The group scrutinized every word while compiling the brief for the Emperor of Brindle, knowing Ean's life depended on it. The brief needed to be compelling but concise. Ean might only be given five minutes to present the information. Failure meant war and its devastating consequences.

They broke into teams to tackle both concerns. Aria and Ean compiled what they believed to be the most compelling and relevant information. Samuel and Ingar role-played the emperor's advisors, displeased with every second an Argonian had the emperor's ear.

After honing the brief into a concise, impactful five-minute presentation, they prepared for the journey north.

Ean checked and re-checked his satchel, ensuring it contained diplomatic papers and his props for the briefing - the hat taken from the Man In The Purple Hat, and the two-sided medallion.

Ingar was the first to say his goodbyes and leave. "Ean, I owe you my life. Stop by the tavern for a hearty bowl of stew any time you're in Brindle."

"First chance I get. Don't forget what I told you to tell Sergeant Wulfstan when you get to the military camp."

"Tell him I'm there on Game Warden Fleming's orders to count the fish on the other side of the river."

"He will understand. Oh, I almost forgot." Ean handed him a bulging coin purse. "Give half this to the barkeep in town to set up a tab for all the soldiers. Use the remainder for a tab at your tavern."

Aria and Samuel wished Ingar safe travels, and then it was Samuel's turn to leave.

Samuel poked Ean in the chest with the walking stick from Argonia West. "As much as I wish I could go with you, the journey will probably prove perilous. I draw the line at staring death in the face to once a day."

"You deserve a rest, Samuel. Or should I call you Sam-el?" Ean asked.

"Sam-el died, once and for all, in Argonia West this morning."

Aria hugged Samuel. "Yes, go rest and get your strength back. I need you to show me around your bookstore when I return."

The moment Samuel departed, Ean enveloped Aria in a tight embrace. He inhaled the familiar scents of herbs that always lingered in her hair. He closed his eyes and committed every detail of this moment to memory.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "It seems like ever since we met, we've been forced apart time and again by some new crisis."

He swallowed hard against the lump forming in his throat. "I had hoped that after dealing with the Man in the Purple Hat, things might settle down for a while. That we could enjoy some peace and quiet together. But duty calls once more."

Aria leaned her head against Ean's chest. "I knew what I was signing up for… mostly," she said softly. She pulled him into a fierce kiss, pouring all her emotions into it. When they finally broke apart, she rested her forehead against his. "You saved Argonia today. Time to go save Brindle."

* * *

Ean and Aria traveled to Riverside under the protection of Guard Blackwood as he escorted two Brindle spies to the bridge checkpoint. They were joined with some other Brindlers who had been stuck in Argonia while Argonia North had been closed off.

Ean followed Aaron and the Brindle spies through the crowded streets of Riverside, the air thick with the scent of fresh bread and flowers. As they neared the bridge, Aaron halted and turned to the Brindle spies.

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"You two, cross the bridge and wait at the Border Inn on the other side. Spymaster Fleming will meet you there shortly." He faced Ean. "Don't cause any trouble." He nodded toward Aria. "And don't let go of that one."

The Brindle spies muttered acknowledgments and hurried across the sturdy stone bridge spanning the Silvergleam River into West Brindle. Ean watched them go, hopeful they would not betray his trust.

He was about to say his goodbyes to Aria when he remembered the letter from the innkeeper at the Border Inn. "I have a side quest to complete. I'd like you to accompany me to meet someone special."

The vibrant market buzzed with life, but his gaze was drawn to a flower shop at the far end. He took Aria's hand, and they wove through the throngs of people. As they approached the flower stall, a petite woman with graying hair tied back in a bun looked up and broke into a warm smile.

"Hello handsome. So good to see you again." She emerged from behind the stall and embraced him tightly. "And who is this lovely young lady?"

Ean returned her hug. "Hello, Beatrice. This is Aria, the amazing woman your carnations helped me win over."

"A pleasure," she said as she gave Aria a squeeze. "She certainly is lovely."

"I owe you more than I can ever repay… which is why I feel especially awful about the delay in delivering this letter from your boyfriend."

Tears streamed down the woman's face as she recognized the handwriting. Ean hugged her again. "The warning he makes is no longer relevant. I have a quest in Brindle that will see the travel ban lifted so you can be reunited."

The woman pulled a red rose from her stall and gave it to Aria. She handed a white lily to Ean. "Give this to him and he'll know you succeeded with your quest."

SIDE QUEST COMPLETED: SQ-05 Deliver personal letter to the florist

As they walked to the herbal supply shop, Aria's hand slipped from his and she put some distance between them. Ean remained silent, aware of what was coming. What they'd delayed resolving.

The aroma of drying herbs and sweet floral scents hung heavy in the warm air of Lila's former shop. The place had been ransacked by the assassin, probably in a rage at missing Lila and then losing Aria.

Aria dove into cleaning the shop. Ean couldn't shake the feeling that her actions were driven by more than a desire for order. His gaze lingered on her as she meticulously arranged jars on the shelves. A tightness gripped his chest, fearing this could be the last time he saw her. He couldn't leave with this uncertainty.

"Aria…" He stepped closer, his voice thick with emotion while searching her eyes for insight to her feelings. "Before I leave, I need to know where we stand."

She paused, not meeting his eyes at first. When she did, there was a deep sadness there that pierced his heart. "Ean, I have a lot of work to do here with the shop and my… side duties." Her eyes dropped again as she busied her hands, straightening jars unnecessarily to avoid his gaze.

Avoiding looking at him, she continued. "I know you love me deeply." The words seemed to catch in her throat. "And I love you. But your accusation that I was a double agent… wounded me in a way I can't express and don't know how I'll forgive or forget." She paused to blink back tears.

Ean opened his mouth to protest, to beg her forgiveness, but Aria held up a hand. "This isn't a break-up. At least, I don't want it to be. But we need to put our relationship on hold until I can process everything that's happened."

The words cut him deep. A hold? How could he put a hold on his feelings?

Pausing her work, Aria clasped his hands. Her familiar, warm touch stung him with a bittersweet ache. "Swear to me, when you return from Brindle, you'll come let me know you're safe." Her eyes shone with unshed tears. "Promise me."

Ean pulled her close in a tight embrace. "I swear, my love. I'll return to you." His voice cracked. "You mean everything to me. I'll make this right, no matter how long it takes or how many herbs and mushrooms I have to gather."

She laughed and kissed him on the cheek. "I know you would."

With an aching heart that felt like it was splitting at the seams, he left the shop. He'd hurt the most important person in his life. Completing his quest and repairing the rift in their relationship was his only goal.

He hurried across the bridge, hoping to leave his feelings behind as he raced to the Border Inn.

The innkeeper recognized Ean and the significance of the white lily in his hand. He offered Ean a quick thanks, but Ean found himself unwilling to end the conversation. He repeatedly assured the man his girlfriend was well, she missed him, and eagerly anticipated seeing him soon. The innkeeper silently waited for Ean to purge the emotions that were troubling him before handing over a room key.

Ean took the key and checked on the spies before settling into his room for the evening.

In the morning, he paid the bill before they set off for Northold, the capital city, and his meeting with the emperor.