Between training with his father and learning with his mother, there are few things that bring Adrian Tepes such joy.

However, one pastime he did find came to his notice two years ago not long after he turned fifteen.

Wandering into the woods behind the castle, he was drawn to an unfamiliar presence about a hundred yards in. Upon further investigation, he found a girl.

It didn't take long for the two to become close friends with Adrian visiting her whenever he can and occasionally inviting her to come back with him to finally meet his parents because he has a real friend.

But she always refuses.

So now he sits near the small beach of a stream, an out-of-sight waterfall providing background noise along with the animals as he waits for her.