The fortress had finally gone quiet.
Not completely, it never truly did.
There were always guards changing shifts, servants moving through the corridors, distant voices from the training grounds, and Sol probably still arguing with some magical device somewhere.
But compared with the chaos of the day... it was peaceful.
Rin and Kaelith continued walking through the gardens, their hands still together. Neither had said much.
For once, Rin didn't feel the need to fill the silence. The moonlight rested softly over the garden paths.
Rin looked down at their hands.
"So..."
Kaelith glanced at him.
"So?"
"Nothing."
Kaelith smiled.
"You're thinking about the System."
Rin sighed.
"Of course I am."
"Why?"
"Because it has become a menace."
Kaelith laughed.
"You didn't seem to mind the last mission."
Rin looked at him.
"I did."
"You were smiling."
"I was not."
"You were."
Rin narrowed his eyes.
"You're enjoying this too much."
"Maybe."
