"It's the truth," he grinned. "Have you seen the way she follows you around? It's like she's a little duckling. It's adorable. And more than that, I think it's really good for her: you show her so much of the natural world around her, and that's something I don't think she ever really saw until you came along." Not that it had really been her fault: there wasn't much to do about being cooped up inside a castle.

"I have," he admitted. "And frankly, I don't think I want to part again. Not just because of Zelly, but because you--all the party--is becoming... special to me." It wasn't easy for him to voice it, but he did his best. Winter was that kind of person: it felt like he could tell her anything and never be judged.

"I'm sorry for always dipping out at the worst moment. Hopefully things will be different in the future."