[text - filtered from the bad guys/action in Troia]

[byhissidealways]

[ Today is not a normal day. Rosa wakes up to an empty bed. Her first thought is that Cecil's up early, so she simply goes through her normal routine, washing up, getting dressed. Once she's finally ready, she begins searching for him, just to see how his morning is going so far. When she can't immediately find him is when she starts to worry, but

Comments

[text]

[mademyresolve]

[Ashe can't believe it - that this has happened to the very friend who comforted her when her own husband vanished. The reply comes as text, as she appreciates the circumstances from a first-hand perspective.]

I am on my way.

[text]

[byhissidealways]

[ The only consolation Rosa has is the others' words that Cecil will be fine. She considers, for a brief moment, telling Ashe not to, but the memory of Rasler's disappearance is still fresh in her mind. She knows Ashe will come anyway and how can she deny her friend what she herself did? ]

...Thank you, Ashelia. I cannot leave Troia now.

[ And she'll be in her room pretty much all day. Maybe in the evening, she'll venture out. ]

[Action]

[mademyresolve]

[Much of the day itself has passed by the time Ashe's airship arrives in Troia and the princess requests audience with Queen Rosa, who can expect a gentle knock on her chamber door.]

[Action]

[byhissidealways]

[ By the time Ashe gets there, Rosa's been experiencing many well-wishers, who have come to see her and offer their condolences. She's worn out, but the sight of this new, very close, friend causes her to brighten up just a little bit. ]

Ashelia... I hope your journey was all right.

[ Rosa's always known the power of friendship, but Cecil's recent departure has shown her this power anew and reminded her that she is far from alone. ]

[voice]

[pastglories]

Rosa.

[there's a long pause as Jecht tries to figure out what to say. This... never gets easier, trying to figure out what to say in situations like this.]

I'm sorry. Eh, y'know, Cecil... Cecil will return. He always was the time ter return to those that mattered to him. If he finds it, he'll return.

[text]

[byhissidealways]

[ Rosa recognizes that voice. He was at the meeting earlier that month. ]

Yes. You are right. I must believe he will return. He has before, so... why would he not do so now?

[text]

[pathtowalk]

My apologies, Rosa. I hope that... he returns.

[text]

[byhissidealways]

Thank you. As do I. I must keep faith.

[text]

[pathtowalk]

If I hear of anything, I will be sure to inform you.

[text]

[byhissidealways]

I appreciate your kindness. Everyone has been so helpful during this.

action

[epopt_trainee]

[Just when Leonora was about to leave for Lindblum to resume watching over, she sees this and uncertainty bubbles up. Should she really leave in these circumstances? After hemming and hawing for several minutes, she scurries through the castle to find Baron's queen.

Knock knock?]

action

[byhissidealways]

[ It takes Rosa a couple of minutes to make it over, but then she pulls open the door. ]

Leonora? Is everything all right?

[ Not that she's not happy to see the Epopt, but she wasn't expecting the younger girl to visit. ]

action

[epopt_trainee]

Y-yes, with me it is. I saw... is it true? About King Cecil?

[She's honestly more comfortable with the idea of Rosa managing the town than a man, no matter who the man is. However, it really is her responsibility.]

action

[byhissidealways]

[ Once she's sure everything is okay, she steps out of the room and closes the door behind her. ]

I am afraid so. He hasn't been seen all morning and Ceodore... Ceodore says he has left.

[Voice]

[waterblade]

Cecil's... Cecil's gone? [No way. There's just... no way this is possible. Even him disappearing and then coming back almost two decades older is less weird than him being gone now.]

[text]

[byhissidealways]

[ Because she can't manage voice right now. ]

...I am afraid so. I am sorry.

[Voice]

[waterblade]

...Great. That... that just sucks.

[Eloquent as ever.]

[text]

[byhissidealways]

Yes.

[ sob. ]