Family Business [Goblin]

[Zero]

Julia was no stranger to weddings, certainly not to noble weddings. She had attended her eldest brother's and had participated in her older sister's wedding. Both had been arranged as well, and her two younger brothers would also undoubtedly have their wives chosen for them. That was just the way the world worked when you were the child of a Lord like her father. She didn't resent him for it, even as she suffered silently through hours of preparation.

That didn't make being in a foreign country easier. All her life she had known the day would come where she would be given to a complete stranger, would be expected to perform certain wifely duties and functions, and to provide him with children. Julia had just thought for sure that the man would be Serenian and that she would not have to leave Serendipity. Connlaoth might as well have been another world entirely. These people were so different and strange. She did not know the customs and expectations facing her in this new land.

It was enough to make her almost feel faint.

Perhaps the dress also played a part. White silk, lace, and diamonds were the materials, with a fitted bodice that accentuated her fine figure and elegant skirts that weren't unwieldy in their bulk. Her clothes were always extravagant, but her mother had gone to great lengths to make certain her wedding dress was perfect, and to remind her over and over again that her marriage was important to the family and that she needed to be a good wife.

Surely the stress of the unknown was another factor. What was her soon to be husband even like? All she knew was his name. Ithel Conlaoch, what kind of man was he? Was he kind? Gentle? Was he as preoccupied with business as her father? Would he be indifferent to her presence beyond her expected functions? What did he even look like?

Before she even knew it, Julia found herself holding to her father's arm, her bouquet of white roses in her other hand, as the chapel doors opened. Her nerves were strained as she forced her best smile, trying very hard not to make eye contact with the dozens and dozens of gazes that had come to rest on her. One such gaze belonged to the man would be her husband very, very shortly.

Her father began leading her down the aisle.

I can do this. This is perfectly normal. What does it matter that I've never met him? This is business, family business.

What if he doesn't like me?

Too soon she was at the altar, her father passing her to Ithel solemnly. She looked up at him, but not his eyes. Julia had never been more nervous and unsettled in her life, and she was honestly afraid of meeting his eyes and finding some flicker of disappointment there.

Julia had to be a good wife.

[GoblinFae]

The groom stood patiently if a bit anxiously at the altar. The traditionally quiet, dark-haired man cracked a small crooked smile as he caught sight of his younger siblings coming down the aisle. Sweet little Rhodri was being led down wide-eyed by his elder sister Thrya who looked as uncomfortable in a dress as any preteen young lady who would rather be climbing trees like a hooligan than attending her older brother's wedding.

Thyra had not been pleased with the idea of Ithel marrying for anything less than love. The marriage being solely out of business had appalled her so much so that she had refused to speak to her elder brother for weeks in silent protest. The thought of another woman coming into the house with as much authority has Ithel that could in a way replace her absent mother as well as negate whatever authority she herself held at nine years of age was both terrifying and infuriating. It was only out of obligation and begrudging love for her brother that Thyra fulfilled her duties as a sister and bridesmaid.

Behind them came the terrible twins, a believed curse in Connlaoth but ever so precious to Ithel. Keeleigh and Kermit stuck their tongues out at each other and elbowed each other on their way down the aisle, causing Keeleigh's flowers to spill some from her little basket and the rings to bounce precariously on the pillow that Kermit held. It was only the warning clearing of Ithel's throat and the quick separation to opposite sides of the alter that kept them from doing more harm.

At last the music changed and Ithel found his eyes drawn back towards the woman who that very moment was about to become his wife. She was as much a stranger to him as he was to her but in that moment Ithel's heart soared. Julia Vasile was an angel. There simply was no other explanation for such pure grace and beauty. The nobleman had eyes only for her as his heart thundered in his chest. When he had agreed to the marriage agreement, he certainly had not taken into account that his future wife would be quite so captivating.

'So begins the adventure,' he thought wistfully as he bowed his head respectfully to her and her father in greeting before taking her arm in his. The poor dear looked like a dove, moments away from taking flight. "You look lovely, Lady Vasile," he breathed, barely daring to speak above a whisper and break the spell that had taken hold of him.

[Zero]

Julia could hear her heart pounding in her ears as Ithel took her arm. Blood rushed to her face as she heard his voice for the first time. That whisper was promising, wasn't it? The first words spoken to her by her impending husband was a breathless compliment. He approved of her appearance, at least, and that was a start.

She dared raise her eyes from his chest to his face, blue then purple eyes flickering over the features before her. Ithel didn't look as Connlaothian as she was expecting. She thought they were all blond, bearded men that were too broad to be properly elegant. He could have passed for a dashing young Serenian lord, honestly. That alone was almost comforting. Not finding her husband unappealing, at least physically, was definitely one very small weight lifted from her shoulders.

"Thank you," she whispered back, eyes fluttering downward bashfully, "you look very handsome, Lord Conlaoch."

Julia wished that she could will her hands to stillness as the Priest began the ceremony. It was unbecoming of a bride to be shaking like a leaf before her groom! Had her sister behaved this foolishly? She was only getting married! A lifetime commitment to a man she didn't know in the slightest. How pale did she suddenly seem? Perhaps the powder her mother had insisted upon would hide how very sick she looked in that moment. Thankfully her stomach didn't betray her.

What an impression that would have given, to become sick at the altar. She shuddered to even think of it! No, she would stamp down her nerves long enough to get through this. Julia Vasile had been raised to face this day with dignity and poise. It was her duty to exude grace and confidence, at least outwardly to those watching from the pews. There was no hiding the way she trembled from the man next to her.

[GoblinFae]

Ithel tried to remain focused on the ceremony even as his mind swirled with thoughts of their future together. Stoically he wondered if she worried over the same things, if she would even come to accept him as anything more than a stranger she shared a home with. Perhaps one day she would accept him as a friend, he hoped.

Dark eyes slid to the side frequently to observe her as his every thought was filled with her. The feel of her warm hands pressed into his own cool, nervous ones, the ethereal beauty of her first appearance into his life, the idea of life perhaps not quite so alone anymore, all of it made his heart thrum sharply within his chest though none of his emotions waxed over his features. He did feel the way she trembled ever so slightly and smoothed his gloved thumb over the back of her hand and gave it a small reassuring squeeze.

She wasn't afraid of him, was she? Did she think him a monster? Who knew what Serenians really thought of Connlaothians these days especially with the cursed war going on. He could very well be her boogeyman, the devil of her waking nightmares set on murdering her in her sleep. Oh god he hoped and prayed she didn't think that poorly of him.

He was so deep in his thoughts that he did not even notice how his now bored youngest brother had taken to walking from his seat to the side all the way up to where the soon to be wed couple stood until Rhodri was tugging gently on his trouser leg. The guests twittered amongst themselves quietly as Ithel begged forgiveness of Julia and bent down on one knee with a smile on his face to greet the boy.

"You need to go back to your seat little man," he murmured softly, ruffling the boy's hair as he did.
"Up," the boy begged with a raise of his arms. "Night-night," Rhodri continued, signaling in the only way a two year old boy could that he was ready for his nap.

With a smile and shake of his head to an approaching servant, Ithel swept the boy up into his arms, cradling the small body against him with an arm over the boy's legs as Rhodri readily wrapped his arms about his older brother's neck and rested his head down for sleep.

Ithel quietly apologized again to Julia before sheepishly nodding to the priest that the wedding could continue. His family meant everything to him and he had not even stopped to consider whether or not he should cater to his smallest brother's needs before readily doing so. It was only afterwards that the nobleman wondered what the noblewoman beside him thought of him and his little family. In that moment he prayed to god that she would not hate the children who knew only his familial love of late. With his free hand, he tentatively reached out for hers again as if afraid she would be disgusted by his touch after he had caused such a disruption in their wedding, the supposed happiest day for any new bride's life.

[Zero]

A thousand thoughts were swirling around Julia's mind in a chaotic whirlwind. It was impossible to grasp a singular one and give it logical thought; it was like attempting to catch the wind. So Ithel Conlaoch was handsome, but what was he like? A man could be the most beautiful ever seen and still be cruel and ugly on the inside. How was she to know how best to react to him? What did he want from her? Could she even live up to his expectations? What if she couldn't please him?

A hailstorm of anxiety was waging war inside her chest. It was nearly suffocating. Julia almost felt her wall of composure crumbling. She could sense the quiver enter her lips, the tiny stinging prick of tears beginning to form.

No!

She could not cry at her wedding. That was unthinkable! What would her father think?

What would her husband think?!

Just as she thought for sure she would begin to hyperventilate, Julia felt a slight jolt go through her. It was such a simple gesture, the slide of his gloved thumb over the skin of her hand, followed by that gentle squeeze. Why, it was enough to distract her from the tidal wave of anxiety-driven doubts. She chanced a glance at the man beside her with a shuddering breath and attempted to crack a small, grateful smile for him.

It reminded her that she could do this. Maybe Ithel was only in this for the business, like her father, but he was marrying a stranger too. That was at least one thing they had in common. Hopefully there would be more.

Julia had been told all her life never to expect love in her future marriage, but she had always hoped that she could at least like her husband. If she could get along with him then it would be bearable, she had convinced herself. Trying to picture a future that was not completely dreary and lonely now that the man was right there, well, it seemed a little easier than before she had walked down the aisle.

Moments later the wedding faced an unexpected interruption. Julia's eyes widen slightly as the young boy came right up to her groom and tugged at his trousers. Who was this child? She was certain that Ithel was not previously married with a child, the man was not a widower, her parents would have told her that much! Oh, wait, but she did recall that he had several much younger siblings. Was this one of them? It must be.

What followed shocked the young lady. Not only did Ithel apologize to her for the disturbance, but he actually ended up picking the boy up and holding him. She cast an uncertain glance towards the audience; her father's expression was unreadable. Ithel did not seem angry or even annoyed at the interruption, only apologetic to her. If that had been her father not only would he have been furious and embarrassed at the lack of decorum, but the boy would definitely have been handed off to servants. It was very telling about what kind of man he was that he was not upset and had decided to handle the child himself, regardless of circumstances.

Julia stared at her betrothed for a long moment before turning her head back to pay attention to the priest as he was told to continue the ceremony as if the groom wasn't holding a fast to sleep toddler. When his hand reached for hers so hesitantly she did not hesitate at all to slip her hand back into his, he was to be her husband, after all.

She felt much calmer for the rest of the vows. Although her voice held a slight tremor when she voiced her expected confirmation, and her heart beat wildly when it was time for Ithel to kiss the bride. Julia turned to her husband shyly, not able to raise her gaze past his lips. Which were about to kiss her.

Please don't let her have made it this far to faint now!

[GoblinFae]

Ithel blinked slowly for a moment as if he had forgotten about the traditional couple's kiss at the end of the ceremony. Instead his mind was heavily debating how to approach his bride without insulting her or their guests. For an arranged marriage that Julia had no part in save for the end when she walked down the aisle, Ithel felt it was somewhat wrong to swoop in and kiss her on the lips as if he were a man laying his claim on her for the world to see. The nobleman knew that such marriages and actions happened every day, yet he did not wish to be that man. A kiss on her cheek though could be seen as insult that she was no more important to him than any other woman he would greet on the street, for such was the Connlaothian way. For a woman that was his wife in name and law now, Ithel could not bear to offer such an insult.

With a quiet if somewhat shaky sigh and a twitch of his lips, Ithel made his choice. His heart beat so heavily within his breast he was sure that she could feel it in his fingertips that rested so gently against her hand. Careful to not jostle and wake the sleeping toddler in his arms, he gently pulled her closer to him so that they stood close, chest to chest. Then and only then did he lean forward to place a tender kiss upon her brow and offer a one armed embrace. His grip was warm but loose enough that should she wish to shy away then she could with her dignity in place. He didn't wish to manhandle and crush her, whether she was his wife or not. She was still a woman after all and not a piece of meat.

"Mrs. Conlaoch, shall we?" he murmured then offering his arm to her to walk her back down the aisle. His own cheeks were flushed crimson and there was a watery sheen to his eyes that had certainly not been there before he had leaned in to kiss her, not that he would admit it of course.

[Zero]

It was an eternity of thunder in her ears disguised as mere moments as she held her breath and waited for the touch of his lips. Julia had never kissed a man before, naturally, and while the idea was slightly terrifying, she also greatly anticipated it. What would it feel like? She had wondered that many times while reading her abundance of books featuring epic adventures filled with heart-stopping romances, forbidden loves, and happily ever afters.

The moment finally came and...Julia felt her stop for an instant. She closed her eyes as he hugged her lightly with one arm while trying not to disturb the child he was holding, and felt his lips press tenderly against her brow. Almost like one might a child? That was not at all what she was expecting. She felt something, but she wasn't quite sure what emotion it was.

Perhaps relief, that a moment that had been somewhat terrifying was both over and had been much less scary than anticipated. Julia also felt something she thought might be a pang of disappointment or maybe even fear. Was he not supposed to kiss her on the lips? Had she done something wrong? Was he displeased? What if he did not find the idea of kissing her appealing and had simply kissed her brow so that he would not have to kiss her lips?

"Yes, of course." Julia chewed her bottom lip nervously, a little flutter going through her as Ithel addressed her as Mrs. Conlaoch. She slipped her arm around his and found the will to force out a smile despite her nervous worries. Everyone was watching, after all, and she had a part to play today as the blushing and happy bride. Blushing didn't seem to be hard at all, but happy was a little trickier as they walked back down the aisle. Still, she smiled for their guests, though she knew none of them save her father, and she supposed her husband.

[GoblinFae]

As he made his way down the aisle with his wife at his side, Ithel could not help but think of how strange it was to even think that. He was married now. Julia Visale was now Julia Conlaoch and a woman to whom he was forever bound. He stared ahead as they made their way to the heavy oak doors and the carriage that awaited beyond them to take them both to his home where a reception would be held to celebrate the joining of new money to old name.

Behind him he could already hear his six year old twin siblings starting up again with their antics even despite Thyra's attempts to keep them in line. A turn of his head though in their direction followed by a slight but stern shake of his head quieted them at least momentarily.

While Ithel opened the door of their carriage for Julia, a servant gathered up his three remaining siblings and ushered them over to their own. His siblings would arrive not long after he and Julia did with the guests arriving a bit later so that the new couple could freshen up and the final arrangements could be made in the manor before receiving everyone.

Reluctant to let go of little Rhodri, Ithel continued to cradle him close even as he followed Julia into the carriage and sat opposite her. A final wave to the guests and the carriage was soon off, bumping the three occupants back towards home.

A heavy sigh escaped him as he realised he had been holding his breath for who knew how long. Long-lashed eyes fluttered closed briefly as he squeezed his brother close and kissed the top of his curly head. Only once his heartbeat seemed to settle enough for his ears to hear above the drumming did he finally open his eyes again and smile towards his bride.

His dark eyes stared at her over the top of the boy's head as he found himself drifting deep in thought. Ithel did not know what to say to her. Even in social settings he had always been the listener not the instigator of conversations. He was a master collector of words but always seemed to have more trouble releasing them than acquiring them.

"When we arrive you will have a chance to meet my siblings if it pleases you. I hope their behavior today has not put you off them already. I fear their attention-spans are not meant for such verbose ceremonies."

[Zero]

It was a quiet, almost solemn walk. Yes, she held her head high and smiled for the audience, but inside she felt almost numb. All the anxiety had risen up like a great wave and come crashing down. The day had only barely begun and she was exhausted. There was still the reception to survive. That was not even taking into consideration the wedding night. Julia's stomach did a little flip-flop as she accidentally reminded herself of that.

Tonight she would be expected to consummate her marriage to Ithel in his bed and she closed her eyes and sucked in a sharp breath.

Her mother had given her very firm instructions on what to expect and what was expected. It might hurt, she said. Julia should lay there and allow him to take his pleasure anyway, she said. That was a wife's duty, she said.

Her duty.

Ithel opened the carriage door for her and for one horrible moment she wanted to turn and run away as fast as she could. That open door seemed like it was a looming abyss, a carrier sent to deliver her from one gilded cage to yet another. A ridiculous thing to try to run away from, as she had always known this was inevitable.

Julia closed her eyes and took a steadying breath before climbing into the carriage, smoothing and arranging her skirts carefully as she took her seat. She was Julia Vasile. No. Julia Conlaoch. She could, and would, face all that this day – and the night that followed – brought with the grace and dignity befitting her noble house. Her sister had managed it and she would to. She would not bring disgrace or dishonor on her family, and she would not embarrass her husband either.

Being as subtle as she could, she watched her husband's every move as he entered the carriage. Julia needed to learn as much about this man as she could as quickly as she could. The more she knew, the more easily she could keep him happy enough to not become dissatisfied with her. That would bring a mountain of shame upon her and her family.

He was already mystifying to her. Ithel showed such tender affection for his young brother so easily. Her family had been extremely reserved and not very warm or affectionate at all. He seemed a far cry from a strict disciplinarian. So, her husband was not a man like her father, at least not in that aspect.

The sound of his voice brought her out of her musings, and she looked up at him directly for a moment, in surprise, before lowering her gaze once more to her lap. She busied her hands with her skirts, fidgeting with them nervously for a moment to gather her thoughts. Julia had not really expected him to speak to her.

"Yes, of course. I would be pleased to meet them all formally." She smoothed her skirts again, although they truly did not need it, before giving her husband a faint smile. "They seem like energetic children to me, and that is quite natural. To be truthful I could have done with a much less wordy ceremony myself, I think I might have fainted if I had needed to stand there much longer. Ah! Not that I am displeased with the wedding, or you, of course..."

Julia felt heat flood her face as she hurriedly looked out the window. She should not have admitted to such a thing. That sounded far too dangerously close to a complaint.

[GoblinFae]

A faint smile brushed his lips as Ithel dipped his head in quiet agreement. He could not explain why his heart skipped a beat to hear her speak of his siblings so fondly but it pleased him and he was willing to hold onto that feeling for as long as he was able. "They are definitely something special," he murmured with a gentle loving tone as he offered her his arm to proceed forward.

As he did though a middle-aged woman with graying hair hurried over to the pair, a wide smile lighting up her features as she did so. Ithel carefully handed over his youngest sibling to her waiting arms for her to cradle the small boy close in a loving manner.

"Welcome home milord! How was the wedding?" she asked hopefully, causing Ithel to smile softly in return as he answered. "It went well, Moiran. Rhodi fell asleep halfway through it. Otherwise no one else pitched any fits."

"Poor dear it was his nap-time and everything," she cooed, petting back Rhodri's hair from his face. "I'll have one of the girls take him right up then." A nod of her head brought a younger maid over to quickly scoop the boy up with her own fond smile.

"Let him know when he wakes that he can come down and join everyone for some cake," Ithel quietly ordered her as he watched him be taken inside to his room. At the same time the second carriage pulled up and his siblings immediately came pouring out of it in a jumbled rush as they hurried to race each other into the house.

"I had a nice pair of trousers laid out for Miss T," Moiran informed Ithel calmly to his obvious relief. "I thought it would be prudent given the fuss she gave this morning about the dress.

"Thank you, Moiran. You always think of everything. I don't know what I would do without me." Moiran laughed and blushed, joking that he would manage even as she preened under his compliments. In a lower voice though he leaned in and asked quietly, "how is she today?"

The look that came over the older woman's face was telling though. A sadness clouded her eyes and though the smile remained on her face there was no joy in it anymore. Moiran shook her head slightly. "The doctor came today...she would have been proud of you today Ithel," she stated changing topics while placing a comforting hand on his bicep. "They both would."

Ithel nodded his head slightly in thanks, feeling too grieved to say more. "Please have the children back down when they are refreshed so that they can meet their new sister. I trust everything else is ready then?" It was Moiran's turn to nod as her smile once more brightened.

"Just as you requested milord. Now, do I get to meet your beautiful bride, Ithel or are you going to keep us all waiting for an eternity." While her ribbing was good-natured it did cause Ithel to blush darkly and lower his head in embarrassment.

"Forgive me, both of you I have been quite rude indeed. Julia this is our housekeeper Moiran. She runs the day-to-day affairs of the household and ensures the children are cared for properly. She will be your righthand I imagine in household affairs as she certainly has been my lifesaver here." Moiran blushed and rolled her eyes at the words but there was definitely a very pleased smile that lit up her face as such high praise.

"Moiran this is Julia," he continued, pausing for only half a heartbeat if he should call her his wife or not.

"If you be needing anything milady, you need only ask and I will see that it is taken care of," Moiran informed her brightly. "You are family here and I speak on behalf of all of us here that we wish to make you feel as welcome as possible my dear."

[Zero]

The smile was so faint that Julia wasn't entirely sure she saw it, but the gentle tone of his loving words towards his siblings reassured her that she hadn't imagined it. Her new husband was so reserved. She almost worried how she was to manage getting to know him better. At least he seemed very kind from what she had witnessed, and so far she had managed not to offend or displease him that she could tell.

They stepped from the carriage and the young woman's nerves immediately soared above the clouds once more. Her new husband was an important man; of course he would immediately draw attention from one of his staff. Julia silently chided herself for being so jumpy, but she couldn't force her anxiety away by shear willpower. She felt very much like a fish out of water. The marriage to Ithel said that this was now her home and these were her people but...

Julia watched Rhodi – apparently that was the sleeping boy's name she had rudely not thought to ask for it – being fussed over by the woman that approached her husband before the toddler was handed off to a young maid to be put to bed for the rest of his nap.

She smiled softly as she watched the child leave, a proper introduction to him would have to wait until he woke up, but the boy was clearly well-loved and very cute. Julia couldn't help but wonder what a sweet little boy fathered by Ithel would look like. He was very handsome; he would probably have very handsome sons and quite beautiful daughters. That thought brought a blush to her face and she darted her eyes to her husband who was still speaking with the woman she didn't know. Of course they couldn't know her embarrassing thoughts, but she still felt relieved they seemed to have momentarily forgotten about her.

The carriage carrying the rest of the children arrived and she smiled as she watched them all pour out and race into the grand house. It truly was quite a marvelous home judging from the outside. She hoped that it would come to feel like home to her too.

Drawing her attention back to her husband and the obvious housekeeper, their conversation seemed to have turned momentarily heavy, both seemed sad, though Julia wasn't fully aware of the circumstances; clearly it had something to do with a doctor. She felt like an intruder overhearing something deeply personal. Maybe she would ask Ithel about it in private, or maybe it was best not to bring it up. He did look quite grieved by the whole brief exchange.

Julia blushed when her husband did, as she suddenly felt herself fall back under scrutiny. She stepped a bit closer, tucking her hand in the crook of Ithel's arm as she smiled at Moiran. The woman was apparently an important one to know, and she made a note to take great care to be on this woman's good side – not that she didn't wish to be on good terms with all the staff, of course.

"You're too kind, Moiran, thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I'm sure you will be invaluable in helping me become familiar with my new home and my duties as Lord Conlaoch's wife." A faint blush was still on her cheeks, but her smile was genuine, if a bit shy.

[GoblinFae]

Moiran curtseyed with a smile. "Tis no trouble at all, dearie. You need anything, you just ask. By your leave then milord, milady," she greeted each in turn, "I must be on my way to make sure everything is in order befor the guests arrive." With a nod from Ithel she was quickly on her way.

Turning to Julia he tucked her arm more fully within the curve of his own, giving her hand a gentle pat as he did. "Would you care to see inside? I'm sure the children will be down shortly and you can meet them properly before retiring to your rooms if you so desire. Your things should already be in place for you though if anything is not to your liking, it can be remedied as soon as possible. I understand if you require rest before our guests arrive."

[Zero]

Julia nodded her head politely as the woman curtsied before taking her leave with Ithel's silent approval. The housekeeper certainly did seem very nice. She hoped that the rest of the staff really were as welcoming as Moiran claimed. It would take time to really settle in and feel at home in such a foreign place, but having genuine support from the household - and not just the family members - would go a long way in easing the transition.

The knots of anxiety loosened temporarily. She knew that the day would throw plenty more to stress and worry over at her, but for the moment Julia felt like she could take a full breath.

"My rooms?" Julia looked up at Ithel with slight confusion. Was she not moving into his rooms? Was that a Connlaothian custom? Her husband seemed to be a very reserved man. Maybe he simply didn't want her encroaching on his privacy and space. It wasn't as if she had much say in the matter. She was the stranger here. "Ah, I mean, yes. I would enjoy getting to see more of your home, and I hope the children like me."

[GoblinFae]

"A space all to your own to do with as you please without my interference. Your own personal sanctuary. I can promise to be a gentleman and to not force myself on you but this way at least you may also have your peace. I and the children will not enter and disturb you without your permission."

He led her quietly inside, pausing in the main receiving hall where the small ball celebrating their marriage would take place. Ahead of them was a large staircase that led to separate wings while on either side of it on the lower level were several doors leading the dining hall, kitchens, servant quarters and other similar rooms.

"I can show you this floor later if you still desire but I think it best to stay out of Moiran and the other servants' ways. I have been told I am not always welcome in the kitchen when there is work to be done. I think the cook still remembers me from my youth and my penchant for cherry tarts," he jested fondly before realizing she might not find it nearly as amusing as he did.

Clearing his throat nervously, Ithel continued. "Upstairs if you'll follow me are the sleeping quarters, studies, and the main library. I'm sure my siblings will make their appearance around here somewhere soon too. Is there something in particular you wished to see first? Your rooms perhaps?"