Nearly two weeks had passed since Clement arrived. He had begun visiting the manor every day, even if only to chat for a short while. Truthfully, he really had a soft spot for Ryella. He found her to be quite intriguing, kind, and pretty. He liked how her personality seemed to shift depending on what form she was in. He could hardly believe how rapidly he was falling for her.

And in turn, Ryella was growing quite fond of the boy. She'd never felt that way about anyone before. She enjoyed Clement's company, and his friendly, easygoing nature actually got her to open up rather quickly. She easily found herself talking with him about all sorts of things. She told him about her life as a Guardian and how her magic worked. Clement, on the other hand, told her all about his adventures back in Lucis. The girl was fascinated by all of his tales. It was amazing how close she'd gotten to him in only a couple of weeks.

Ryella currently waited outside, sitting on a bench under a tree. Luna had been considerate enough to give her time every day to spend with Clement. At the moment, even Reynard was off duty and sitting with his sister.

"So, Ella, about this Clement guy..." he paused, trying to find the right words. "Are you sure you should be spending so much time with him? I mean, I want you to be happy and all, but it just feels like you're neglecting your responsibility."

"Luna has been giving me time off," she explained. "I've never asked, she's just been telling me that I'm free to spend my time doing things that I want instead of just what I have to do."

Reynard sighed. "I know. I just don't want you to get hurt or anything."

She giggled at that. "You don't know Clement very well, he'd never hurt me. He's too sweet for that."

"Ryella!" The siblings turned their attention to the young male dashing toward them. He stopped in front of them, panting lightly. "Sorry I'm late, there was an old lady that needed help carrying some groceries."

Ryella stood, smiling at him. "That's okay, I understand."

Clement grinned, wrapping her in a hug. Reynard swiftly rose to his feet and pulled the boy off Ryella. His tall figure and muscular build gave him an intimidating appearance. "Keep your hands to yourself and off my sister."

"Rey," the girl interrupted, tugging on her brother's sleeve to get his attention. "Don't be mean."

Clement held his hands up defensively under the taller male's glare. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. I'm just always happy to see Ryella."

Reynard raised an eyebrow. "You are, are you?"

Clement grinned. "Of course, I look forward to this time every day."

Ryella took Clement by the hand and lightly pulled him away. "Come on, I'm sure my brother has things to do."

She swiftly took the hunter away from her brother, not liking the way his protective side would take over whenever Clement was around. "Ryella, are you finally going to play a song for me?"

The girl paused at the sudden question and turned to look at him. "Huh? You still want me to play?" She shyly rubbed her arm. "I-I don't know, I don't like performing for others."

"Come on, please?" he begged. "You promised you'd play for me at some point. You can't keep delaying it forever because I'll ask every day until you do it." He playfully grinned.

Ryella bit her lower lip in thought, gazing into his brown, pleading eyes. "Okay... I guess I can try."

She led him inside and straight to the music room. She took a seat on the velvet stool in front of her harp, patting the empty space beside her for Clement to sit at her side. The small stool didn't give them much room, forcing Clement to sit with his shoulder and leg pressed against the girl's. Ryella didn't mind though, she instead placed her fingers along the harp strings, thinking of a song to play.

"This song was originally Lunafreya's," she mumbled, mostly to herself. "But I'm sure she won't mind if I sing it this time."

Clement smiled. "Whatever you want to do is fine with me."

Ryella thought over the rhythm and began gliding her fingers along the strings. The sounds the harp made were captivating, especially with Ryella's talented fingers at work.

This song is called "A Time For Us" and is by Celtic Woman.

"A time for us
Someday there'll be
When chains are torn
By courage born
Of a love that's free
A time when dreams
So long denied
Can flourish
As we unveil the love we now must hide

"A time for us
At last to see
A life worthwhile
For you and me"

Enjoying Ryella's lovely voice and harp playing, Clement couldn't help but smile and gaze at her softly. He carefully reached up, brushing some of her hair over her shoulder so his view of her face wasn't obstructed. He then lightly placed his arm around her shoulders. The song was charming him more than he would've ever thought.

"And with our love
Through tears and thorns
We will endure
As we pass surely
Through every storm
A time for us
Someday there'll be
A new world
A world of shining hope for you and me

"A time for us
At last to see
A life worthwhile
For you and me

"A time for us
At last to see
A life worthwhile
For you and me

"A world of shining hope for you and me
A world of shining hope for you and me"

Clement leaned over, pecking the side of her head. "That was beautiful, Ryella."

She blushed at both the compliment and the kiss to her head. "Th-thank you."

"Are you sure that was Lady Lunafreya's song and not secretly yours?" he lightly teased.

Ryella giggled. "Yes, I'm positive."

The boy hummed. "Odd that she'd sing something like that."

"Well..." Ryella quieted her voice even more than usual. "Don't tell anyone about this, but Luna has been in contact with the prince of Lucis for years. She really loves him, and this was the song she came up with to express that."

"Oooh, that makes sense." Clement smiled. "She's going to get the opportunity to express her love though, what with her arranged marriage to Prince Noctis."

The brown-haired girl nodded in agreement. Mere days ago, Niflheim had proposed peace to Lucis. A wedding had been arranged between the princess of Tenebrae and the prince of Lucis. It was a symbol of the peace that would come to pass with the signing ceremony, which was to be held within Insomnia. It was the whole reason the Oracle had been stuck inside the past few days, she had so much to prepare for. Even now, Ryella could feel the stressful vibes flowing from Luna.

"Are you hungry?" Ryella suddenly asked. "We could get some lunch, if you like."

"Yeah, sounds good."

~~~~~

Reynard stood before the pacing Lunafreya. His eyes were glued to the wedding dress that had just arrived. It was set up in her room, waiting for the day to be worn. Umbra and Pryna sat by, watching the Oracle with concern.

"What do you think I should do, Reynard?" the blond woman inquired. "I know this is meant to be a marriage of convenience, and I'm more than happy to comply, but I don't want to burden Noctis with this."

Reynard shook his head, smiling softly. "He shouldn't feel burdened by it, he should be overjoyed to marry a woman like you."

Luna ceased her pacing and smiled. "Those are kind words, but in truth, I am nothing compared to him. Noctis is the one True King, chosen by the Crystal as this world's savior, and I am but a humble woman, with only an Oracle's voice to offer." She hung her head down. "I fear he might find me foolish for wanting this."

Reynard moved closer, stopping in front of her. He placed his fingers under her chin, lifting her head to look at him. He saw the sorrow in her sky blue eyes. "Luna, if you truly love him, then there is nothing wrong with wanting to be with him."

"What the Guardian speaks is true." The two both turned their heads to see Gentiana. "The lady is susceptible to the same desires of any mortal. Is she so different from others that she isn't allowed the freedom to be with the one she loves?"

Luna slowly shook her head. "No, she is no different at all. She only wants happiness, as all others do." She looked up at Reynard once more. "That is why I want you and Ryella to find your own happiness as well."

Reynard smiled in a somewhat sad way. "I'm happy as long as I have my sister...and you."

While it broke his heart to talk about the wedding, he knew Luna loved Noctis. He stashed away his feelings, hoping Luna wouldn't feel them because he just wanted her to be happy and not worry about him. He only hoped the prince felt the same way about Luna, for she deserved to be loved and cherished by someone who would appreciate her. Reynard would do just about anything for Luna, even neglect his own feelings for her sake. And he would gladly be there for her every step of the way to her betrothed's side.

~~~~~

The day passed by rather quickly for Ryella and Clement. After lunch, they'd talked and explored outside for hours. It was nearing nightfall and the two were sitting together on a bench.

"It'll be dark soon," the girl stated, eyeing the darkening sky. "I guess you should go."

"I'd much rather stay with you longer," the hunter admitted. "If you're not busy, that is."

"I'm not," she replied. "And I have an idea. How would you like to go flying with me?"

Clement gasped, a giddy grin spreading across his lips. "That'd be amazing! I'd love to!"

The pair went up to Ryella's room. Clement already knew the procedure and waited on the balcony, gazing out at the scenery. Ryella swiftly stripped off her clothes, not wanting them to be torn when she transformed. She then used her magic energy to change into her dragon form. Once ready, she went out to the balcony to stand beside the boy. Now towering over him, he gazed up at her with a grin. Despite the way her eyes glinted in the moonlight, she wasn't the least bit frightening to him.

Clement eagerly climbed up onto her back, sinking his fingers into her thick, soft fur. It wasn't the first time he'd gone flying with her, so he knew to hang on tight. But it would be the first time flying at night. Ryella steadied herself along the railing, spreading her wings. Clement held on tight as she leapt off the balcony and took off into the air. The cool wind beat against his skin, but it didn't bother him because the dragon was warm to the touch, keeping him from getting cold.

The Guardian drifted through the sky at a slow pace, allowing the boy to enjoy the view. Clement gazed up at the glowing moon and the shining stars scattered across the sky. With A smile, he leaned forward, draping his arms over the back of her neck, hugging her.

"This has become my absolute favorite thing," he told her, "flying with you. My little brothers would love this." He abruptly sat up. "Have I ever told you about them?" Ryella glanced back at him and shook her head. "I have two little brothers, Kayne and Haydin. Kayne's 17, he's a real bookworm and loves to read about old legends and stuff. Haydin's the youngest, he's 15. He's a rambunctious little guy who wants to be a hunter like me. He sure gives my mom a heck of a lotta trouble, but he means well. I hope you'll get the chance to meet them sometime, you'd love them."

The white beast inwardly smiled at that. She truly would enjoy meeting his family. If her father were still alive, she'd want Clement to meet him as well. Damon was so strong and fierce as a Guardian, but he was also very kind and gentle when it came to his children. He was the kind of man that many would look up to. Reynard was a lot like him. Every time Ryella looked at her brother, she saw so much of her father in him. She wondered if she could ever compare to either of them.

After a relaxing flight through the night sky, Ryella took Clement back to her room. After transforming and getting dressed, she walked the boy out of the manor, knowing it was time he left.

"Hey, Ryella? Would it be possible for us to hang out tomorrow afternoon? And I mean somewhere other than here at Fenestala."

"Oh, I don't know," she replied. "Rey and I really need to start making our own arrangements for the wedding. We've got to pack up and be prepared if we are to escort Luna to Altissia."

"Please?" the boy pleaded. "I have something special in mind. Just give me an hour of your time, that's all I ask."

Ryella hummed, thinking it over. She was curious to know what it was. "O-okay, I guess if it's just an hour."

"Great!" Clement wrapped her in a quick hug. "I'll see you tomorrow, and make sure you have an appetite."

The girl watched him leave, a smile on her lips. Even though she had things that needed to be done, she couldn't help from giving up some of her time to be with Clement. She was really eager to find out what he had planned. But right afterwards, she'd have to focus on getting things ready for Luna's wedding.