“As do you.” Orin expressed similar feelings, holding onto this moment for a little while longer. There were far too many occasions where he wondered if she was ever going to step forth from the confines of the castle walls once more. “I am really glad to see you are doing well.” Even so, in the back of his mind, he understood the heavy heart she adorned. That alone was reason enough to do everything he could possibly do to help relieve the burden placed upon her. 

“Now that we are both here, I have something important I wish to say.” Orin put on a more serious face and paused, attempting to build the suspense. “It is about your request…” He continued to play up the part, his voice softening, trailing off into uncertainty. “I am not sure you are going to believe this... but what if I said I was actually going to accept your offer, right now.” Orin’s smile widened as his words alluded to his approval; his ambitious eyes focused entirely on her own reaction to the exciting news. 

“I don’t know where this journey of ours will take us in the end, though I do know I will always be by your side.” This went beyond simple companionship, but a strong relationship between friends. “I will do what is required of me to see to it that you find your mother.” Orin spoke with a growing confidence. “I know not how my inferior skills trump that of your royal guards, though I will not question the princess in her final decision.” Wasn’t like he would ever question the princess anyway, especially when he finally realized not one of the guards could actually handle her exuberant personality.

“Who knows, maybe I could learn a thing or two along the way.” Orin found himself chuckling at the groundbreaking revelation, not having to spend endless days staring at intimidating texts and drawing undesirable personal conclusions. Relieved at the notion, Orin spoke aloud, wishing to hear Aryn’s own thoughts about what was to happen for the both of them. “What do you say? You think the both of us can handle this together?” An encouraging smile followed his questioning words of interest.