The maiden saw Xerxez's companions waiting ahead, so she knew Xerxez was returning to Thallerion. Her eyes grew heavy, and the cold wind embraced her, signifying the truth that the man she admired would soon leave. However, Xerxez sat on a rock near the maiden, tenderly watching the ripe leaves drift away with the water.
"This seems to be the right time," Xerxez whispered to himself. It was as if his question came from the drifting leaves, hoping that if his heart fell, it wouldn't be into the water but onto the woman before him now.
"King Xerxez, do you know you're the first man to sit beside me?" Perlend said shyly, her cheeks burning but she tried to keep it from showing like smoke. Perlend's heart felt sad thinking that Xerxez and his company were leaving for Thallerion, while she would just wait for Xerxez to visit Peronica again.
"But how long will I wait?" Perlend's mind cried, visible in the heavy loss of vigor in her shoulders.
