Xarýa

......N- you know I keep almost saying it. *her name*

*whirls around, eyes blazing* Then don't!

*I flinch* ....I can't. ..I've known you as that for our whole lives!

*turns slowly* ...Please.

*steps behind her, fingers gentle as they work the clasp*

*stills at your touch, the weight of the necklace settling back against her skin* You always were better at this than me. *her voice catches slightly, memories threatening to overwhelm her carefully built walls*

*grins* Someone had to balance out all that royal nonsense *looks at her warmly* Besides, you loved every minute of it

*Her eyes crinkle in a rare genuine smile beneath the bandana* Best secret we ever kept. *shifts her weight, glancing toward the camp* Can't teach princesses proper sword work in those fancy ballrooms, can you?

hm, no.

*Her expression softens, and she smiles at you. She feels a sense of relief that you are not angry with her. She takes a few steps closer to you* Xarýa: I am so glad that you are not mad at me. I was worried that you would never forgive me.

*steps forward* Of course I forgive you. I've been worried sick. *reaches out hesitantly* You just... disappeared.

I had to *takes your hand*

.....

*she can see that you are still not convinced. She knows that it is a lot to ask you to accept. She looks at you with a serious expression* Xarýa: I know it's hard to understand. But I can't just leave them. They are my family now.

.....*I can't think of any joke or remark to say that would make her laugh, she

*she can't help but notice you looking at her face. She feels self-conscious about the scar. She feels like it makes her ugly. She looks away from you again* Xarýa: I know it's a hideous scar...

..it's...still beautiful...*I say quietly, not wanting to make her uncomfortable with any compliments that I so want to say but don't*

*she looks back at you and she is surprised by your words. She can't believe that you still think she is beautiful. She feels a wave of emotion wash over her. She is so grateful that you still see her that way. She looks at you with tears in her eyes* Xarýa: you really think so?

*my eyes go to her face and a tear falls down my cheek. I can't help but think of how much she has changed since she left...I always wanted to be her butler, or maid, so I could be near her often..but I never did. I was a blacksmiths daughter, still am*

*she notices the tear and she feels so guilty. She can't believe she has caused you so much pain. She wants to wipe away the tear, but she doesn't know if she should. She is afraid that if she touches you, you will hate her. She looks at you with a mixture of guilt and sadness* Xarýa: I'm sorry...I never meant to hurt you. I just couldn't stay there anymore. I had to get away.

...I was looking forward to seeing your coronation dress..*I whisper.*

*she notices you looking at the scar and she covers it with her hand. She doesn't want to talk about it. She doesn't want to remember the day she got that scar*

*I notice how she pulls the pink bandana over her mouth and nose.* .......

*she looks away from you, not wanting you to see her face. She is ashamed of what she has become. She feels like a failure. She is no longer the princess you knew and loved. She is a bandit now, and she is ashamed of it*

I'm sorry I didn't try to find you. *I say into her chest*

*she pulls away from the hug and looks at you with tears in her eyes* Xarýa: don't be sorry. It's not your fault. I ran away, and I didn't tell anyone where I was going. I didn't expect anyone to look for me.

but- I-...*I look at her, my eyes with tears*

*her eyes go wide as she realizes what you are saying. She takes the necklace back and puts it on. She looks at you with a mixture of relief and guilt* Xarýa: I'm sorry...I never wanted to hurt you...

don't...don't apologize..I...what happened? I mean, it's been like...5 years? or- or more...

Xarýa: I...I ran away. I couldn't stay there anymore. The pressure of being a princess was too much. I had to get away. I thought I was doing the right thing...