[Filter: Private]

Lady Canti certainly has been particularly attentive, of late, hasn't she? What an intriguing development. A pity it came so late, but it's something to think on, perhaps, for the future. After all, perhaps there will be subsequent visits to this city, to consider. Lady Isanae is fond of me, or else a very good actress, and with Lady Canti begging on my behalf ... how could I, a perfect gentleman, disappoint her so?

Hm. Though it will be far from now, I'm afraid. You know, for all the unpleasantness hanging over this place in a heavy, Tarmon-shaped cloud, I think I truly will miss it. Kiernan ... it will almost assuredly prove drab in comparison, but there are niceties to observe, and I have a notion or two of the motives behind that particular invitation, too. Mother will be so delighted.

Well, let it not be said that Glenn of Rowan never does his duty, hm?

[Filter: Lord Hayden]

I thought I would tell you, Lord Hayden, that my family plans to depart Emeron in two days' time. Assuming your most generous invititation still stands, of course, Dillon and I will start on our way to Kiernan at that time. Apparently alongside Lord Hasten, as well, and won't we be a sight?

[Filter: Kiefer, Dillon, and Lord Hasten]

In the hustle and bustle that our preparations for departure have proven to be, I find it easiest to impart this information through these, rather than attempting to gather you all at once. Lady Benedette, it would seem, plans to travel to Rhia, and seeks to accompany our most impressive procession at least so far as we can take her.

This seems a reasonable enough request to me, if I may say, but I did promise I would ask your consent, Kiefer, Lord Hasten. She assures me she will be ready to depart by Sunday, so really, very few of our original plans need altering to accommodate her. It would be a fine gesture of goodwill to House Emeron, no?

[Filter: Private]

Hrm. And with that over and done with, I suppose we now begin the process of wearing out our welcome completely. I'm honestly shocked to see that Kiefer isn't banging down all our doors just yet, demanding that we pack our things and prepare for the road. It seems a waste, really -- will we make the journey all the way to Rowan, only to be recalled immediately North again to attend Chloe's wedding? I wonder what the best approach is, really.

I should have known this would happen, tsk. One taste of freedom, and you never wish to go back. Well, it's nothing against home sweet home, of course, but rather the fate that most assuredly awaits me there. I rather miss the West, truth be told. As charming as all of this is, it's too cold for my tastes, in more ways than one.

Though that isn't to say there aren't several ... perks, to being here. Quite the contrary. More than enough to keep me entertained for some time, yet, and that is what matters most, no?

[Filter: Public]

Well, my most heartfelt congratulations to Lord Tarmon and Lady Isanae. A most splendid ceremony, I think all will agree, and well worth the wait. I would propose another toast in your honor, but I do believe that after last evening the servants have seen fit to hide the spirits from me entirely! How very presumptuous of them, tsk.

[Filter: Private]

Well, Brother, can you believe it? Another year, come and gone again.

I'm not sure if you would have liked Emeron, you know. Yes, yes, it's very irresponsible of me to have come all this way on little more than a casual pretense, but you have no idea how much worse mother became after you left, either! Incorrigible, really, though I still love her so, of course. Kiefer tells me over and over that she means the best, and for all of the things he's most definitely wrong about, I'm perfectly willing to admit that that is not one of them. You see, I can be fair enough, when I try. But I digress! Emeron. I think you would have found it very boring, here. The people absolutely drip practicality, you know, and the stuffiness of the north is absolutely not exaggerated. And of course, you would have been more at odds with the great Lord Tarmon than I, I think. And he with you! The man simply cannot abide the company of anyone who can match him in renown, and you were always so good at overshadowing everyone around you.

That's meant as a compliment, of course.

That's not to say, however, that there is nothing of interest here! Far from it. Why, with so many people present, there is always fascinating conversation to be had, and the northerners are very generous with their wine. That I hadn't expected, to be honest! They themselves are perfectly moderated, but I suppose they allow the rest of us our excesses out of courtesy, how kind. And the women, Byron! They're really something that must be seen to be believed. It's a shame that Lord Hasten is so famously protective of Lady Amaeyra, you know. Stunning hardly seems sufficient. And of course, the Lady Isanae -- if Lord Tarmon knew half the thoughts I've had about his betrothed, I suspect the good will between the north and west would be forever adversely affected, but if you could see her, Byron, I'm certain you'd understand! It goes on that way, and luckily, not all of them are quite so out of reach. Lady Philippa, as it happens, is quite the host -- but I'll leave you to wonder what I mean by that. Yes, yes, a Lady of the East, Lady Eliza's own sister! My eyes shouldn't wander, but she's ... quite different, from the others, you know. I suspect we could have made a brilliant game of it, what a shame. Perhaps you would have liked it here, after all?

Hm, as for the family. Kiefer's little boy now actually more resembles a tiny human being than a small potato, I'm happy to report, and I suppose he'll soon be waddling about and getting into everyone's business. Not that anyone minds, he really is adorable. With any luck, he won't take after his father at all! And did you know, Constance has had another son, as well. They named the boy Cayden. We're drowning in nieces and nephews, you and I, what a wonder. Chloe will be the next, I suppose, as odd as it is to consider -- you can imagine, she's none too pleased by the prospect. If I'm lucky, I can put off my own fate until after I have attended her wedding -- she's wedding Lord Fartgus, though I believe I've mentioned that to you, before -- and then I suppose I'll be the next upon the chopping block. No doubt you find the entire concept outrageously amusing.

Father and mother are well enough, or so I assume. I've heard nothing of trouble in the West, since we've been gone, but that's not a surprise. I'm sure you were watching all of that mess from up there -- I like to think I have you to thank, at the end, there. Surely there must have been some celestial force at work, because really, the more I remember that bloody business at the end, the more I think it's a miracle that I made it out alive, let alone in good health. So perhaps thanks are in order?

The Princess was adjusting well, when we took our leave. She's a shy and quiet girl, and I think more than a tad overwhelmed -- but you should see what she's done for the spirits of the people. Could you ever have imagined that she would turn up at all, and that House Rowan would have been so instrumental in the entire affair? No doubt you would have handled it all more gracefully than I, but hope that you are proud, all the same.

You should see how quiet the family is, today, all for you.

Well, I'm sure you're always watching. No doubt my summaries simply bore you to tears! Even so, you'll pass all this on to Addie, as usual, I hope.

I believe I have a pair of candles to light, now, hm? Until next year, Brother.

Well then, now that I believe I can call myself officially settled, I believe it's high time that I gave this wonderful city itself the attention it no doubt deserves. I don't suppose any of the dear local residents of Emeron have any suggestions, for me? Sights to see, things not to be missed at all costs! After all, who knows when I'll have the opportunity to travel here, again? It's hardly a common occassion.

And to be perfectly honestly, I can't help but feel a tad in the way, here in the thick of everything.

[Filter: Private]

Well, now.

If tensions are already running so high, I can't imagine what things will be like once we finally arrive. I think I truly understand now the touch of pity in Chloe's eyes, when she speaks of the Lady Isanae.

Of course, none of that is of any concern to me. Why, I'm only here for the festivities! What use does a third son have for the intricacies of northern politics? It's Kiefer that will have to be wary of all of that, and I hope he enjoys it.

I wonder if northern women are all as frightfully frigid as the jests I hear would indicate? There's only one way to be sure, certainly, and I'm quite looking forward to the ... experiment, shall we call it? If that innkeeper's daughter was any indication, I may very well end up disappointed at the lack of challenge.

Hm, well. It's a simple enough establishment, but certainly adequate, no? Far better than spending our Festival on the road, cramped and cranky and all manner of other unpleasant things. And the good people tasked with operating the place are so very welcoming.

I'm flattered, really, they seem absolutely star-struck. I can't imagine why.

[Filter: Private]

Hm, well, that certainly went smoother than expected! I'd expected it to work, of course, if not nearly so seamlessly. But who am I to scoff at good fortune? It's a route out of watching that foul Nallen bitch sniff her way to a better marriage than any of her lot have ever deserved, that's certain, and it doesn't lead home, into Mother's open, waiting shackles. Perfectly ideal, really.

And of course, there's Chloe to consider. She's positively glowing, isn't she? I'm only too happy to improve my dear sister's spirits, what with the ordeals she has ahead of her, soon enough. It's really the least I could do.

Now, to see about proper fittings for such a perfectly high class affair. Lord Tarmon may be an insufferable brat, but heavens know, his wedding is certain to be an event not lightly missed. Perhaps enough so to make up for his company, even! One can hope.

[Filter: Private]

Now, now, Lord Fartgus. I sympathize, really, but your bearing does warrant consideration. You're not the man I would have chosen for my sister, my Lord, and the reason why is quite simple; you and I seem to have quite a lot in common, don't we? It's a pity, really. The more I see, the less I like, however little there is to be done for it. It's a very good match, that much is undeniable.

It's all well and good that she seems to take it all in stride, but when I consider what Byron would have done, well, the answer is obvious. He would have sympathized, as well, but that would have hardly stopped him from putting the fear of the Dragons into the man.

Hm.

[Filter: Private]

Subtlety does have its purpose, of course, but this situation, well. Spiraling out of control rather fantastically, isn't it?

And if I should make a scene? It's only what they expect. If his Majesty is insulted, well. It's not as though I'll be Lord of Rowan in this lifetime, is it? Kiefer is very good at placating people. A lifetime of experience lends itself to that, I suppose. Roll over on your back and play diplomacy, as ever.

This is how the crown repays those that serve it so completely? Kiefer and I had a hand in the Princess's recovery -- who knows if Lord Hasten would ever have escaped, without my efforts, without my risking my own men playing cat and mouse with a company that could have obliterated us, if we'd misstepped only once. And he allows his son to blatantly entertain the notion of marriaging the crown and our enemies, all throughout a celebration that we made possible.

Truly, I'm charmed.

It's a slap in the bloody face.

[Filter: Private]

Chloe is absolutely right. The more I see, the less I like.

Caroline is an undeniably poor choice for his Highness. Will you sacrifice all of the good will of the West on an altar to wed and bed that mangy bitch, Prince, really?

Of course, there is the matter of his Highness existing simultaneously in two locations to consider, as well. Surely everyone here who has read these books at any length has wondered at that.

One way or another, this won't be allowed to happen. Do they honestly think this House will bow and curtsy and call that woman Queen? Never. No doubt she's only waiting for us to acknowledge this. To enjoy watching us sweat and squirm that the prospect. Well, she'll have none of that satisfaction from me. I'll busy myself anticipating her eventual disappointment. Perhaps another humiliation, if we're lucky.

[Filter: House Rowan]

Well then, are we all set to go? We wouldn't want to waste any daylight, heavens forbid.

Well now, what a joy this is. The time simply seems to fly right by! I don't believe our humble home here has seen so much use in entire generations, and simply being here is such a stark reminder of what a true and horrible shame it is. Curse the unending and more unpleaseant obligations of home, I suppose.

I had feared that Martha's eyes might fall right out of her poor head for a spell, there, but it would appear that even she has adjusted somewhat to the scenery, what a relief! Chloe, dearest, I do hope you'll be here soon? I do check for word every day, and I'm growing rather tired of the constant disappointment!

[Filter: Private]

If even the bloody journals are going to nag at me for it, I can only imagine how Mother is likely to be! Insufferable, I'm certain, and now look at how all of it has got me thinking about it again when I should be thinking of anything else. Anything else at all, really.

Truly bloody ridiculous. I have yet to even hear of a prospect that's at all suitable, unless they plan to marry me off to one of my own cousins in Allba, or to ship me off south to take my pick of the Rhian buffet. I wouldn't be particularly surprised at either, at this point!

I suppose Byron would have been married, by now, wouldn't he have? Married and drowning in sons, most like. Heirs, after all, hardly get so much leeway as I've managed ... yes, well. All the same. This is nonsense, and I have better things to occupy my thoughts. How long has it been since I've seen Martha, for instance, and with no journal to keep in touch with! Such a shame, such a shame.

[Filter: Private]

Well now, a man certainly could get used to this, couldn't he? Walking about the city an honored hero, every fair maiden straining to catch his eye ... or near enough, in any case. It's one thing from Rowan itself, but the capital, well. Look how far we've come. The men are certainly well satisfied. No doubt the grumbling when father tightens the leash will be deafening, but there's no reason to believe that will be happening any time soon, is there?

Her Highness seems to come better into her own each day, which is cause for all the more celebration, I suppose. Who am I to argue? Every day the city swells is another day I've no reason to leave, and now with the family on their way, well, it's hardly worth considering, just yet. It is a pity about the Nallen bitch and her snivelling littermate, but I suppose that was well and truly inevitable. It would take a crowd of roughly this size for the likes of her to find a man sorry enough to settle with such offal.

Hm. But there are certainly things to be done to pass the time, aren't there? I've never been so content with waiting. Even Kiefer hardly seems in a hurry at all, for once, and if that's not a bloody miracle, I haven't any idea what could be.

Well, now.

I do hope that none of my own will hold all the secrecy against me, now that the cat's out of the bag and all of that. Hush hush business all around, as you can plainly see! I only regret having to share a celebration in Eblar with Kiefer, of all you, honestly. What I wouldn't give to have Dillon here, instead. Well, you'll all be glad to know that it's gotten a smile out of him, at least, but I doubt I'll have him celebrating proper by the end for all my efforts.

Ah, but yes, Eblar. It's been far too long.

[Filter: House Rowan]

Well, now! It is my overwhelming joy to relate to you good tidings, at last.

You'll be relieved to know that Kiefer and I are in fine shape, to begin with. Lord Hasten will live, likely with nothing more than a few scars to show for himself, and Lord Nicolas, Lady Mariana and the Wicked Witch of the East are well enough, too.

You'll also likely be interested to know that the great uprisings among the outlaws in our country have been -- with almost perfect certainty -- halted and further, utterly decimated, perhaps for years to come. They had gathered under one leader -- remarkable enough, yes, but even more remarkable, that leader appears to have been Andraeda of Lireth, risen from the dead. Not literally, of course, but the story is long and strange and I hope that you will take my word for it, for now.

She's well and truly deceased, now, and not likely to return again. She has a daughter, Lord Hasten's cousin, the Lady Cathleen, who he allied with in enemy territory to revolt and overwhelm the company from within. With our help, naturally.

There will be more news shortly, from Eblar -- I'm afraid that's all I can say, for now. But it should be quite enough, no?

[Filter: The Company]

[the page is smudged with dirt]

They've -- scattered. Broke all at once and slunk off like dogs. We could pursue, but -- I suspect we've already won.

I hope you're all still living?

[Filter: Chloe]

[the writing is rushed]

Chloe, dearest --

I'm terribly sorry to have missed your birthday, I hope you'll forgive me. It's -- now, it's hardly an excuse, but with matters as they are, it's difficult to keep track of the days. I'll make it up to you, hm?

And I know you're worried for me, and Kiefer too, but try not to lose any sleep over it. After all, you're an absolute beast when you've not had your sleep, hm?

We're fine, dearest, I promise. I have to go -- but we're fine. Trust me.

[Filter: Private]

And to think, I was once naive enough to believe that Kiefer would be the worst I'd ever have to work with.

Thank the bloody Dragons that Lord Nicolas can keep the man in check, I suppose. For now, at any rate.

[Filter: Private]

Oh well done, Lord Nicolas, really. It's heartening to see that someone here is willing to remind Hasten of Lireth that for all their grandiose posturing and imposing reputation, House Lireth does not rule the North. His proposed tactics would have the Princess in pieces in days, and then what would happen to us if the King were to discover it? Pieces, yes. It would ruin us, one way or the other ...

Though despite the superiority of our proposition, I can't claim to be entirely without empathy. There is nothing more irritating than being forced to lie in wait while idiots take their time blundering about the way they surely will. Directly into our drawn and waiting blades.

The Princess Seraphine. Of all the situations ... His Majesty never did accept it, but ... if she had Lord Nicolas convinced, I'll have to swallow my skepticism, won't I? Fighting for a possibly legitimate Princess, well, that's a grand sight more satisfying than bloodying a blade for Patrick of Nallen.

Here's to the hope that they don't keep us waiting long.