"So it's kind of like the American old west, but with aliens and robots?" Keiko grinned, deciding she liked the way Barkeep had described it. The place sounded lively and exciting, and ripe with opportunities for people to forge their new lives. A pity she couldn't see it herself.

She waited patiently for him to finish his water, and tilted her head faintly when he mentioned her ring. Sometimes she forgot she was still wearing it, and that she hadn't always had it on. Honestly, it was a wonder they didn't get engaged sooner, but it still made her happy just to look at the simple band.

Keiko smiled, laying her hand on the table and splaying her fingers apart so Barkeep could get a better look. No matter how humble, a girl always loved to show off her engagement ring. "No, that's exactly what it is. My fiance, Yusuke, have known each other since we were kids. He proposed to me while we were making our way through the crystal caves one day. It was a matter of time, really, but I didn't think it would happen until we were both back home."

And she still believed that they would return eventually, because she couldn't fathom the thought of never seeing her parents again.

"I'm not sure if we'll have a wedding here, or if we'll wait for our families and friends to be there. I guess we'll see how things go."