Forward-dated to after Ivalice is established.

[regal_innocence]

[Private to Watanuki, Doumeki, and Agrias]

Comments

[story_trader]

Ivalice! [the word is written with jerky handwriting, far from his usual, neat script]

So, that was what the Emperor's proclamation meant. Where is this new Ivalice situated?

Doumeki and I are fine. I have not seen Ms. Oaks since. We were hoping she was with you.

Keep hope, Ovelia... my sister. We may find a way out of this yet.

[regal_innocence]

Yes. I...I wish I had spoken to you prior to this. Or at the very least, when first I had arrived in safe haven. I cannot apologize enough for this.

It is...near the borderlands of Hyrule, consisting of the provinces of Sawa and Yamano.

...Agrias...

I see. I shall try my best to contact her still. If I receive word, I shall let you know of her current situation.

...Thank you, Brother. And I shall. Though the situation seemst bleak, there is always but one ray of light, is there not?

[Granted, the ray of light for her is the fact that she can keep in contact with those who she loves on the outside.]

[story_trader]

You do not have to apologize. I meant what I said before we parted - I was already involved the moment I chose to grant your wish.

Where one blood-smeared kingdom has recently fallen, another one with a mask rises. Your captors have chosen an interesting location.

Thank you. I believe, however, that she will be more focused on searching for you.

Yes. For better or for worse, this is far from over.

[regal_innocence]

...I know. That does not mean that I do not worry for your safety, nor do I...wish that I had not put you in danger.

Yes. I would...I would say so. Ivalice's true lands are further East; looking at it now, I wish I had returned home for a short time after the fall of Ivalice. If not only to see my father one more time.

Though that is neither here nor there.

This is true...I can only hope that she is all right.

...

It will end for the better. It must.

[lionsguardian]

Your Highness! Thank God, I can finally sleep with a bit more ease, knowing no harm has come of you.

Ivalice... What would they gain by restoring it, I wonder. And why retrieve you in such a way? It makes no sense...

No apologizes are needed, Your Highness. But a favor. Where might I find you?

[regal_innocence]

I am all right, yes. Please, do not worry yourself. What of you? Are you all right? You were not injured?

It makes little sense, yes, but I suppose I shall have to wait to see their intentions. Eventually...they shall have to reveal them to me somehow.

...I...I shall be moving towards the Capital for the Autumn Meeting soon. But afterwards, you may find me in the province of Yamano.

[golden_age_king]

[Delita knocks, but enters Ovelia's room before she can answer. He notes her uneaten plate of food.]

...You've not been eating. A princess cannot live on conviction alone.

[regal_innocence]

[She is silent, merely watching him a moment.

...

Then...she twists at the hem of her tunic--she has not yet changed into the princess's gown that she was expected of her, nor would she. She could still be stubborn, even in small ways.]

...I suppose not. But for now, my stomach has decided that such will suffice.

[Her voice is soft, but with that sort of small, bitter bite to it. She was wronged, and hurt. And she doesn't mind lashing out a little bit, even in the tiniest inflection in her tone.]

[golden_age_king]

It matters not to these men whether you starve, so long as you live. A fast will harm no one but yourself.

[regal_innocence]

I suppose it would not matter to them. I am...'useful', after all. It is not as though they have any true loyalty.

[She laughs, but it is a small, humorless one.]

[private // written // viewable to doumeki, watanuki, ovelia]

[sonoftheshrine]

We're fine. You don't have a reason to apologize to me.

Take care of yourself.

[private // written // viewable to doumeki, watanuki, ovelia]

[regal_innocence]

...I...

...

Thank you.

I shall, worry not. You care for yourself as well.

[private // written // viewable to doumeki, watanuki, ovelia]

[sonoftheshrine]

It's nothing.

Hopefully we'll be able to meet again.

Good. Be careful.

He won't be alone, at least.

[private // written // viewable to doumeki, watanuki, ovelia]

[regal_innocence]

We shall, I am certain of it!

...I will. Despite my appearance, I am able to care for myself. Though I suppose with my current predicament, it does not quite speak in my favor.

Yes. Please, watch over him.

[char_char_char]

So you're the princess, huh?

Quattro Bajeena; I'm a mercenary. I'll be looking after you while you're here, so let me know if you need anything.

[regal_innocence]

I am, yes.

[Ovelia smiles at him genially, though in truth, she can't stand this formality. This...just ew.]

I shall. Though please, call me Ovelia.

[Formalities = DO NOT WANT.]

[char_char_char]

Of course, Ovelia. "Quattro"'s fine as well.

You won't remember this, but we actually met before, very briefly. Your late father contracted me once a long time ago, and I was introduced to the royal family. You couldn't have been more than four years old, though.

[regal_innocence]

Truly?

[Ovelia is genuinely surprised.]

I...did not know. But even so, it is good to see you again, Quattro.