// YOUR FAVOURITE SON \\

[Filter: Canti]

I know you've noticed the sheer quantity of messages being delivered to my desk, and I know you've been eyeing them with rightful trepidation. The truth is, darling, it's becoming difficult to delay returning. I'm delaying them, really, which is delaying the construction of our home! Terrible. Ah, but, before you argue ...

I've spoken to mother and father about this at length. Father thinks it's ill luck for the heir of House Byron to be born anywhere but their true and future home. Blame my time in Kiernan, but I think I'm just superstitious enough to agree! Mother has been more difficult. She worries terribly for you, you know. And for her grandchild, of course. But she finally -- finally -- broke down this morning and said she'd give her blessing to my carting you off north on one condition. That she accompany us for the journey and the remaining length of your pregnancy. Ah, and knowing mother, probably for some time after the birth as well.

I'm inclined to accept the conditions, but I want your opinion, hm? I assume you still want to come back with me...? What do you think?

[Filter: Canti]

I spoke with Kiefer.

I'd forgotten that his and Nerida's anniversary is so soon -- the 9th. And he promised her they would celebrate in Eblar. However, he's also promised me that come the morning of the 10th he will see to returning everyone to Rowan.

Will that be all right, darling?

I would just like to report on this lovely Rose Day that my wife is the most wonderful and beautiful woman in Eire, I am utterly bereft without her at my side, and I do hope she is having a far better day than I am watching all of these people go back and forth throughout camp, delivering their parcels and enjoying the company of the ones they love most.

Please be aware, Canti, I am tallying all these missed occasions and when our life returns to some semblance of normalcy I plan to make up for them in suitably grand fashion.

But for now all I can say is that I love you and miss you dearly, for more than any flowers could convey.

[Filter: Private]

I she one of those, I wonder?

It won't go away, I bloody well know that too well. All these years suspecting Thomas, that's taught the lesson well enough. But then as now, I needn't answer it, not really. No compulsion. Just ... an awareness. Thoughts that intrude on you when you least expect. The usual, really.

It's been a difficult time for all of us, with Lucre in that state. Canti says she's in no danger. There needn't be anything more involved at all. But the lingering question, the is there or isn't there, the chance that there could be and that is what drove her to tell Canti the things she has ...

Ah, poor Canti. How dare her, really. Speaking to you of such awful things. And how dare I even think of involving myself. You would never know, but if you did ...

What would you do, brother? Always the noble knight. Here's the perfect opportunity, an excuse to wage the war under the guise of perfect gallantry. Defending your lady's own sister. You would have jumped at the chance, I think.

[Filter: Chloe]

I don't expect a reply to this, exactly, but I do know you must be over there sulking about how the entire family is here, and you are not. No doubt you're telling yourself that surely none of us has spared a thought for you, even on Festival, hm? Well. For one thing, Mother and Father were worried, especially when nothing arrived from Eblar. We've smoothed that over as best we can, I suppose.

We are thinking of you, dearest. And you'll always be one of us. We love you, and we miss you dearly, and we're looking forward to seeing you in the winter.

Happy Festival.

If that's all for farewells, then, I believe my brothers and I will be on our way. It's a long ride back to Rowan, and as I'm sure you can imagine, there is too much to be done to delay any further!

Canti, Martha, we'll be there later tonight, hopefully not too late.

To everyone else -- I know that you'll continue to enjoy Eblar. Keep an eye out for certain invitations to arrive, later in the autumn, hm?

[Filter: Rowan Brothers]

If you want to see her response, feel free, but be warned: it's as insufferable as it could possibly be. Suffice to say, she won't be coming down, so we may as well get going.

[Filter: Canti]

Is Martha still there? There's nothing to worry about, but we need to keep this quiet. Even from her. Especially from her, I might say. She'll tell my brothers anything the moment they press her.

Now -- and I know what a surprise this is, but I promise it's true -- the Prince has graciously offered us a respite in Milesia, darling. He's given me a letter with his seal to present, and assured me that it will be very quiet, nearly empty, and no one will be allowed to pursue us within its walls. Especially not Tarmon. Doesn't that sound lovely? We'll make straight for Milesia, and allow everyone to believe we've gone to Eblar.

Not a word of this to anyone, now. We want as much time as possible, don't we?

[Filter: Hasten]

Do you have a moment?

I've made some plans that I'd like to discuss with you before I go ahead with them.

[Filter: Canti]

Good morning, my lady!

Did you by chance happen to read yesterday's news?

[Filter: House Rowan]

There, you see? That was done quickly enough, don't you think?

I'm still not entirely sure about all of the circumstances surrounding that victory, and -- to be sure, we're likely to be here awhile yet arguing back and forth over the fate of this cursed place before we're free to come home, but the fighting, that's done.

Home by summer, just as I said.

[Filter: The Armies Against Sarrca]

Is the weather really going to turn on us now?

If this is about to materialize into some sort of late spring blizzard, we ought to start preparing -- those clouds are gathering rather fast. The men are nervous, whispering about an ill wind, mages, sorcery and the like.

I imagine this is like to impact your march as well, Lord Gebann. Take care.