We were walking back to Hamelin when the group suddenly stopped. I blink several times in confusion when I notice that gascon is walking the other way. "Oy, where are you going? Aren't you coming back wth us???" I yell at him.

He stops and turns around. "No, I'm not. I don't have a place here. I have to find something else to do, some other role, in or out of the empire"

I sigh. "Well, that's your decision. But, can you really leave your little brother here alone?"

I let go of marcassin hand, and he immediately runs forward. "Yeah, don't go! We'll tell father what we did, together!" Gascon shook his head. "No. You tell him by yourself, don't let me butt in to your glory"

I frown at that. "You won't butt in! Can't you see, how will he cope without you!!!" At that, the younger sibling burst into tears.

Gascon sighs. "He'll be fine, right marcassin? I'll be going, but I'll never be gone. Because if you are ever in trouble, I'll come back. I promise. Oh, and aika?" I look over at him.

"I've noticed, you keep running in close when you cast spells. Your supposed to stand back, out of range. You are going to get yourself killed doing that. So..." He takes his sword off of his  belt and my eyes widen.

"Take it. It's a sword for a leader, but I think you should take it. It can help with your problem of getting in too close...? Besides, it's a thank you for what you've done for me"

I'm almost lost for words, but I reach out and take the sword. "T-thanks" I manage.

He nods. "Goodbye" but as he starts to walk away, Esther runs up to him. "Are you sure about this?" He nods. "I've decided. And I'm not going to change my mind" Esther pauses.

"Fine. But..... Maybe don't say goodbye. How about.... Until next time?"

Gascon chuckles. "Alright, until next time. In the future. In your time, see you then!" And then he keeps walking away.

Esther steps back next to Oliver. "Oliver, is this OK? I mean, in the future.... He isn't there!" I flinch. "Does he.... Die?" I ask tentatively.

"I'm sure his royal brattiness will be a-ok" swaine says casually, and I scowl. "Don't be mean! He might be stuck up, but that's not his fault! He was brought up in royalty!"

He just drags a hand down his face. "Look, fine. Let's just go back" and we continue the trek back, my hand on the hilt of the sword, with a tiny smile on my face.