, Gray- most lances are wooden! You know, the ones that kill people?"

"Take the pointy bit off!"

"That won't help!"

Leon stepped into the group and automatically took his place next to Valbar. "Are we planning games for the royal celebration?"

"Trying to." complained Gray. "Jousting is the sport of knights of old, but no one thinks we can do it without dying knights of young."

"Well, lucky for me, archery is only about hitting targets." An idea was forming in Leon's mind, something to give him an excuse to show off one last time. "Why don't we put on a mounted archery contest too? It'll appear impressive, and legitimately be impressive.." Leon gave a steep bow. "I'll demonstrate, of course. Establish that there is someone on earth who can make a perfect run of the course."

Valbar looked concerned. "Leon, I thought your shoulder-"

"Hush! Give me the lightest bow and I'll show you all I'm still a marksman of the Gods!"

Clive tapped his foot as he stared into space, deep in thought. "It would be quite a shame to have all our calvary in ceremonial armor, and not put on a game. Perhaps we can joust at targets too?"

Gray huffed with a grin and folded his arms. "You know those really terrible shields we kept finding that you guys can't even manage to sell? I bet they'd shatter with one hit."

Tobin joined in. "Yeah! I bet they're right at your level of craftsmanship, so we can make even more worthless target shields."

"Shut up, you never want to admit I'm right!"

Forsyth leapt in with a shake of his head. "Between a shield and a person, most hot blooded youngsters are out to stab people, not shields. I doubt they'll resist the satisfying opportunity to knock their opponents off their mounts."

Valbar nodded. "True- so make it against the rules to hit the other person."

Leon almost always followed Valbar in conversation. "Yes! In my experience, while getting to hit other people with sticks is one of the most rewarding things about being young, being branded a loser is much worse than being denied that sweet pleasure."

Lukas was quiet, noting things down and then showing Valbar the list. "If we can have a safe jousting tournament for show, a mounted archery contest, snd some martial and magic demonstrations, the King and Queen should be pleased with our efforts," he murmured. "No doubt Celica's formal ball will be so grand our efforts won't matter too much."

"That's that, then! I'll be back to demonstrate at noon tomorrow!" declared Leon. He started walking away before Valbar or anyone else tried to talk sense into him. His shoulder already ached at the thought of attempting to shoot arrows again and he scowled.

Leon knew it was pointless to avoid everyone indefinitely, especially since Valbar always saved him a seat at the knight's table at dinner if he knew Leon was around. His heart swelled with affection for Valbar and he swallowed hard, anxious that he'd been somehow demoted from Valbar's closest confidante to something else. Valbar himself gave no signs of it, and Leon cursed under his breath at the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind.

He remembered when he'd met Valbar, or at least noticed him. The nightmare was an old one, but it played through his aching head as he found the stables on autopilot and saddled up a horse (with some complaints from his shoulder) for a ride. He barely paid attention to anything as he rode out into the pastures and trails-

Leon couldn't feel anything. He couldn't move, couldn't speak if he tried. A distant part of his mind was racing, exploding with grief, rage, urging him to run back to his battalion. His glazed over eyes stared at a body in front of him so long he'd stopped even seeing his best friend's corpse and was simply staring into space. Maybe the battle was over, maybe it wasn't. He didn't care. Perhaps he'd still be there frozen in time when they lit the field aflame to give their soldiers an honorable memorial. He wasn't even aware he was kneeling, paralyzed and barely even breathing.

He might as well have been dead too.

"Hey! Hey kid!"

Leon didn't respond, still in an immobilizing fog.

"C'mon, we won- you okay?" Leon couldn't even raise his head. He was limp as a broken doll as strong, comforting arms picked him up, eyes sliding closed. Calling it a battle might've even been generous. The casualties were relatively few, the distant sounds of triumphant yelps echoed in his ears but Leon didn't care. Without his beloved, his first love- his life was nothing. How could he go home without him? "You're in shock, huh? It must be a first battle. I've got you, you just breathe…"

Leon passively let himself be carried back to the war camp. He should've felt ashamed to need to be rescued without anything more than bruises marring him, but even the stubborn drive to prove himself that had given him strength so many times had failed. He was wrapped in a soft blanket as the calming voice still talked to him, lulling him to sleep.

Valbar introduced himself the next day as a senior officer. He'd taken an interest in Leon, it was obvious even in Leon's delirious state that Valbar was perhaps spending too much time on him. "Why are you trying to salvage me?" rasped Leon. His head still ached and he'd ignored the breakfast rations that had been given to him. "I'm unworthy of your time and misplaced kindness. I'm going to die at our next skirmish."

Valbar's voice had always been steady and soft, patient where Leon knew he must be somewhat aggravated by Leon's dead weight. Now his tone was backed with a worried expression and a force that demanded attention. "So you've made up your mind to throw yourself into the front lines? You're going to kill yourself, is that it?"

Leon barked with a harsh laugh. Was it so common to suddenly no longer want to see another dawn? "If you think I can fight-"

"I know you can. You're a damn good archer, one of our best. Your talent has no faults but lack of experience." The praise would've made Leon blossom with pride two days beforehand, but it didn't stir any emotion in him at all. "I don't know what the boy was to you or your past- it's not my business- but I'm not going to lose any more life on my watch, not if I can help it. I'll carry you from every wartorn countryside you collapse on if that's what it takes!"

Leon didn't react. "If you give me an order, I'll follow," he said dully, not raising his head.

Valbar sighed. "Alright. These things take time. But first of all?" His tone was lighter, teasing and playful for a moment. "My eyes are up here, kid."

A rough, obnoxious, spluttering laugh choked out of Leon with a sob, his hand flying over his mouth as he realized he'd been blankly staring at Valbar's pelvic region. It was such a brash, inappropriately timed joke that Leon couldn't stop laughing, relief washing over him as Valbar also chuckled. Leon forced himself to look up at Valbar, a newfound fondness mixing with respect growing inside of him. "Gods- I- sorry. Alright. I'll try for you. Genuinely though, why me?"

Valbar shrugged, still smiling. "Honestly? You needed a friend, and so do I. Does kindness have to have a reason?" He put a hand on Leon's shoulder and squeezed. "The world keeps spinning, we might as well make the best of it."

Over the course of the following weeks, Leon learned how to smile and laugh again, how to accept a wound that would never heal. Finding a home in another person might've made him weak in some warrior's eyes, but Leon didn't care.

Nothing could stop Leon and Valbar so long as they were side by side.

Just like nothing could stop Leon with falling in love with the man who'd taught him there would always be good in the world.

The castle grounds and surrounding wilderness were popular for horseback riding and hiking. Leon absently let his horse decide the way, relaxing into the easy gait and rhythm. He sighed, enjoying the lightly perfumed breeze. Over time, his memories plagued him less and less. His mind only obsessed now with the fear he'd lose Valbar too.

"It's just a rumor," he muttered to himself. "It's none of my business who my sworn brother courts." Leon was desperately trying to convince himself, rambling as he surveyed the picturesque countryside. "If I was a decent person I'd just let this go..." He draped his reins over his saddle pommel and let his body move with his horse, grinning as his hair whipped in the breeze and his knees urged his mount forward, already imagining showing off his expertise one last time. Even after a couple years, riding hands free was as natural as ever. "...but clearly I'm not."

Leon attempted to tame his windswept hair after he brought his horse back and left for the dining hall. King Alm wasn't one for much formality- all of his close knights and high ranking officials sat at his large table in the center of the room, with rows off to both sides of everyone else. Leon smiled at the loud, merry conversations he could already hear in the buzzing murmur of the crowd.

"-you think your Pegasus would really let me ride with you?!" Delthea's high voice carried easily.

"Totally!" Clair proudly tossed her blonde curls over her shoulder. "You're a girl, so why not? It'll be fun!"

Leon pulled out his chair between Valbar and Boey, touched to find Valbar had already reserved him a plate of minestrone soup, steamed vegetables,, roast, and warmed bread. Leon automatically gave Valbar his roast and helped himself to a heap of vegetables from Valbar's plate, not missing Valbar's smile. "Ah, there we go, a perfect gristle-free plate. My apologies for being late."

"You've been riding, huh?" Valbar eyed Leon's wild hair. "You know, you don't have to try and prove yourself tomorrow. You're a knight as much as I am."

Boey nodded in agreement. "Yeah, not to toot our own horn, but we're all legends here."

Leon huffed. "Yes, I AM a legend- the only amazing archer here!" Tobin coughed on his bread and tried to protest that he was a prominent archer as well but Leon spoke over him. "What's wrong with a reminder, hm?" Leon suddenly stood back up, pulled his chair out despite having just arrived, and climbed on top of it with a wine goblet in hand, frantically smoothing down his hair with the other hand. "ATTENTION EVERYBODY! I, your beloved Sir Leon, will give an expert, amazing, spectacular archery demonstration tomorrow of the toughest archery course you've ever seen for the King's games! Thank you!" He bowed deeply and returned to his seat, basking in the scattered applause. He turned to Valbar and smirked. "There. I have to do it."

Valbar grinned. "Alright. Fine. It'll be a good lesson for my recruits- but something's gotten into you. Don't think I don't notice, Leon."

"Hmmm, I want everyone to notice me. Mission accomplished!"

Forsyth sulked more than usual, folding his arms as he shook his head despairingly and drank from his wine cup. "Python could've matched you, Leon. If only the damn idiot ever put in even a tiny bit more effort, he could excel! He's a slacker who's scared of commitment." He glared at a random, hooded recruit a few tables over who was slouching deeply in his seat, as though anyone too relaxed embodied Python.

Python had been offered a knighthood along with everyone else by Alm and Celica, but had taken up a small town watch to occupy himself with. Forsyth had never gotten over how Python refused to join him at the castle guard. Python seemed to delight in riling Forsyth up, and Forsyth was ready to blow off steam at any given moment. They'd been inseparable since childhood, and traded more barbs than Mae and Boey could ever hope to.

"Scared of commitment?" repeated Gray. "Were you trying to marry him?" Clair tried to kick her husband under the table for being rude but Gray expertly dodged with a smirk.

Forsyth didn't react to being teased, but he did make a face as he thought about Python. "Let's say I asked- he'd say no just to spite me! And probably stick his tongue out at me like a child! As if we haven't been through hell and back together!"

Alm watched the table conversations with amusement. His title of the first Saint-King aside, he was a twenty one year old who'd been raised in a village of close families. Dinner was the most cherished, informal, social part of his day. Queen Celica and Prince Conrad's seats were empty since Celica had had her child and dined in private, leaving his adopted grandfather Sir Mycen at his right hand and Sir Lucas to his left. He looked past Lucas to Forsyth and grinned. "You know, Forsyth, whenever you look like that I can't tell if you're fuming about Python or still tasting that exotic spice that went up your nose those years ago."

Forsyth groaned, turning a hue of green to rival his hair as a few scattered people laughed. "Your Majesty PLEASE- must I relive this damn incident weekly?!- 'Take anything from the convoy!' you said! 'Grab whatever's on top!' you said, as I was trying to save my own life in the middle of fighting a horde of undead creatures! Nothing's tasted right since!"

Clive laughed heartily and put a hand on Forsyth's shoulder. "No one is upset, your life is more important than the gold marks for it."

"I'm upset. Three gold currency right up Forsyth's nose, such a shame," sighed Gray wistfully.

Delthea giggled and took a sip of wine while nudging Luthier's foot. "You think you could get any of that spice out?"

Luthier seemed to miss that it was a joke and gave Forsyth a calculating look. "It might only be worth one gold mark, but if I-"

"EW!" exclaimed Clair, covering her mouth as more people laughed. "Gross!"

"One gold mark?" echoed Gray. "I'm listening."

"Nonono!" exclaimed Forsyth, flustered and hiding behind his spoon as he tried to wave off Luthier's gaze like a stray fly. "No magic in the face!" Most people were almost done with dinner, and conversation lulled for a minute as people relaxed and savored the castle's fare.

"I'm excited for the Ball," commented Valbar. The casual shift in conversation to the most anticipated party of the year drew everyone's attention in. "Believe it or not, I'm a graceful dancer."

Leon's heart pounded and he locked eyes with Clair, who was practically on the edge of her seat. Could this be the secret to finding out who Valbar's new love was? "Who are you going with?!" squeaked Leon, praying the fact that his voice came out an octave too high would be chalked up to enthusiasm.

Valbar shifted in his seat and blushed. Leon's body was coiled tight as a spring as he waited to hear the name. "It's a surprise." Leon couldn't help feeling somewhat crushed, deflating back down. He'd find out who Valbar was in love with, he HAD to.

"I'm going with Celica." Alm paused. "That was obvious, huh? I'm not used to being married."

Gray snorted. "It's weird for us too."

"Gray- WE'RE married!" exclaimed Clair.

"Yeah? And it's still weird! Look how grown up we think we are!" Gray grinned and held Clair's hand. "Sometimes I still feel like that village kid who was head over heels for you."

Tobin rolled his eyes. "Sometimes you still act like it."

Mae eagerly scanned the table and grinned, giving Boey a wink. "You know, I had meant to tell this to Celica first- but we aren't the only ones who are coming for the royal celebrations-there's another ship on the way!"

Leon's heart leapt. "Kamui?!"

"Not just Kamui." Boey finished his wine and basked in the attention of the table. "Saber, Genny, Atlas, Jesse- gods help us."

"All three Whitewings sisters are on their way too!" Clair beamed. "Oh I can't wait to see them again- they're flying here any day! I'll get to perform with the greatest riders of -LOOK UP COUNTRY NAME-!"

Gray's face lit up. "I bet one of THEM know if a group of Pegasi are a flock or a herd!"

Luthier looked up from his dinner plate, tucking his fiery hair behind his ear the same way a professor might adjust their glasses before settling in for a lecture. A forkfull of salad dangled forgotten in his other hand as he cleared his throat. "It's a fascinating question on how we categorize species of magical hybrid creatures with the mundane, Gray. First of all, Dame Clair and the Whitewing Falcon Knights technically ride alicorns…"

"Oh gods, you've really done it now," groaned Delthea as Luthier plowed ahead, undeterred.

Plates were finally cleared and the group started to disperse, still chatting gaily. Leon stayed at Valbar's side automatically as they filed out of the hall. He racked his brain for some way to get the information on Valbar's mysterious date out of him in a proper, gentlemanly fashion. Leon was above pickpocketing, but also desperately needed to know who his competition was.

Not that he'd ever expect Valbar to love him back. Having a name would help it sink in, that he needed to try and move on. "Could I have a handkerchief? I don't seem to have mine on me," said Leon innocently.

Valbar patted his pocket, and then narrowed his eyes at Leon. He grinned, giving Leon a playful nudge. "Ohoho, is that what this is about? You heard about that favor I have?"

Leon dramatically flung his sleeve in front of his face, messily wiping his nose. "Oh! For shame! Making me have to use my own clothes! How dare you!"

Valbar laughed. "I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter. It's-" he hesitated and then looked away, an uncharacteristic blush starting to appear on his cheeks. Leon widened his eyes and almost bounced on his feet with excitement before Valbar coughed and avoided eye contact. "You'll see who I like at the dance- I promise." He put an arm around Leon and affectionately squeezed his shoulders. The gesture was too sweet for Leon to stay agitated.

"Fine, I'll be patient." Leon hesitated and stopped Valbar, pulling him away from the crowd. Leon couldn't lie, he'd never been able to keep his heart anywhere but his sleeve where Valbar was concerned. "Listen, you're not upset with me, are you?"

"No- absolutely not, perish the thought, my dear- erm, my dearest friend." Valbar's warm smile and gentle touch soothed Leon to his soul, even if Valbar still seemed flustered. It was short lived, however as Valbar's voice turned to the light tone he used with daredevil, overconfident students who were about to do something stupid. "I'm not going to be upset until I have to carry you to the infirmary tomorrow for being reckless."

"EXCuuUUUSE ME?!" Leon's indignant exclamation didn't carry any genuine weight when directed at Valbar, but he was still going to fuss. Valbar didn't back down as Leon tossed his hair and went so far as to stomp his foot. "Oh that is IT! I'm the best shot this continent's ever seen! I could shoot an apple off your head blindfolded! I've stared death in the face and sent a volley through its skull! I can snipe an undead monstrosity in the middle of a moonless night in a graveyard through a grove of trees! Don't forget how incredible I am!"

Valbar was well used to Leon's antics and never seemed to be anything other than fond of Leon's attitude. "You're taking your retirement with such grace I could never forget your talent and even more overbearing stubbornness, clearly."

"Good!" Leon huffed, spun on his heels, and strutted away before he caved and admitted Valbar was right, as usual.