The journey to the pits of the castle was relatively quiet, as Ford and Rallden hadn't seen each other in 7 years. Honestly, they barely knew each other. The only time they really spoke was when Ford needed help defeating Hayden Leeus at the Inn.

There was still a part of Ford that wonders what happened to Hayden Leeus. The last thing he had said was he would come back, but that has yet to happen, and it's been 7 years.

Anyway, Ford and Rallden couldn't really be considered friends. He had only offered to help defeat Rayn and King William because that was his duty as a royal soldier. But, Rallden had wanted to befriend Ford, and he still does.

So, he would try to make conversation-

Rallden: "So, Ford, how have you been these last 7 years.. what journeys have you been on?"

Ford was happy to hear Rallden try to make conversation, as he had also thought he and Rallden could have become good friends.

"Well, quite a bit has happened after Hayden... While I was staying at Arias's castle, I learned of some forest dwellers planning to capture Arias, so me and Cecilia went to take care of them. Then after that, me and Arias went our separate ways and I stayed in a nearby village, where I found out Enkai Kaito was planning to kill Arias. So, with the help of a healer named Ama, and a fellow knight named Daren, we took Enkai down. Then, we just kind of laid low for 2 years"

When Rallden heard that, he smiled and said "I see.. then after those two years was when you saved Rowan Capital from the Devoted Cult?"

"Well, I had help with that as well. I wouldn't have been strong enough to take 'em down on my own... Anyway, after that, On our way back to Crowlan, our carriage was attacked, and I had passed out. When I woke up, Arias was gone. After that, I couldn't really do anything, so I spent 5 years sulking to myself... And I still regret that. I wish I had saved Arias the moment she was captured..."

Ford looked down, unable to make eye contact with Rallden after saying that, which is understandable. Ford hadn't tried anything to save Arias for 5 years, leaving her to suffer in the hands of William.

Rallden knew that well, but he had also understood Ford's fear. So Rallden wouldn't place the blame on him.

Rallden: "Hey, don't put so much blame on yourself, it's okay to be afraid... And I'm sure Arias will understand and forgive you.. you care about her, don't you?"

"Of course I do, I love her... As her knight, I want to stay by her side.. I know I can be a bit of an asshole and an idiot sometimes, but I've been trying to change.."

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Rallden smiled, and said-- "then show her that you love her.."--

Just then, before Ford could respond, they had arrived at the "dungeon".. It was more like a prison for innocent people.

In the distance, was a birdcage, and Ford knew instantly who was inside. It was Arias, and Ford ran as fast as he could to the birdcage.

Something was different though, Arias.. was injured. When Ford saw that, he quickly formed a light sword and slashed the lock off of the cage, setting her free. Rae hadn't healed her.

"A--Arias"

Arias smiled, and said in a weak tone "I knew you'd come at some point.."

"I--I'm sorry, I should've came sooner..."

Arias was still smiling, to let Ford know that she doesn't blame him.

Arias: "I--It's alright... I understand"

"I love you, and it's time I show you..."

Just then, Ford had leaned in. A kiss, their first kiss, after 7 years.. the circumstances, however, were not what Ford wanted.

Arias would let out a weak chuckle, as she said--

Arias: "I--I was waiting for that... I love you too, Ford Reski..."

Ford, by this point, would start to cry. When Arias saw that, she wanted to hug him, but was too weak to do so. So she instead would hold Ford's hand--

"H--hey, Don't cry, it's alright.. I--I'm leaving Rae to you.."

Just then, Arias had removed a gold necklace with a name tag reading "Rae" on it, and handed it over to Ford, who grabbed it, but then said--

"W--why didn't he heal you?"

Arias: "because I--I've accepted m--my fate."

Arias let out one final weak chuckle, as she said--

"Just promise y--you won't d--do anything idiotic, alright?"

Just then, before Ford could respond, she had died.. Ford couldn't help but let out a scream as he laid on the floor, crying.. 5 years apart.. just for her to die when they reunite..

So, there was only one thing he could think of--

He got up, formed a knife out of light, and stabbed himself in the throat, killing himself instantly.

•••••••••••••••••••••

When Ford opened his eyes, Arias... Was still gone.

"N--no... Come on!"

Ford formed a knife again, but this time, Rallden stopped him...

Rallden: "No Ford! Arias... She'd want you to live on..."

Ford didn't respond, but didn't stab himself either. He had just lost the love of his life, right in front of his eyes.

He got up, put the gold necklace on, and walked out. Without looking at Rallden, or saying anything to him.

This moment would change Ford's entire life

_______________________