[SE] things are gonna change now for the better

Robin had given Alys a lot to consider, and for him to do so for a perfect stranger spoke volumes of his character. His emotions might have been a bit of a mess at the beginning, but the conviction with which he spoke now only confirmed his words. For the first time since starting her quest, Alys could say with certainty that she felt she was doing the right thing.

”That helps tremendously,” she said, smiling at the demigod. ”Thank you so much. This means the world to me. If there’s anything I can do to repay you…” She couldn’t imagine what she could do for Ronin Taliesin, but she was certainly willing to try.

ALYS GLASSE

RONIN

THE WHITE KNIGHT

"I'm glad," Ronin says, and he means it, setting down his empty glass for the waitress to take the next time she breezes past. "I hope the rest of your quest goes smoothly, and that you and your companion are reunited soon." As if on cue, his own companion swoops down from the rafters to coil about his shoulders like a pale, draconic housecat, snorfling obnoxiously into his ear.

As for what she might be able to do for him, he scrunches his nose and waves her away with a wry smile. "I don't help people for the things it might get me in return. If something as quick and simple as a conversation makes your life easier, then consider the debt already repaid," he assures her, rising to his feet.

"Though if you do find yourself back here once you have your companion back, I'd love to meet her."

now don’t you lose hope

I swear I never dream that we’re alone

I swear I still believe but I don’t know

As Ronin rose, so did Alys. "I'll let you know if I succeed," she agreed readily enough. If meeting Sascha was all that Ronin asked for in return for his help, she would bring the little ursur to him gladly. Once she'd thanked him once more and bid him goodbye, she made her way out into the street and back to the port, where she found the Peregrine and climbed aboard.

Finding herself alone, she had a great deal to think about - but for the first time since she'd received her quest, she felt hopeful that she could see it to its end.

fin

ALYS GLASSE