There was something bittersweet about the events transpiring. For one thing, on the political side a massive change was about to happen, something that would benefit all Ivalice. Even if it would only last a little while, a needed peace would fall on the land, and everyone could focus on the enemy: Zodiark. The fact that Reia would even agree to walk into enemy territory was an accomplishment in itself, though Emiri had to admit that the pressure was on to make sure Reia would arrive in one piece.

So why did she feel so abandoned?

It was always a thought in the back of her mind that she had been putting off, she supposed. Most of them were people of influence, so it stood to reason that once everything was said and done everyone would return to their homes and go on with their lives. Perhaps she had gotten attached. Perhaps she was just uneasy about her own future. Either way she felt terribly alone, and slightly bitter for it. She blamed her grief; it seemed to be easiest this way, and she was still shaken from her mother’s death. She’d just have to deal with it for now, as the time to get ready was upon them. But what was she going to do?

Meanwhile Nadeline had to deal with her father’s mood swings, which got less and less charming as he would alternate between an overprotective, adamant force and a weeping, whining mess. She should have been used to this by now, but for once she couldn’t keep up with the man. She half-wished he would go bother Wesley instead, though she couldn’t honestly wish it upon him. As Lorenzo blubbered behind her as they walked to her room, she couldn’t help but stop in her tracks, turning to her father and placing her hands on her hips.

Lorenzo sniffled pathetically, trying to contain his hiccups. He cleared his throat, mustering up some decency as he looked at his daughter. “[b][color=f26522]Nadeline…you’ll always have a home here, don’t forget that,[/color][/b]” He told her quietly, genuinely looking upset.

“[b][color=f7941d]Thank you, Father, but please don’t be so sad, I don’t want Mother following suit,[/color][/b]” She pleaded with him. “[b][color=f7941d]Although now that you’re to accompany Reia, I have a favor I wish to ask of you.[/color][/b]”

The blonde man huffed, crossing his arms. “[b][color=f26522]I already know about Emiri, if that’s what you’re going to ask,[/color][/b]” He told her. “[b][color=f26522]As much as I have confidence in Aloa’s abilities, I think it’s best if she stayed here, just in case. Can’t have her go stabbing Jaakuna or anything.[/color][/b]”

“Don’t joke like that,” Nadeline reprimanded him with a frown.

“[b][color=f26522]I’m not joking,[/color][/b]” Lorenzo told her. “[b][color=f26522]I realize that you all have your own things to do, but somewhere along the line you’ll have to revisit this problem.[/color][/b]”

The princess let out a small sigh. “[b][color=f7941d]I know. But I have confidence in Aloa…and in Emiri. Now that she knows what she did, I’m hoping that she will have the strength to fight it. More importantly…[/color][/b]” She looked at her father sternly. “[b][color=f7941d]I’m relying on you to take care of Reia and Jaakuna in my place. He’s impulsive, brash, and jumps at the first chance for a brawl.[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=f26522]He sounds like a problem?[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=f7941d]No, he sounds like [i]you[/i].[/color][/b]” She rolled her eyes. “[b][color=f7941d]I can’t help but feel you’re going to end up egging him on more than you realize. Do try not to drive Aunt Reia insane with your shenanigans, will you?[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=f26522]Him? Like me? He wishes![/color][/b]” Lorenzo grinned, though it faltered as Nadeline glared at him. “[b][color=f26522]I’m a grown man, I can do whatever I want! Why am I the one getting scolded?[/color][/b]”

“[b][color=f7941d]Because seeing as not only with Wesley and myself gone, Grant won’t be with them either, so [i]someone[/i] needs to be the responsible one. And unfortunately, that falls on you, Father.[/color][/b]” She pointed out. “[b][color=f7941d]I’m being serious.[/color][/b]”

Lorenzo patted Nadeline’s head, much to her annoyance. “[b][color=f26522]I know. You leave them to me while you accompany your king, alright? I have a feeling now that you’re all separated is where the real hard part starts.[/color][/b]”

Back in his own room, Grant let out a low whistle, turning to Savayna. "[b][color=purple]We can leave at anytime that pleases you. Shall we?[/color][/b]" He asked.