Damnit, Van. There are days when all I can do is curse you. Stefen bitterly picked up his gittern and headed out of the Lesser Council Chamber. A lifetime's no time at all when you're already dead.

Sighing, he relented. I'm sorry. It isn't fair, is it? It was a choice you had to make. One hand unconciously pulled the musc case higher, where he had almost dropped it. The sunshine almost blinded him. Across a terrace of garden, the Companion's Field was gilded a spectacular shade that only occurs in an autumn afternoon. I just miss you more these days, is all.

He could see Jisa and Treven in the field. This had been a lesser meeting between Guild representatives, giving the King and King's Own time to spend with their firstborn. Baby Randale had been born four months after- after Randi and Shavri had died.

Lord and Lady, watch over them. It hadn't been pleasant. On that bright spring morning Stef had been one of the first up, a habit left over from his time with Van. He was the one there as Jisa walked slowly and calmly into the Council room- and collapsed into the arms of Valdemar's new King.

All things change. Right, ashke? You'd be proud at how your daughter is holding out.

Stef sat on a bench and leaned back against the wall, willing himself not to cry. I just wish you were here to see it.