Well, yeah. It ain't like she could hide from the authorities forever even if she wanted to. Took 'em a few days to come since we're a little out of the way, but they came, and she went without makin' any fuss once they were at our door. We said our goodbyes the night before.

[ (And it had hurt, because at that moment when they hugged each other tight, they both knew come morning their paths would diverge and likely never cross again. She wasn't just leaving, she was moving to a different station in life out of his reach, in service to a greater destiny that didn't have room for anything before it.) ]

But, you know... [ A dry laugh. ] After she left, I went to the city to look for an apprenticeship, and the funny thing is I found out the place she got taken to was just a day out from the city. So of course I got it in my head to try seein' her there. It's called the Obsidian Mirror, can't miss somethin' that dark and imposin' out in the open.

But ain't no way they're gonna let a peasant approach where they're trainin' new Princes of the Earth. Got caught by the patrollin' Black-Helms, and they caned me for tresspassin' on the spot. [ For emphasis, and maybe a bit of black humor, he makes a light chopping motion in one hand onto his other palm. ] Getting whacked 'cross the back hurts like hell, who knew? I tried twice after, got caught and whacked some more each time.

After the third time, one of them told me if they caught me again, I'd be goin' to jail. Maybe even just executed for repeat offences, though he mighta said that only to scare me outta it. [ If Day wants to be charitable about it, anyway. ]

...And that was it. Didn't try again. Haven't seen her since. [ And there is that smile again; reflexive, bitter, and cynical all at once. ]