As the starless word faded as well as our contracted beasts, we were sent back to our realm. Awkwardly enough, as if we were in an illusion, we both came to while still kissing. We both pulled away after a few seconds, taking time to realize that we were kissing again. I’m astounded that I fell for that trick, but it’s not as if I hated it.

The atmosphere between us was a bit uncomfortable. Neither of us knew what to talk about and the fact that I kissed her out of nowhere didn’t quite help. On top of that I didn’t know what to say to her, because asking her to go against everything she knew was a bit much. I had my reasons to fight against the kingdom whether I was alone or not, and she had her own reasons for wanting to stop that from happening.

A place to call home. She had that, and was probably willing to defend it, while my home was swept away 9 years ago.

“I’m going to return to the capital, I need time to think.” Without giving me a chance to respond, she summoned her wings and departed. I could have sworn I saw her crying as she looked back at me one last time before disappearing into the distance.

I willed my armor to disappear and then saw something that I hadn’t realized. I have not bathed, had a shirt, or changed my pants in 4 years.

I collected some gold from the bandits and made my way to another town that was about 10 miles north. These bandits were rather successful at what they were doing until they crossed paths with the princess. Altogether they had around 15 gold coins. One hundred copper coins was equal to 1 silver coin, and 100 silver coins was equal to a single gold coin. To put this in perspective, one silver was enough to last a small family for about a year or so.

These towns that were far away from the capital were almost completely separate from the country. They were self sustaining and because they had nothing to offer the country they were left alone for the most part. This also meant that they didn’t receive protection from the military in any way shape or form. If anything the military appearing in one of these towns was a sign of impending tragedy.

After about 20 minutes or so I arrived outside the town and put my wings away so I wouldn’t scare anyone. I found a tailor shop and fitted myself with some new clothes. Nothing particularly fancy, but it was nice having a shirt on for once. I also had the tailor begin to make a bag for me, it would probably take until tomorrow for him to finish so I stayed at a nearby inn. I took a bath for the first time since my 13th birthday and cleaned all of the muck off of me that built up over the years. It took almost an hour to do so.

It was dusk by the time I got out of the bath and changed back into my clothes. I hoped that every day wouldn’t be as eventful as this one as I laid down on a bed for the first time in many years. It was so comfortable that I was out before my head even touched the pillow.

The next morning I picked up the bag that I had ordered and went to the general store for some provisions. I needed food and water since I was about to explore a labyrinth and I was willing to bet that the daemons weren’t edible. After stocking up on about a month's worth of preserved food and water, I left the town, and headed for the labyrinth.