Going Home
Riku rode slowly down the road on Rigel, breathing in the fresh air. The grass on either side was dead and brown from numerous soldiers and horses going that way, but if he looked close, there were tiny new shoots coming up.
It had been three weeks since the battle at the keep, and while many of the ladies and civilians were remaining there for a few more days under the guidance and protection of the Princess, her Aunt, and the Lady Princess's son, Riku and his Prince were heading home to Hollow Bastion. With them was an escort of ten Trabians, ten Balamb soldiers, and a couple of servants.
The past three weeks had been very long for Riku. He's spent the first week attending all the Prince's meetings for him, writing down notes when he had to, and reporting back to his Beloved. The Prince was allowed time to recover, though before the first week was out he'd made a few public appearances and spoke to the public. The evenings were short, and both Riku and Sora slept deeply and heavily.
The second week was divided in Riku's memory between more meetings and helping the Prince heal; walking around him him and keeping his body as active as they dared so that his body didn't become too weak. It was in the second week that Hayner and Roxas were kicked out of the room for too much horseplay. Obviously, they'd been kept indoors too long, and were put to better use in the camp.
The third week, it was decided that they should return to Hollow Bastion to help where they could. The early days in the week were devoted to getting the Prince back on the horse and packing.
"Alright, Your Majesty?" Riku asked the Prince riding beside him. If they needed to stop for the Prince to rest awhile, they needed to stop. They moved at Sora's pace today.