It never took long for information to travel along in this particular Area. From the bustle of brothel gossip to the whispers of Guard and trainees, news would follow a closely knit network and very soon reach the castle grounds, both officially and unofficially. And it was thus that soon after the arrival of one of the Estate Lords, the city was brimming with excitement. It did not take much to create a ripple of activity in the simple folk that resided in the Vale. Talon himself had been out riding in quiet contemplation, with no predetermined destination or time limit to the excursion when he had overheard a few guards talking about it. It had spurred his route to the estate direction almost immediately. Ingram wasn't expected for a while yet, as per official dialogue. If he was here ahead of time, there was probably a viable reason. And there was no better time to meet him than now. There was much that could not be discussed within official quarters. True, he would be expected back at Supper, but no one would chastise him for being late, or missing it entirely.Sure, High Lord Vaughn would give him that pointed look from beneath his bushy eyebrows and clear his throat to voice his disapproval, but he would say nothing in front of everyone else. And their next private audience, he could avoid or manipulate as well as only he could. Zaiimae would understand; or pretend to anyway. His wife had been quieter and somber lately. But he had more pressing issues at hand.
High Lord Ingram was in town. and while it was not out of the ordinary for Diplomatic or leisurely visits from esteemed persons such as other provincial High Lords, Talon steered his gelding to the direction of the latter's estates. Riding faster unconsciously. It was only recently, he had made Ingram's acquaintance, and the elder Lord of Summervale had promised through their exchange a means of better governance. Talon was anxious to know how to accomplish this. And thus anxious for further promising meets with Ranar's idealistic programme. There were many reasons he told himself, why needed to go ahead and do this on own. for himself, and those he called his own.
He was quick to arrive at the Manor, only shortly after the Resident Lord himself. Dismounting and brushing himself off for all necessary procedures of presentation as he was announced to call upon the latter, Talon took a deep breath and dismissed the worrisome image of all things Cascadia from his mind as he made his way inside. This was important, he told himself. It was strictly business.
