Dragons, this ... this doesn't usually take this long, does it? I don't recall this taking so long, with Bertrand.

If something was wrong, they would tell me, don't you think? I haven't heard anything in hours. Except

I can't stand this. What if she's

They would tell me, right?

[Filter: Private]

Dragons ...

It really will be any time, now. She ... didn't look like this, with Bertrand, I'm sure of it. She certainly wouldn't have been able to keep it secret, as long as she did ... of course, she's better taken care of, now. Knowing that, I really shouldn't be so nervous. After all, that went ... er, smoothly enough, considering the circumstances. There's absolutely no reason why this shouldn't go well.

I wish this were easier on her, though. She looks ... well, miserable, to put it plainly. And I feel so useless in the face of it -- what exactly can I do?

It will be such a relief when it is over, for all of us.

[Filter: Fallyn]

Well, I have good news.

We're set to depart from Diarnay on Monday morning. The journey takes little more than a week, so ... I should be home very soon. Soon enough, at least.

[Filter: Private]

I can see where the suspicion stems from ... what a foolish man. He's been very careless, but all of the secrecy ... I see it, now. He's embarrassed.

He should be, of course. This is not behavior worthy of a man entrusted by House Rhia with so much. Grandfather will not be pleased to know how much he's squandered, and ... why he's done it, but ... at least it's not

Honestly, I'm relieved. This could have been much more difficult to resolve, and ... Fallyn would never have forgiven me, if I was unable to return home in time.

[Filter: Grandfather]

Did you know, Grandfather, that Sir Dennal was recently married?

[Filter: Public]

Well, Matthias, I have to admit that I'm impressed. You and Lady Hazel have a lovely home. You must be very pleased.

[Filter: Private]

I will admit that I didn't think it would be this ... hard. It must be all the others writing about their children. I'm sure that Bertrand will be suitably distracted by all of the excitement, but I wish that I could be there, all the same.

Well, no doubt that Fallyn and the girls will have stories for me, at least. And Mother, too. She catalogues every little event in her own way. Betrand is her first grandchild, after all.

[Filter: Fallyn]

Happy Festival, Fallyn. I love you.

I hope that you're enjoying the festivities, but don't let Verity get you into too much trouble, there. You know as well as I that she'll try her very best, haha.

Everyone in Diarnay has been very accommodating to us, so far. It could never compare to being home, with you, but I wanted to assure you that we're at least not stuck celebrating on the roads.

[Filter: Private]

There's no point in waiting longer. The sooner I depart, the sooner I'll return ... and then I can see to setting everything right.

I should have noticed she was upset. There's no excuse.

The trip will be good for all of us, I think.

[Filter: Grandfather]

My affairs are all in order, Grandfather. I am planning to depart for Diarnay in the early morning, by your leave, with a selection of my own men. If there is anything else...?

[Filter: Private]

Whatever the reasons are that I am being sent ... it's still an excellent opportunity. After all, the others will only see what is there on the surface, and to be given any task directly from Grandfather is something to note for someone in my position.

Diarnay isn't so far, just as he says. It should be simple enough. Mother and the girls will take care of Fallyn and Bertrand. There is absolutely no reason to have reservations. Even though

The more tasks I can perform well with, the better a life I build for my family. That is all that matters.

[Filter: Fallyn]

Fallyn, may I speak with you, for a moment? There is something important that we need to discuss.

[Filter: Private]

As expected, he treats my questions and concerns as though they are only amusements.

You would think, after so many years, I would stop expecting him to -- act his age, perhaps. It's perfectly well my place to inquire about his intentions when I am married to her sister.

[Filter: Isllyn]

May I ask you a ... somewhat personal question, Isllyn?

[Filter: Private]

He did seem ill, at supper ...

But I'm sure it's all simply exaggeration. Summer colds are hardly unheard of. The sudden change in the weather, well ... you see that sort of thing all the time.

Speaking of which, it's very hot, lately ... I wonder if it's at all responsible, taking Bertrand out so often, in the heat. Haha, so often I feel ... well, there are so many things you don't consider, when you imagine having children of your own. You always assume your own parents knew the answers instinctively, so surely you will, as well. Hm.

I'll talk to mother, I suppose.

And I should speak to Rickard, too ... I'm sure I'm not imagining his interest in Isllyn. I owe it to her to at least try to discern his intentions, don't I?

[Filter: Private]

Hm. Of course, the rumours don't necessary mean anything ... in a place like this, everyone exaggerates. If Uncle Stephan says he is staying because he's enjoyed himself, then why should it be anything else? He's been away for so long, it's really not surprising that he'd choose to extend his stay here, and it's not as though they've left Eriena alone. It's perfectly reasonable.

I wish Verity would mind her tongue, honestly ... what good does harping on about other possibilities do? It just upsets everyone. I'd talk to her, but knowing her, it will only make things worse ...

... It's pointless to dwell on. I wonder where Isllyn's taken Bertrand, today ... Mother says she's been offering to take him out often, lately, but I can't say I like not knowing precisely where my son is. I suppose Rickard may have an idea, considering how interested he seems to be in her ... I wonder how serious he could possibly be, about that.

[Filter: Isllyn]

Mother tells me that you've been seeing to Bertrand often, lately. Haha ... everyone is so preoccupied with Fallyn, and the child on the way ... I thought I would thank you personally. He must be very confused. I hope he hasn't been terribly cranky, with you.

Well, I believe that Grace and I will be departing to the temple early, today. There might be something we can do to help organize. I doubt there will be much interest, but I thought I would extend the invitation to the rest of you, cousins, in case you are feeling particularly pious.

To everyone else, I hope you have a wonderful day.

[Filter: Private]

It's ... odd, really. A gesture of good faith, I suppose, but I'm still unused to Sir Noland acting quite so strange. It's an improvement over his impossible demeanor in the past, perhaps, but -- still odd.

I can't imagine him ever settling here in Rhia, however. If he truly cares for Isllyn, he'll allow her to move on ... if nothing else, the past months have proven that. Of course, it's hardly my place to say so, to either of them.

I do dislike the toll it all takes on Fallyn, though. Especially now, Dragons, I won't have them upsetting her with their own ... difficulties.

[Filter: Private]

... A short circuit hardly seemed to help at all. In his own words, even.

I doubt Isllyn will forgive me easily if she should find out, but ... I really do think this may be best.

[Filter: Noland]

There's a caravan set to depart to Eblar within the next few days. Understandably, with the crowds they are likely to encounter, they are looking to hire on extra swords for the journey. The circuit is likely to take several months, at least ... if you're interested, I can introduce you personally. I'm sure my word will carry some weight, for you.

[Filter: Noland]

Were you still interested in taking temporary mercenary jobs? I've had men monitoring the postings, for you.

[Filter: Private]

This will be good. Very, very good ... Mother and the girls are so excited. I think they were more upset than they were willing to let on about, that they couldn't be a part of all this with Bertrand. Dragons ... everything will be different, this time. Properly done, for one, and ... we were so lucky, that Bertrand suffered no ill effects from all of that mess ...

Everything will be perfect, this time, I'll be sure of it.

[Filter: Public]

Well, haha. For those that are interested ... Fallyn and I would like to share that we're expecting our second child.

[Filter: Private]

... He'll be back soon, and what then?

I can hardly keep sending him on odd jobs forever. It wouldn't be particularly fair to either of them.

... Then again, it shouldn't be my responsibility to -- or Fallyn's, though she thinks it must be, she and Isllyn are so close. They are both adults. They'll have to reach some conclusion ... hopefully sooner than later.

We do have our own lives to consider ...

[Filter: Private

Ah, well ...

I hope it helped to take her mind of this mess, even if only for awhile.

It's frustrating, really. There's nothing I can do, not to any appreciable extent ...

[Filter: Noland]

There is a caravan departing in a few days' time, carrying goods to Kiernan. The circuit is short enough, and straightforward; they'll be returning here once their trading is done. It's nothing you need commit too much time to, and it will be time to ... gather your thoughts.

They'll need an answer soon, however.

[Filter: Private]

... That's precisely what we needed. Her writing here, stirring it all up into the open. Even moreso than it already was ...

I never knew her. Maybe that's for the best.

[Filter: Noland]

Have you figured out where precisely that you're going, yet?

[Filter: Fallyn]

... I know there likely isn't much that I can do, but if you should think of anything ... well, I am here.

[Filter: Noland]

Where are you? We can't find Isllyn anywhere, and if she isn't with you -- Fallyn is worried sick, and to be perfectly frank, so am I. She doesn't sound -- what have you done to her? Do you ever bother to think before you act?

If you don't answer me with your precise location I will send Rhian knights, after you. I swear I'll arrange it somehow.