Surreptitious footsteps against the wood of the stairs nearby heralded what was likely Llarasa returning from her watch.

"Well...how long are you going to be here at Cheydinhal?" Monderyn asked in response, going back to his previous words.

Fendros exchanged a look with Ahnasha before shrugging at Monderyn. "We don't exactly know. We're staying as long as it takes to be wedded, and probably not much longer. We're passing through on our way south and Meesei would probably rather we did not tarry if we can help it."

"Meesei is your leader?"

"Yes," Fendros confirmed quietly. He didn't even realise that he had mentioned her name until Monderyn asked.

It was at that point that Llarasa glided into the room as quietly as she could. "Mother is asleep," she murmured. "She tends to have long naps. I do not know when she will be awake next. It could be an hour, it could be dinner time."

Fendros nodded and addressed Ahnasha. "Should we stay for a while or go to the temple and come back later?"

"I can brew some more tea," Llarasa offered.