[Filter: Private]

Aaron is growing. He has grown much in these last few months, and he more than acknowledges me as his father, despite my absence. Walking now, and beginning to speak.

The experience is different from watching Glenn and Dillon grow. Of course, they are my brothers and not my sons, but did Father ever have these feelings? Hm.

One son, but how many children will we have to follow? We can only hope to ensure that they get along, rather than the opposite. My children will not be as my father's children are. It is a task indeed, considering our history. That has hardly stopped me from living as I have.

There is time yet, even with the number of people leaving. My siblings all seem hesitant to go. The next time we will be together like this is surely Chloe's wedding. Years in the making, though the distance is harsh on her. Her actions here say that much. Hn.

[Filter: House Rowan]

Martha seems to wish to go on another one of our rides, and I must agree that I'm looking forward to another one as well. Especially in light of the fact that we've hardly found a suitable alternative to them.

July 19, Sunday

My father is ill. He boasts and says it is nothing, but all the house can see that it is nothing more than hot air. He is old. ... People whisper, where they think the family cannot hear. More than once, Kevin has come to me and told me that he wishes I were still the heir. He wrings his hands, he stays up late into the night. I do not know what counsel to offer him. What do you say to your brother, when your father may be facing down death?

Father Lycoris. If you would relay the message that my stay will be unintentionally extended, I would be most grateful.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

I sometimes think I should have gone with them. ... I often think I should have gone. But I'm not used to this, and ... well, and they have others. They'll find their way, without me, but ...

But I'm tired of not being able to do anything. It feels like I'm simply tagging along ... dead weight, for the ride. A piece of driftwood ... But I suppose I've always been like that, in a way. Even when I was still in Atsiria ...

[Filter: Var]

Do you wish you'd gone with them? To try and find the prince?

Do you think I would run like a hound with my tail tucked between my legs? Did you? I do not run. Too much of my life, I have been running, and I will not do it any more. Besides, does it not show your own incompetence, that you cannot find me in your own realm?

The ghost of judgment is come. She bears down on the hypocrites and the liars, the dreadful and the horrid, and she makes them all bow to her. As they made her bow. Judgment is unkind. It has no mercy, it does not forgive.

She is the last to fall. First to conquer.

[Filter: Private]

Oh, I do still feel awful ... I'm sure things will work out for the best, but regardless. I hope I haven't made things worse ...

I -- I'm sure that things will work out for the best. I hardly knew of the situation, so I shouldn't feel guilty for asking ... not at all! Yes, that's right.

[Filter: Public]

It does seem like everyone is preparing to leave court ... it is a shame. I think I should like to stay here forever, if given the choice. There's simply so much to do, day after day. I hope the roads are kind to everyone traveling, though ...

[Filter: Private]

Ah, lucky, lucky Cerise. She must be so terribly excited to see her family, not to mention the healer as well! I'm sure this healer will have the answer to her problems. She just has to. Wouldn't it be a relief to her and Rylan and all the family if she could give Rylan a child? And Cerise is a born mother, I'm certain that if Aaron sees her again, he will just clap his hands and laugh, that is how pleased he will be~ Isn't that right, darling?

Hee, he's developed an adventurous side since we arrived in Eblar. He's started walking, and I have watch him so carefully so I can bat his hands away from anything he shouldn't touch. And oh, he's started to string some words together that don't entirely make sense, but he does manage a "hello". Oh, I hope Cerise will be back in Allba when we visit, she will be amazed to see how much Aaron has grown.

[Filter: Private]

I wish he wouldn't talk to me. I told him that he should spend his efforts in resting, but he just simply insists on speaking to me as if he's known me all my life and making the most forward assumptions. It is utterly presumptuous and ungentlemanly and I won't encourage it.

[Filter: Private, in Atsirian]

Things have finally settled down. All but that nasty business with the Prince ... of course, we hardly need to worry about that, do we?

I'm sure they'll find him in no time at all~

[Filter: Jordan, in Trade]

Hello~

I hope you're all taking care of yourselves, out there~?

[Filter: Jace]

You must be terribly happy to have her back, dear~

Though, I do hope you won't be telling me that you've been spending every waking moment with her~?

You do need a break every now and again, I'd say~

[Filter: Zach]

Hey, did you hear about what happened with Lady Eve?