"There's always the potential it might, isn't there?" She countered as her own horse snuffled at her shoulder. She could feel the tears building again. She'd always thought that the worst feeling in the world would have been facing the reality of leaving Aristide, not the fact that she would be leaving behind a newly discovered father in addition to Aristide. It sat heavy in her chest, leading her to eventually sink down on the forest floor in front of Aristide, her skirts pooling around her in an imperfect circle. Small jabs of pain needled their way into her shins, twigs and dry leaves crackling beneath her. She paid none of that any mind.

"I had to take the opportunity, Ari." She murmured, eyes on his shoes now. She didn't want to admit she was fearful at what she might find in her twin's expression. What if she'd made a mistake in telling their father yes? He likely wouldn't have sent off the letter yet, but she didn't like the idea of waiting any longer, or the idea of going back on her word.

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