Makiri allowed the small girl to lead him to that fateful place. As he trudged through the field, he remembered….a day when he spoke to her, and they walked together, and he had collapsed in the snow from a bizarre magical accident that perhaps might have been the first seal of their relationship. He smiled. The magus’s smile was clean, clear as crystal.
"I remember that story. My older sister told it to me when I was a child. It was because something evil had placed a curse on the poor girl…but love is enough to break any curse. Don’t forget that. Love and faith…can get you through anything."
If only I’d had that faith. If only I had it earlier. They didn’t have to wait. I’ve been such a fool.
They stood before the doors. Makiri breathed in once. Here it was…in all of its splendor. Once again, standing before him. He squeezed Inya’s hand. “I’m ready, Inya. Let’s go in.”
She smiled at her father, then opened the door.
It was exactly the same; the interiors of the castle were exactly the same. Quickly, Inyasviel led her father to the study where her mother was, and true enough, her mother was writing the usual alchemy equations needed for whatever she was making. Inya didn't knock; she was never one for knocking on doors, but she did run to her mother.
"Mama! Papa's home!"
The saint stopped writing.