Chapter 11:

Post-Travel Ponderings

Dear Diary,

This morning our ship reached Capia. I must say, I will miss some of those sailors; their cheeky antics and teasing banter really grew on me during the last few days of our journey. And I've developed a taste for siyo, the potent alcoholic drink favoured by Vindos. Indeed one sailor in particular seemed very keen to get me drunk on it, but of course I wasn't so ignorant not to perceive what his intentions were. Although he was one of the best looking sailors onboard… and I did enjoy some trivial flirtation with him… but nonetheless, I think I'd have lived to regret it if I let him have his way with me. I certainly didn't know him well enough for one thing (yes, I have learned from my mistakes in the past!), and for another, if Lord Dannyl found it about it; the shock would most certainly have killed him.

It's so strange being back home. After only a few hours of having disembarked from the ship, it felt like I'd never been away from Capia at all. In some ways, it's a pleasure to be able to slip back into my old routine of study at the library, and attending occasional parties and social gatherings. But after the adventure Dannyl and I just had, my life does seem to be a little monotonous in comparison.

Not that I enjoyed everything about our travels! Indeed, enduring those early bouts of sea-sickness was not easy by any means. Thank goodness I was able to allow Dannyl to heal me ever since he found out about my secret. He assured me that he would not read my thoughts while healing me, which is an immense relief, for if he discovered my true feelings for him… Well, it's silly of me to harbour such affections in the first place, so I should really do my best to get over him.

And getting stabbed in Vin certainly was no fun experience. However I pride myself in my optimism, and I believe that some good definitely came out of that dreadful event. It allowed Dannyl to discern my secret, which he took rather better than I had expected. I'm glad that the revelation hasn't changed our friendship, and that if anything, we are becoming closer friends as each day progresses. And getting attacked in Vin proved to me just how much Dannyl cares for me; the way he flung my assailant into the wall was rather alarming, but also flattering that he was so keen to protect me from further harm.

Could Lord Dannyl have feelings for me, possibly feelings he himself does not wish to accept or admit to? This question torments me every day and night, and I yearn to know the truth about the man. Were those rumours about him as a novice true? If so, am I foolish to hope that there is a chance he may return my affection for him?

At any rate, I intend to enjoy myself as best I can now that I've returned to Capia. Bel Arralade's birthday party is coming up (that sly old wench only holds these parties so she can prowl for men, and isn't all that fussy if they are married or not) and I intend to get invited. Velend is my best bet – no doubt he'll resume his persistent stalking of me once he realises I've returned home. And it won't take much effort to convince him to take me to the party as his guest. Heaven knows he's always asking me along to parties, most of which are far too sordid for my liking. And naturally, I need to lend a thought to my good reputation, now that I'm Lord Dannyl's assistant. He certainly would be horrified if any nasty gossip was spread about me attending dubious parties. I'd love to see Dannyl's face if he ever wandered in on any of Dem Agerralin's gatherings… the poor Ambassador would probably have nightmares for months afterwards.

Yours wickedly,

Tayend

For once I've a good excuse for the delay in posting; I was working on a one-shot with Dannyl as novice at the Guild, to practise writing some serious prose again. I'll be posting that up soon, but apologies for forgetting about updating this in the meantime :P There's only 5 chapters left, so at least there's an end in sight. I hope everyone's still enjoying Tayend's diary ramblings!