Well, I can hardly say that play was what I was expecting. I suppose I'll have to find whatever little bird told me it would be so wondrous and enthralling, and inform them that they have absolutely despicable taste.

I actually feel a bit as though I'm going to be ill, after that. I hope no one else has contracted this sudden malady? I'd hate for all of us to be feeling similarly terrible.

My, but Emeron seems empty with everyone going their separate ways. I know it's certainly too late for anything to be done for it, but it's quite simply such a radical departure from how I've been managing my time for the past few months! Though I will admit, It's pleasant not to have to worry about travel for a bit longer, especially with winter looming ever closer by the day.

And you know, people are still passing around information about that play Chloe said something about a bit ago. I suppose the show is to come to a close soon, or something like that, from the way everyone talks about it.

Goodness, one might think the celebrations here never end. Not that I'm complaining, of course, it's just an observation! I suppose this is what comes when there's such a long wait. Surely it doesn't seem so bad now, with the celebrations lasting so long?

[Filter: Isanae]

And I have to say, I'm impressed you haven't run for the hills yet. Maybe you're just biding your time?

Hm, you know what's curious? It's been so long since I was last in Emeron that I feel almost as though I've completely forgotten my way around the city. Which is a shame, since it's such a lovely place, but I believe I've gotten lost three or four times now.

I suppose this is about where I ought to ask for assistance, so, very well. Might someone be willing to lend me a hand? I feel absolutely foolish for asking, but it's better than wandering around looking like an absolute tourist, in my opinion. So, if anyone would be so kind...

[Filter: Canti]

Lady Canti, I thought I might have an announcement for you. You can relay it to your brother and the others, if you'd so like, but I thought you ought to be the first to know. Do take a guess as to what I have to tell you, won't you?

[Filter: Isanae]

Why, sister, I hope Tarmon's not been any more insufferable than usual, with how much delight Hasten seems to take in ruffling our dear Lord Snowflakes' feathers. I've been worried, I must admit.

I have to admit, though I know the Festival has come and gone, I feel rather like staying in this inn a bit longer. I wonder what it could be~? Perhaps the fact that they're bending over backwards, practically begging us not to go? Perhaps the fact that it simply feels absolutely grand, still, to be off the road?

Or perhaps there's another reason entirely. I just can't quite put my finger on it. What could it possibly, possibly be? I haven't the slightest idea. Perhaps my companions might be able to shed some light on the subject.

In the meantime, I think I'm going to have another bath.

Must you fidget so, Chloe? Honestly, I thought you were more skilled at entertaining yourself than this! I can help you brainstorm some more clever little riddles, if you'd like. I'm actually quite good at them, you may be surprised to know! It's important to be the quick thinker in the family, you see, I have to make up for Hasten.

Though I have to say I think I'd also prefer to be on horseback, though the cool nights might be a bit of a deterrent. I can hardly believe it's September already. Why, I could swear that only the other day I woke up and it was January, and now we're creeping ever closer to the end of the year. And my lovely sister's wedding, of course, but I did think that went without saying.

[Filter: Canti]

Hello, Lady Canti~ I'm sure you don't remember me. Lord Fartgus of Lireth? I wouldn't expect you to recognize my handwriting after so long away, so please don't apologize if you didn't know.

I just wanted to say that there are rumors flying around here that my entire family will be making a trip to Emeron once again soon, for the sake of my beloved sister's wedding. The date is growing nearer and nearer, as I'm sure you're aware, and while I will hate to leave court behind, I imagine that being in Emeron once again can hardly be so unpleasant as long as you're there to lighten my day. And your darling sisters, of course. Don't tell, but I do play favorites.

So I simply thought it kind of me to write and inform you of how much I'm looking forward to seeing you again. It's been quite a while, hasn't it? I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

Well, far be it from me not to say something here now that I've found my book. I can't imagine I've missed very much at all. Eblar this, Eblar that~ I simply hope no one's been telling terrible stories about my behavior while I've been gone. Even if they have been, though, I'd assure you I've been a perfect gentleman.

I am sad to see everyone leaving, though. Of course, I always mourn when people choose to leave Eblar, but then, it is my second home. And, of course, I've been missed. I've quite a deal of time to make up for, and the ladies here are insistent that I not forget that.

[Filter: Private]

I wonder who this mysterious person could be. Narrowing it down shouldn't be terribly hard. In fact, I daresay I have a strong semblance of an idea of where to begin. Something that can wait for another time. There is unpleasantness there, or there would not be foolish games~

Chloe, Chloe. It's quaint, to see them all galavanting off like a family~ truly not the north, but it's an interesting dynamic to watch.

Hm, hm. Speaking of family, there are quite a few things I need attend to, now~ at least with Hasten out of sorts, the court once again has me as voice of Lireth. I have to admit, it's something I've missed.

[Filter: Hasten]

Now, Lord Brother~ I understand you're unwell, but there was that one little thing I wanted to ask you~

[Filter: Hasten]

Hardly what one would have expected, for Lireth blood~ though I suppose all circumstances considered, it's understandable. She seems to follow your direction, well enough.

You can rest assured that I will be on my finest behavior with her, brother. She could stand to learn quite a few things from the court, after all~

[Filter: Private]

Shouldn't be any longer than a week now, if all goes well. Just a few days longer, dear Chloe. I'm certain you'll survive the experience.

If not, I suppose I will have some explaining to do to your dear brothers, won't I? Tsk~

[Filter: Private]

Festivities may come and go, but all that matters is staying power.

And patience~ perhaps it is because I am used to longer rides that they do not discomfort me as much. It does prove dull from time to time, but nothing worth constant complaint. Do enjoy your distraction, dear Chloe~

What awaits us in the city is certainly more than worth the travel. And then, mn, to Isanae... Snowflakes is as insufferable as ever. I'd sooner spit on him than call him goodbrother, but there is no choice in that, is there? Hn.

[Filter: Private]

Unification day, and still several weeks away~ I suppose it's hardly a surprise. Still, the celebrations won't stop there. And the crowds must be unbearable~

There's a lot to think about, besides. A new cousin, of all things~ now, Brother. Surely she must be quite unpolished indeed, considering where she was found. There's a difference between useless things who refuse to learn and things that can, honestly. Surely with Amaeyra's guidance, you'll have a different girl. I'll try not to judge her too harshly~

And then there's Chloe, who's quite a different breed altogether~ though I won't say that it hasn't been interesting. Hm, a few weeks. We'll endure, and make a grand entrance, besides. It has been too long since I've last been to Eblar, after all.

[Filter: Private]

So much time on our hands to think. And plan. And wait. It does get rather dull after a while. As charming as my nieces are, I can't be expected to dote on them quite like Amaeyra does.

Why should I be up here, when it's clear that all the excitement in Dentoria is elsewhere? A place that I normally would be, if circumstances were different. Hm. This surely won't do. We are all unproductive up here, even with our own celebrations. Lireth is certainly prospering, and there is little more we can do while here.

There's only a little thing called preparations that are left to get to~ my, my. Best not waste time.

[Filter: Public]

I have been thinking~

The environment of Eblar does seem suitably inviting under the circumstances, does it not~? With matters settling here, it may not be a bad time to return. It's been so very long, after all.

[Filter: Private]

I expect a better explanation, soon enough.

Today is

Not important.

[Filter: Isanae]

Sister. I have news.

[Filter: Private]

Two years.

Hn. The preparations for Chloe's party, at least, have proved to be somewhat distracting for the household. Perhaps not so much for her, not that it wasn't to be expected.

Still no word. Why have they not sent out for reinforcements anywhere else? It only grows even more curious.

The party will be a suitable distraction.

[Filter: Private]

Delays, delays, delays~

I certainly hope that there will be some more fruitful explanation for all of this waiting. Missing princesses, missing Lords. Certain people have been silent lately, and mysterious ghosts have only been louder. It's fascinating~

Though what fun is there to be had in rushing? Hn.

[Filter: Isanae]

Well. It is time to wish a very Happy Birthday to you, dear sister, even with circumstances being what they are. It's not every day that one turns eighteen, after all.

[Filter: Private, Old Dentorian]

My most fondest congratulations to you both, Lord Brother, although I do hope that Dear Felicia does not take it too badly. Why, it has been enough to make the mood around here nearly unbearable, even without you being home to glower at us all~ something needs to be done about that, since it's something to be celebrated~

Well, there's still time to turn all of that around. They'll become used to it~

[Filter: Amaeyra]

You've been quiet, dearest sister. What did Hasten say?

[Filter: Private]

I had forgotten how long it had been since I have been home for not only dear Amaeyra's birthday, but Lord Brother's as well, haha~ though perhaps in irony, we can see that the day is spent in... an entirely more festive manner~ I wouldn't be a good brother after all, were I not here to toast to my brother's most excellent health, and more daughters.

Little Mae is still an absolute doll~ why, her sheer joy on dear Amaeyra's birthday was certainly quite the sight to behold. So very precious and charming~ I am sure her sisters will all strive to be just like her, as they grow.

Wedding plans, wedding plans. How the time does fly; but how much time do we have, truly? Tsk~ though there's nothing wrong with enjoying the rest of the time. And in the end, I do have a point to make, after all~

[Filter: Public]

Well, well~ here we are, on our Lord Brother's birthday, quite without a Lord Brother~ I can only hope that he has the happiest of birthdays, of course~