[Filter: Private]

Well, well, I suppose the time must be coming for Anita and I to consider our own departure. Not to actually leave, most certainly. Not with her family coming, and her so sweet and eager. But to begin making plans, I think.

The question is whether or not to go home. Surely they're in need of me there, and it's been so long since I've got my arthmatic that I rather miss it all.

But when opportunity knocks ...

Why, it's never unwise not to open the door, is it, Eliza, my dear?

[Filter: Public]

Why, lately, Eara's been talking about much she misses her dear playmate Ethan. It surprises me, to be perfectly honest. I thought that she'd have forgotten all about him, by now, but she never fails to amaze me with her sponge-like little memory.

[Filter: Lord Hasten]

Ah, yes, Miss Rebekah. She's apparently quite good. I'm surprised it took you so long to recover, in her care!

Why, what an unfamiliar sight this is! If it isn't Lord Hasten, finally gracing this gathering with his presence.

I take it you're finally feeling above the weather, my lord? How thrilling!

[Filter: Lord Hasten]

Why did you do it?

[Filter: Private]

Why is it that would remain just outside of my grasp? What exactly is it that I'm doing wrong? You're intrigued. You're fascinated. It's in your eyes, the way you hold yourself. What is holding you back?

Give in.

[Filter: Public]

Eara is utterly enchanted with Eblar. It's quite made up, in her eyes, for the fact that her father was too busy for her birthday this year, which is becoming a really terrible trend! I need to stop it, really, she's going to come to hate me. But the magic of it all is like a dream to her, and she does love her room in our townhouse.

And so, Lady Anita, what have you thought of your first days in here?

[Filter: Private]

I suppose you have been away from your city too long, Eliza, my dear. If you actually gave in and spent more time with me as I requested, I might have lost interest in you.

Yes, you would have become just another pathetic woman.

But you're every bit your father's son, aren't you?

[Filter: Public]

My sweet Lady Anita! Do tell me. I've heard so many reports from the road coming here and there and everywhere, but absolutely nothing from my very favourite women in all Dentoria. How are you and Eara coming along? Can I expect to see you soon?

You're both missing out on quite a celebration, let me say!

[Filter: Lord Hasten]

You lap up attention, don't you?

I've been watching, you see! You're slightly uncomfortable with the need to be social and diplomatic -- perhaps more than slightly, even. I can see you sweating from half a room away. But the admiring eyes please you and you're especially happy when they look at you from afar and you merely have to pose with your stoic Northern face carefully etched in stone.

[Filter: Anita]

I do apologize for being so late in addressing you directly, my dear, but you can't possibly imagine just what a whirl of activity it is here in Eblar.

[Filter: Eliza]

Now.

Are all of your last, niggling doubts about Her Highness finally put to rest?

[Filter: Private]

Now, now.

I suppose that does answer some questions. Really, Lord Hasten! I always knew that you were hiding something, but this? I never expected.

But really, have no fear. I would never breathe a word.

Unless, of course, you make me.

We'll talk about this when you're healing a bit. Feeling up to writing. I think journals would be ... appropriate, don't you?

[Filter: Lady Anita]

Well, my lady, I have the most astoundingly good news for you.

[Filter: Private]

What are you waiting for, Lord Hasten? We're sitting in the most sensitive place in the world we could be, right now, waiting for a signal from you, a signal that isn't coming.

Will it come? Or have you called us to our deaths here.

I've always known there was something you've been hiding. I always thought it was something harmless, considered you a comrade in arms, but now I begin to suspect that it's more than that.

Don't prove me right. All of this is riding on you.

[Filter: Lord Hasten, Lord Glenn, Lord Kiefer, Lady Eliza, Lady Mariana]

All of this waiting is accomplishing nothing. The men are becoming bored and complacent. It seems fair to assume that if the bandits are coming, they're taking their time. We should be able to prepare.

I suggest we assign four scouting parties, one for each of us Lords. Small, lightly armed, moveable. We'll take one out a day a search the area to the North, seeing if we can catch a glimpse of the enemy approaching. Something harmless for the men to do, as well as giving us a warning if they are, in fact, on their way.

[Filter: Lord Hasten, Lady Mariana, Lady Eliza, Lord Kiefer, Lord Glenn]

Can I hope that you've calmed down now, my lord?

[Filter: Lord Hasten, Lady Eliza, Lady Mariana]

Lady Eliza and I have secured the might of House Rowan. A portion of it, at least, but Lord Morgan was very helpful when it became clear how dire the situation was.

Not that we've given full details. I still think its best to keep this quiet until absolutely neccessary.

Can I hope the two of you have had similar success?

We've also heard nothing from the Princess ... normally I'd say no news is good news, but in this case ...

[Filter: Princess Seraphine, Lord Hasten, Lady Eliza, Lady Mariana]

Lady Eliza and I think that we've managed to agree upon a suitable plan of action. She's been terribly hard to work with, let me just say! Eli, dear, you have no sense of showmanship.

The short version, because I don't feel like writing it all out when I'm spent all day, after many other days, talking about it:

We leave for Eblar on the 9th.
As we leave, a small note will be sent to Eblar informing the King that we believe we have found the Princess Seraphine and will be presenting her to him in due course.
A large company of guards and three carriages carrying the five of us shall be moving in a company.
Every security precaution will be observed.
There will not be a grand parade or anything of the like when we reach Lucre, just a quiet meeting arranged with the King so that he can see her himself and decide his own path from there. To my eternal chagrin.

I trust there are no arguments with this arrangement?

[Filter: Private]

Sigh, must you make this so difficult? As much as I enjoy the games, my dear, there's a time for everything. I'd be more than glad to continue with more ... appropriate stakes, once this is dealt with.

[Filter: Lady Eliza, Lord Hasten, Lady Mariana]

I must say, Eli, dearest! You don't have a reputation for being so blastedly indecisive. It's been more than a month since you've arrived. Surely you have to have made a decision by now, even if you're deeming to keep it quiet. I just have to suggest that there isn't exactly time for it. We really are on a ticking clock until this reaches the King. Surely you don't think you're the only person in Dentoria with ... sources. I can't believe he'll be pleased if it comes to him that way ...

And all of that! What else do I say to convince you?

Just give us a hint, dearest, where are you leaning?

[Filter: Lady Mariana, Lord Hasten, Lady Eliza, Princess Seraphine]

It is my greatest honour and deepest pleasure to invite each and every one of you to a dinner party. (Another dinner party, as it were, but I assure you, this one will be much more interesting!)

You see, I believe that in order for us to truly appreciate Her Royal Highness's return, we need to see her in her element. And so, Princess, you will be the guest of honour. And no simple dresses and hiding in the background, looking like a serf! No, that simply won't do, not for the occassion. You'll be dressed and attended fully like the heir to all of Dentoria you are.

A private affair, only the five of us and one trusted attendant! No risk of unwanted, prying eyes, and no need to hold ourselves back in the slightest.

This Thursday evening. I expect it to be a grand affair, so come in new clothes and jewels, and be armed with your finest small talk.

[Filter: Eliza]

Eli, dearest! Would you care to provide and update as to your progress? I hesitate to remind you that you're already behind promised schedule!

[Filter: Private]

Even if she is a clever hoax ... well, silver linings.

It's been far too long, Eliza, dearest. I'm looking forward to this, aren't you?

[Filter: Public]

Lord Hasten, I'm afraid I have to impose myself upon you to make a request! (I promise it's nothing too terrible.)

[Filter: Eliza]

I'm sure this is all likely quite stale for you already, my dear. Should we go through the motions, anyway, or just assume you already know the real reason Lord Hasten is in Conare?

Well, as expected, unless some miracle happens in the next few hours, Lord Hasten will be riding in the finals at the lists, tomorrow! But, ah, the burning question is, who will be riding against him? There are several promising candidates, now aren't there?

[Filter: Lord Hasten and Lady Mariana]

All right, then! I must admit, I'm intrigued, and, for the most part, convinced. Even if this is some elaborate set-up, who designed it deserves to benefit from it, because it's all ingenious.

We'll need Temair on board before anything is done about this, however, I can promise you that. Rhia isn't quite so neccessary, but until Lord Martin -- ah, pardons, until Lady Eliza will back your story up, it's fairly useless. That's just how this sort of thing works, I'm quite sorry to say.

You're in luck, of coure, as Lady Eliza is a very close friend of mine, as her father was! I'm sure I can work something out ... if you could all stay here in Conare, I could have her here within several short months, and then things can get moving. What say you both? I can come up with a very convincing cover story.

[Filter: Private]

Fascinating, isn't it all, Eli, my dear? I should thank Her Highness for reappearing at a time when I'm missing you the most.

I'm looking forward to seeing where this road leads.

[Filter: Lady Mariana, Lord Hasten]

She is very convincing, is she not?