Mayen’s eyes met his father’s as he was being left behind. Rowen would follow Molvendraft to the castle and meet the local lord of Mildoyest. He knew his father could read his thoughts just then, just as he could read his. There were no lies, no false promises so often done by those wishing only to have for a last time a smile of a beloved. Betrayal and fear. An invitation for a shared meal which only half answered. The uncertainty became for a heartbeat lighter, for the reluctance of seeing his father go could no longer hold when the door finally closed, but then it came back heavier as if the roof was falling upon him: would he be returning to Gimvault alone? Standing forlorn despite the five people watching him, his first movement was to bring his right hand to his collarbone and have his left grab the wrist. An awkward gesture for he had no pendants or necklace to grasp; nonetheless, it just felt like the most natural thing to do.

Three maids were there, including Olicia who had not the heart to hold a grudge any longer against the wayside peasant. Eliadoriss was there, of course, as well as one of her daughters, Parielle. Only the round maid had the guts required to bring Mayen back to the land of reality, so astray his mind had brought him.

-“Come now, no one will hurt him. Just go take a bath and let me wash that kirtle of yours. Will do you no good to be tired and dirty at the table. We will have a delicious meat pie with carrots and lettuce.” Her mouth did a pout. “If only Father Thoragamon were here, his faith and sanctification would definitely bring us good favour.”

Slowly, Mayen turned his head towards her and gave a sad smile. It was soon time for supper. Seven hours or so had passed since Mayen returned with his father from the orphan’s home. It felt like a whole day though, with all that had happened. At first, Amaley had come to celebrate her distant cousin’s success at already having three maidens offering him to speak with their parents. Then, later in the afternoon, Soren had walked through the door with the breath of a drunkard and the mood which had come with it. A rather severe dispute between husband and wife had followed and what came out of it were but troubling news. Something had apparently happened during the day and therefore the gates had to be closed for everyone but the military and the farmers. The city was in partial lockdown. As if it had not been enough, Eliadoriss had begun asking questions regarding the sudden spending of Rowen’s last kerith for dried meat and food which could last some days. There began another dispute which, although much more civile this time, brought even more tension into the household. Then, again, another dispute broke off as Eliadoriss and Soren butted against each other vehemently. Insults had been hurled. Through all those conflicts came one positive note for Mayen and Rowen, a well needed one: Eliadoriss would side with them. She had. So yes, Mayen would be able to eat tonight without having his stomach strangled by fears. Unlike Soren, Eliadoriss would die for him, if need be, and her maids would do the same for her. Tonight, he was to eat surrounded by friends rather than enemies at the castle.