[Filter: Princess Seraphine, Lord Hasten, Lady Eliza, Lady Mariana]

Lady Eliza and I think that we've managed to agree upon a suitable plan of action. She's been terribly hard to work with, let me just say! Eli, dear, you have no sense of showmanship.

The short version, because I don't feel like writing it all out when I'm spent all day, after many other days, talking about it:

We leave for Eblar on the 9th.
As we leave, a small note will be sent to Eblar informing the King that we believe we have found the Princess Seraphine and will be presenting her to him in due course.
A large company of guards and three carriages carrying the five of us shall be moving in a company.
Every security precaution will be observed.
There will not be a grand parade or anything of the like when we reach Lucre, just a quiet meeting arranged with the King so that he can see her himself and decide his own path from there. To my eternal chagrin.

I trust there are no arguments with this arrangement?

[Filter: Private]

Sigh, must you make this so difficult? As much as I enjoy the games, my dear, there's a time for everything. I'd be more than glad to continue with more ... appropriate stakes, once this is dealt with.

[Filter: Lady Eliza, Lord Hasten, Lady Mariana]

I must say, Eli, dearest! You don't have a reputation for being so blastedly indecisive. It's been more than a month since you've arrived. Surely you have to have made a decision by now, even if you're deeming to keep it quiet. I just have to suggest that there isn't exactly time for it. We really are on a ticking clock until this reaches the King. Surely you don't think you're the only person in Dentoria with ... sources. I can't believe he'll be pleased if it comes to him that way ...

And all of that! What else do I say to convince you?

Just give us a hint, dearest, where are you leaning?

[Filter: Lady Mariana, Lord Hasten, Lady Eliza, Princess Seraphine]

It is my greatest honour and deepest pleasure to invite each and every one of you to a dinner party. (Another dinner party, as it were, but I assure you, this one will be much more interesting!)

You see, I believe that in order for us to truly appreciate Her Royal Highness's return, we need to see her in her element. And so, Princess, you will be the guest of honour. And no simple dresses and hiding in the background, looking like a serf! No, that simply won't do, not for the occassion. You'll be dressed and attended fully like the heir to all of Dentoria you are.

A private affair, only the five of us and one trusted attendant! No risk of unwanted, prying eyes, and no need to hold ourselves back in the slightest.

This Thursday evening. I expect it to be a grand affair, so come in new clothes and jewels, and be armed with your finest small talk.

[Filter: Eliza]

Eli, dearest! Would you care to provide and update as to your progress? I hesitate to remind you that you're already behind promised schedule!

[Filter: Private]

Even if she is a clever hoax ... well, silver linings.

It's been far too long, Eliza, dearest. I'm looking forward to this, aren't you?

[Filter: Public]

Lord Hasten, I'm afraid I have to impose myself upon you to make a request! (I promise it's nothing too terrible.)

[Filter: Eliza]

I'm sure this is all likely quite stale for you already, my dear. Should we go through the motions, anyway, or just assume you already know the real reason Lord Hasten is in Conare?

Well, as expected, unless some miracle happens in the next few hours, Lord Hasten will be riding in the finals at the lists, tomorrow! But, ah, the burning question is, who will be riding against him? There are several promising candidates, now aren't there?

[Filter: Lord Hasten and Lady Mariana]

All right, then! I must admit, I'm intrigued, and, for the most part, convinced. Even if this is some elaborate set-up, who designed it deserves to benefit from it, because it's all ingenious.

We'll need Temair on board before anything is done about this, however, I can promise you that. Rhia isn't quite so neccessary, but until Lord Martin -- ah, pardons, until Lady Eliza will back your story up, it's fairly useless. That's just how this sort of thing works, I'm quite sorry to say.

You're in luck, of coure, as Lady Eliza is a very close friend of mine, as her father was! I'm sure I can work something out ... if you could all stay here in Conare, I could have her here within several short months, and then things can get moving. What say you both? I can come up with a very convincing cover story.

[Filter: Private]

Fascinating, isn't it all, Eli, my dear? I should thank Her Highness for reappearing at a time when I'm missing you the most.

I'm looking forward to seeing where this road leads.

[Filter: Lady Mariana, Lord Hasten]

She is very convincing, is she not?

My, it would seem we're amassing quite the guestlist, now aren't we? I'm hardly complaining, however, and in fact I'm quite thrilled. As are my two favourite young ladies, of course! I'm having a set of gowns made for the two of them, in a slightly archaic style. We think that's going to the theme of the event, the glory of days past. (Hardly so glorious, if you ask me. A little heavy on the barbarism and death, but history does tend to romanticize, and I can hardly complain with polishing up the dirtier spots for the sake of antiquity!)

I'm sure the journals are frightfully tired of hearing about it, but I frankly don't care! I'm enjoying myself, and want to share it with the world!

My, I think this is going to be one of my best events in years! Dear Lady Anita is tapping into every story of grand tourneys that she can find in her repetoire, and coming up with the most charming ideas. And in the meantime, hopefuls from just about everywhere are pouring in requests to cross lances with the Lion of Lireth. You should should put your reputation to use like this all the time, Lord Hasten!

I need to see to finding the right harpers, but Anita has many favourites. I do hope it won't be too difficult to track them down, they do have such a wandering lifestyle!

And, of course, Eara is simply beside herself with excitement, which is the most important part. I wonder how she got so old. They grow up so quickly!

Why, Lady Mariana, how kind if was of you to write me! No fears, I'm quite fine, just busy with my own things and not paying complete attention to these books of late. I do note, however, that we've had some more of our all-too-rare Westerners join our pages, and allow me to extend my greetings!

And an invitation, as well. Lord Hasten! It's been years since you've been in Conare, and I was just thinking, recently, how I'd love to do a full fledged tourney for Eara's birthday, this year. Yes, I know that was days ago, but I've decided to save the celebration for later in the spring, what with the long winter we've had this year! My guest and dear friend Lady Anita is a passionate patron of such events, you see, and she's gotten Eara quite intrigued. And I remembered that you're one of the best jousters in Dentoria, or have the reputation for being so much, and, well, I'm sure you can follow my train of thought, as it develops!

You could feel free to bring any members of your household as neccessary, of course. Do let me know!

I have exercised all the restraint I could muster so I wouldn't open this package early! I must say, Eli, you certainly do know how to hit a man where it hurts, don't you? Sigh, already in my thirties. How depressing!

That said, perhaps it can be used as a fashion statement of sorts! I'll set a trend. Handsome, rich men with canes. It has potential!

(And I feel the need to announce that dear Lady Anita adores the gown I've purchased for her. It's always so rewarding when generousity is appreciated!)

[Filter: Private]

You would find this absolutely disturbing, Eliza. I find it ... tempting. Lady Anita want to play, you see. Were we to do so, she would change her mind about what a hero I am fairly quickly. It has been far longer than I'd like. I fear I could not hold back.

I can see you purse your lip and grimace in distaste as you read this. It's a sick thing for me to even consider, after all. She is only fifteen. You really should stop disapproving of me, Eli. (That is what your charming sisters call you, is it not? Charming.)

Rise to the bait, if you will.

[Filter: Public]

In all that has happened, I suppose I should be only grateful that the dear little Lady Anita considers my unfortunate injury a heroic war wound! Truly, it's rather charming, how she fusses over it and waxes near melodramatic about how I rescued her from almost certain rape, torture, and murder. (Or so she believes; I personally find it far more likely that their plan was ransom.) She truly has made my trip up over the hill slightly less unbearable.

A dear, truly.

I have had the most positively exhausting two weeks of my entire life. You cannot believe just how complicated one simple escort has turned out to be. I really can't be bothered to provide all the messy details yet, when really I want to just sit down and drink coffee and rest.

Instead of explaining myself, I will provide the magic journals with a lament! I have crossed that line drawn between youthful energy and deteriorating decrepancy. May the Dragons judge my poor youth fairly. (... though perhaps fairly is not the word; it's entirely possible their judegment would not be favourable, considering my reputation! Mercifully may be better.)

If anyone deems to write back to me, I will likely not answer, as I will be having coffee with my guest and nursing a butchered leg.

Now wasn't that just flattering! I ride out of the city with several guards, and my people react as those it's a sort of parade. It's quite an ego boost to consider how they'll react when I return.

All this excitment nearly distracts me from the approaching 31st. (Nearly, I said, but not quite. Oh, to be twenty-two again!)

I suppose it would certainly be the mark of a good host to ride out to meet my guest. Lady Anita should be here in several days, after all, and I think it would be a lovely treat were I to escort her into the city myself.

And it has been so very long since I left the city. I fear I'm beginning to get cabin fever! All the numbers spinning around in my head. Terrible, really!

And I suppose I should take this moment, between running around like a decaptitated chicken, to bemoan my upcoming birthday. I've heard it said that one isn't old until they're fourty, but I can't help but think thirty is old enough to start anticipating death.

Everyone tries to tell me that I look not a day over twenty-two (a statement I appreciate, but hardly believe.) Perhaps I should change my image! A stolid elder, perhaps? Sigh, it's on my thoughts more than a man likes to admit, of late.

Thirty. My, my. I suppose I should do my very best to make the most of my youth!

So much prepartion goes into this, did you all know? Lady Anita will need to be entertained with all the things young ladies enjoy, and so I much assemble as much of it was possible and plan meticulously. One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting a new place in high company is having beautiful new things to enjoy it in, and so I have to study her size and have my tailors make beautiful gowns for her. And (of course!) I must explain to Eara what to expect, and that Daddy hasn't forgotten her, not at all, he's simply entertaining a special guest, and perhaps they'll be friends! And, of course, I must select the perfect horse for her to ride, the perfect room for her to stay in, the perfect shows we must see while she's here. And plan the perfect meals, the perfect parties ...

Really, it's all quite overwhelming! And balancing our King's bankbook at the same time, for that. Nevertheless, I can't find it within me to complain. It's all worthwhile, to give me the reputation I have, and see the smiling face of my guests.

[Filter: Private]

Why, what an absolute delight, Eli! I've just received word from Lady Anita in Allba. Yes, I know, you're simply dying to know what young Lady Anita said. (And I'm only glad to enlighten you, if you'll only wait a moment!) It would seem she is in desperate need of some devoted company, and would be only glad to come and visit, and, joy of joys, Lord Rylan and Lady Cerise agree! Lady Anita will be leaving on the twenty-third. A lovely date, indeed.

Now, don't worry, dearest, I intend to be a perfect gentleman and we'll simply see how things happen, hm? I believe that's more than fair, don't you? Indeed.

It has been so long since I've entertained just for the fun of it, dearest. I'm so excited.

[Filter: Private]

Young, earnest, so very impressionable. Yes, Elzie -- or Eli, is that what your sisters call you? I suppose it's just rude of me to remind you of your poor demented mother, considering. Eli, then, I believe that Lady Anita,really is just perfect for what I need right now! I'm sure her stay here will be a delight.

I'll send the invitation today. Hm, it's been ages since I entertained like this. You and I play an entirely different game, dearest, and it's not as relaxing and mindless as I so love.

[Filter: Public]

Would it be too much to ask that King Donnal at least put some logic into his withdrawals from the treasury? Sigh, my work is never done.