"Friends..." Tern repeated softly, appearing to be a little less jittery than he had a moment before.

Asbel returned the glance, smiling a little as they turned down another street and entered the heart of Aqures Ixen with its luxurious housing and towering castle. "Yeah, I think so, too. And in time, they can help other Heroes, or find new places to live, doing whatever they want."

"And don't worry, Sophie," he added. "I promise you'll get to see it again. We'll go together."