Oh, Sora. Riku was a born story teller. He knew how to hold an audience, and it was an exciting story to begin with. Even if they had only paid attention to him because of his association with the Prince, he had their attention, and was leaving an impression on them that would ensure they remembered him, and his name.
"It was very difficult," Riku agreed with the Prince, squeezing his hand back, knowing that Sora was remembering missing his parents, especially on his birthday. "To be at the keep, and have no news from the capitol, no news at all. We could have been all that was left of free Balamb, and we would have no way of knowing."
"Most certainly, it was exciting," Richard agreed, "But... it was also terrifying. Because, at least at the keep, though you were protecting the women and children, it wasn't your home being attacked- not really. It was not the places you had visited since childhood, gone, or under attack It was not knowing that when you retreated, someone's home and livelihood would be destroyed."