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Well, I'm glad I made use of the fire early, because it seems everyone has had the same idea. None of us have much to gift, but we are making do. I've made cookies from half of my rations. They're quite small, really, but I wanted to have enough to hand out. And the Festival of Leaves is not about the gifts, is it? It is about coming together and ... appreciating each other.
Edeyn's birthday was not so bad, wasn't it, Stephanie? I simply keep wishing, ever since we left Veirnan, that we could do better when it comes to what ought to be celebrations. At least it took out minds off ... this, for a while. Everyone is getting better, and that is all well and good, but I've seen that look on your face, Stephanie. You could do with a rest. A real rest. Why don't you allow me to manage your share? It's definitely less than it was a week ago.
[Filter: Private]
The people of Aelvir do not seem to have recovered as much as our injured. I thought that would be the case. Father is the best there is, the four of us have had opportunity to learn from him and practice, and Meghan is doing well. The worst of them look perfectly miserable, and they will never heal properly in that state.
Father must be keeping his distance. He mustn't have seen anyone from Aelvir since we set up our separate camps, as far away from each other as possible. He would not have looked away after seeing them in pain, not Father. He can't have hardened his heart as much as that.
... Perhaps the right thing to do is to focus on our own, and those we have travelled with since the beginning. We can't afford to spread our resources too thinly.
[Filter: Stephanie]
The children have cheered up, haven't they? You seem to know exactly what to say to them. It's an enviable skill. Even those who have been hurt do not look as sullen now.
The people of Aelvir do not seem to have recovered as much as our injured. I thought that would be the case. Father is the best there is, the four of us have had opportunity to learn from him and practice, and Meghan is doing well. The worst of them look perfectly miserable, and they will never heal properly in that state.
Father must be keeping his distance. He mustn't have seen anyone from Aelvir since we set up our separate camps, as far away from each other as possible. He would not have looked away after seeing them in pain, not Father. He can't have hardened his heart as much as that.
... Perhaps the right thing to do is to focus on our own, and those we have travelled with since the beginning. We can't afford to spread our resources too thinly.
[Filter: Stephanie]
The children have cheered up, haven't they? You seem to know exactly what to say to them. It's an enviable skill. Even those who have been hurt do not look as sullen now.
[Filter: Private]
I'm trying very hard not to be disappointed. I really am. But the scouts say that they can almost see the ruins in the distance. And now ... who knows how long it will take the injured to recover enough for us to start again. And we're stuck here with Aelvir, and I still don't understand why they antagonise Father so much. I'm so frustrated I could shake it out of him, I truly could.
And if Linnell runs off with Roald when we need her one more time ...
[Filter: Stephanie]
You have taken inventory of the injured, haven't you? Who needs what, and everything? Perhaps some people can be recruited to make litters so we have a way to transport anyone who can't walk, if need be. It would help if those with similar injuries were closer to each other, do you not think so?
I'm trying very hard not to be disappointed. I really am. But the scouts say that they can almost see the ruins in the distance. And now ... who knows how long it will take the injured to recover enough for us to start again. And we're stuck here with Aelvir, and I still don't understand why they antagonise Father so much. I'm so frustrated I could shake it out of him, I truly could.
And if Linnell runs off with Roald when we need her one more time ...
[Filter: Stephanie]
You have taken inventory of the injured, haven't you? Who needs what, and everything? Perhaps some people can be recruited to make litters so we have a way to transport anyone who can't walk, if need be. It would help if those with similar injuries were closer to each other, do you not think so?
[Filter: Stephanie]
The closer we get to Forna, the more I think about them. Who they were. What they were. How people loved them, and now, in a time of dire need, they are gathering to where they ruled. They say that death enhances a legacy, but Grandmother had a fair opinion of them, and I don't think she would have been caught in the myth that surrounds them since their fall.
We're getting close now, Stephanie. And I honestly don't know what we are going to see. I just hope it's a place we can make a home.
The closer we get to Forna, the more I think about them. Who they were. What they were. How people loved them, and now, in a time of dire need, they are gathering to where they ruled. They say that death enhances a legacy, but Grandmother had a fair opinion of them, and I don't think she would have been caught in the myth that surrounds them since their fall.
We're getting close now, Stephanie. And I honestly don't know what we are going to see. I just hope it's a place we can make a home.
[Filter: Stephanie]
I know you're trying, Stephanie. It's not your fault that this doesn't seem to be working at all. Father is as sullen as he was before, and we're all still pretending not to see anyone associated with Aelvir, even when they're right in front of us. I'm worried that the other Houses will start to think all of this a little silly, and ... well, it will be harder if they are not on our side.
I know you're trying, Stephanie. It's not your fault that this doesn't seem to be working at all. Father is as sullen as he was before, and we're all still pretending not to see anyone associated with Aelvir, even when they're right in front of us. I'm worried that the other Houses will start to think all of this a little silly, and ... well, it will be harder if they are not on our side.
[Filter: Private]
It's my birthday on Friday. I will be seventeen. People may still not think me old enough to be a woman, but I think I have ... grown up. Perhaps far too quickly. Only a year ago, the thing that bothered me most was Stephanie withdrawing into herself and keeping her secrets, and now ... my concerns have grown to become far more grand in scope. How do we survive until we reach Forna? What will we do when we get there? Will be ever return home? A year ago, I never would have dreamed that we would desert Veirnan the way we have.
I ought to think of something to do on Friday. Our people need something to cheer their spirits.
[Filter: Stephanie]
How are our rations, Stephanie? You have been checking, haven't you? Is it time for us to have the hunters out?
It's my birthday on Friday. I will be seventeen. People may still not think me old enough to be a woman, but I think I have ... grown up. Perhaps far too quickly. Only a year ago, the thing that bothered me most was Stephanie withdrawing into herself and keeping her secrets, and now ... my concerns have grown to become far more grand in scope. How do we survive until we reach Forna? What will we do when we get there? Will be ever return home? A year ago, I never would have dreamed that we would desert Veirnan the way we have.
I ought to think of something to do on Friday. Our people need something to cheer their spirits.
[Filter: Stephanie]
How are our rations, Stephanie? You have been checking, haven't you? Is it time for us to have the hunters out?
[Filter: Stephanie]
Well, this month has been awkward, hasn't it? The other Houses with us certainly are making a point of not choosing sides. To be frank, if Aelvir had more men and supplies, everyone would certainly be in their favour. But they do not, so here we are maintaining this ridiculous charade of distance.
I've never seen Father so ... angry. And it has Lian so upset. I did not even think there was that strong a grudge against Aelvir, and this situation, all of us running away from who knows what, is hardly the time to hold grudges. You can't possibly talk some sense into him, can't you, Stephanie?
Well, this month has been awkward, hasn't it? The other Houses with us certainly are making a point of not choosing sides. To be frank, if Aelvir had more men and supplies, everyone would certainly be in their favour. But they do not, so here we are maintaining this ridiculous charade of distance.
I've never seen Father so ... angry. And it has Lian so upset. I did not even think there was that strong a grudge against Aelvir, and this situation, all of us running away from who knows what, is hardly the time to hold grudges. You can't possibly talk some sense into him, can't you, Stephanie?
[Filter: Stephanie and Lian]
I caught a scout on her way to Edeyn, but I convinced her to report to me instead. The Aelvir contingent is only minutes away at the pace we are proceeding. Something must have happened to them, for them to slow down like that ... I wonder what Father will do. It seems we will meet them after all.
I caught a scout on her way to Edeyn, but I convinced her to report to me instead. The Aelvir contingent is only minutes away at the pace we are proceeding. Something must have happened to them, for them to slow down like that ... I wonder what Father will do. It seems we will meet them after all.
[Filter: Stephanie]
There is something I would like to discuss with you. I'm afraid we cannot include Lian, because she may still be a little ... sensitive about where this may lead.
It may be something only I have noticed, but did Linnell seem a little ... strange to you, when the subject of Aelvir was mentioned?
There is something I would like to discuss with you. I'm afraid we cannot include Lian, because she may still be a little ... sensitive about where this may lead.
It may be something only I have noticed, but did Linnell seem a little ... strange to you, when the subject of Aelvir was mentioned?
[Filter: Private]
I think Linnell knows something.
She has that ... look on her face. The smug one she uses when she wants to lord over some knowledge over us. She certainly is keeping quiet when it comes to Father's reaction to possible contact with Aelvir.
Then again, she's off with that Roald most of the time, and who knows what they're doing together. He certainly isn't attracted to her intellect.
I think Linnell knows something.
She has that ... look on her face. The smug one she uses when she wants to lord over some knowledge over us. She certainly is keeping quiet when it comes to Father's reaction to possible contact with Aelvir.
Then again, she's off with that Roald most of the time, and who knows what they're doing together. He certainly isn't attracted to her intellect.
[Filter: House Veirnan]
Has anyone pursued the matter of where that large group ahead of us are from? I do not think that information is particularly important. We might never meet them, at the rate both of our groups are proceeding. But ... it could be something for us to do, when we have a spare moment.
Has anyone pursued the matter of where that large group ahead of us are from? I do not think that information is particularly important. We might never meet them, at the rate both of our groups are proceeding. But ... it could be something for us to do, when we have a spare moment.
[Filter: Veirnan]
A scout has reported that she has seen a group about the size of ours, about one to two weeks march ahead of us. She was too far away to tell who they were, but she was certain they were carrying no standard.
I think it may be another Housefle like ours. Another headed to Forna.
A scout has reported that she has seen a group about the size of ours, about one to two weeks march ahead of us. She was too far away to tell who they were, but she was certain they were carrying no standard.
I think it may be another House
[Filter: Stephanie, Linnell, Lian and Meghan]
I suppose it seems silly to even think about this now, considering the situation ... but perhaps the situation makes this even more important.
I think we should do something for Rose Day. Our people know it's coming. It will do some good for morale. One day where we make the best of what we have. I know we don't have an awful number of rations to spare for everyone to make Rose Day meals, let alone flowers, but that's not the most important thing about Rose Day. We don't need food and flowers to show people how they are appreciated and loved. How about it, then? Fire and song would be better than nothing.
I suppose it seems silly to even think about this now, considering the situation ... but perhaps the situation makes this even more important.
I think we should do something for Rose Day. Our people know it's coming. It will do some good for morale. One day where we make the best of what we have. I know we don't have an awful number of rations to spare for everyone to make Rose Day meals, let alone flowers, but that's not the most important thing about Rose Day. We don't need food and flowers to show people how they are appreciated and loved. How about it, then? Fire and song would be better than nothing.
[Filter: Private]
Well, now that I have the time to think ...
It is hard to think of where our future lies. We arrive in Forna, and what then? Live in the ruins? Could it even support everyone who settles there? I've heard that it's just mangled forest and crumbling rock, ever since House Forna fell. How can we even live there? But according to the rumours, Forna will be our saviour. There is something poetic about it, fallen Houses seeking shelter in the remains of one of the greatest Houses to have been ruined. We don't have anywhere else to go.
Fallen House Viernan. Is that even true? We've lost our land, we've deserted our castle, but we simply left. No one has forced us out with threats or violence, but that does not change that we're dispossessed. I doubt Lian or Linnell have even thought about that, with Lian trying to gain Father's good favour again, and Linnell flirting with that Bufula boy. If I'm not Lady Lissandra of House Veirnan, then what place is there for me? I do not want to be like other homeless scions, drifting from ally to ally for refuge and gold and armies. I do not want to have my hand offered in exchange for an alliance. Every time I've read and been taught the history of this broken country, with the rise and fall of every House that sought to rule over all others, I've thought to myself: that won't be me. I won't live in such indignity. I was naive to think that my future could be so certain.
The villagers, the ones who lived on our lands, still call me Lady Lissandra, even though I'm not sure I will ever rule them. They are beginning to look to me when Father looks uncertain and Edeyn elsewhere. They are even beginning to listen. Not so long ago, they entertained me. They thought I was still a child. I've had to grow up.
Well, now that I have the time to think ...
It is hard to think of where our future lies. We arrive in Forna, and what then? Live in the ruins? Could it even support everyone who settles there? I've heard that it's just mangled forest and crumbling rock, ever since House Forna fell. How can we even live there? But according to the rumours, Forna will be our saviour. There is something poetic about it, fallen Houses seeking shelter in the remains of one of the greatest Houses to have been ruined. We don't have anywhere else to go.
Fallen House Viernan. Is that even true? We've lost our land, we've deserted our castle, but we simply left. No one has forced us out with threats or violence, but that does not change that we're dispossessed. I doubt Lian or Linnell have even thought about that, with Lian trying to gain Father's good favour again, and Linnell flirting with that Bufula boy. If I'm not Lady Lissandra of House Veirnan, then what place is there for me? I do not want to be like other homeless scions, drifting from ally to ally for refuge and gold and armies. I do not want to have my hand offered in exchange for an alliance. Every time I've read and been taught the history of this broken country, with the rise and fall of every House that sought to rule over all others, I've thought to myself: that won't be me. I won't live in such indignity. I was naive to think that my future could be so certain.
The villagers, the ones who lived on our lands, still call me Lady Lissandra, even though I'm not sure I will ever rule them. They are beginning to look to me when Father looks uncertain and Edeyn elsewhere. They are even beginning to listen. Not so long ago, they entertained me. They thought I was still a child. I've had to grow up.
[Filter: Private]
I don't want to leave. Grandmother would never flee like this. She would stay and stare at whatever threat is coming, right in the eyes!
This is our home. Grandmother is buried here. Mother is buried here. Myca is too. Leaving will be as if ... as if we're leaving them.
[Filter: Edeyn]
There has to be another way. ... Isn't there?
I don't want to leave. Grandmother would never flee like this. She would stay and stare at whatever threat is coming, right in the eyes!
This is our home. Grandmother is buried here. Mother is buried here. Myca is too. Leaving will be as if ... as if we're leaving them.
[Filter: Edeyn]
There has to be another way. ... Isn't there?
[Filter: Private]
Dragons light and dark, this house. If they are not being children, they are living in dread. It could be us next. That is what the commons are thinking, if they've heard. And what is Father and Edeyn supposed to tell them? How are we supposed to protect them if we can't think of what caused this?
Oh, Grandmother. You would know what to do.
[Filter: Linnell]
A few days ago, you came out of Lancel's room looking proud of yourself, and now Father's upset and you're being confined. Father won't talk to me about it at all, so what did you do? Did Lancel tell you anything?
Dragons light and dark, this house. If they are not being children, they are living in dread. It could be us next. That is what the commons are thinking, if they've heard. And what is Father and Edeyn supposed to tell them? How are we supposed to protect them if we can't think of what caused this?
Oh, Grandmother. You would know what to do.
[Filter: Linnell]
A few days ago, you came out of Lancel's room looking proud of yourself, and now Father's upset and you're being confined. Father won't talk to me about it at all, so what did you do? Did Lancel tell you anything?
[Filter: Stephanie]
Stephanie? It has been some time since we last talked like this, and now that Lian is ... well, I wonder how you feel about it. Has she said anything to you at all? I would venture to guess that she has not, but I have been wrong about her before.
Stephanie? It has been some time since we last talked like this, and now that Lian is ... well, I wonder how you feel about it. Has she said anything to you at all? I would venture to guess that she has not, but I have been wrong about her before.
[Filter: Edeyn]
I'm glad that you are here now. Truly. Everything has been better since you have returned.
But, ugh, one would not know that it was the Festival today, if they looked at everyone's faces. Even Lancel seems especially sullen for a man who has been told his health is improving! It must be making Meghan uncomfortable, on a day she must be missing her home.
I apologise for complaining like a child. I just wish we were having a happier Festival than we are now.
I'm glad that you are here now. Truly. Everything has been better since you have returned.
But, ugh, one would not know that it was the Festival today, if they looked at everyone's faces. Even Lancel seems especially sullen for a man who has been told his health is improving! It must be making Meghan uncomfortable, on a day she must be missing her home.
I apologise for complaining like a child. I just wish we were having a happier Festival than we are now.
