"Ah yes, that flood was a learning experience for me," Ariel said, scratching behind her ear. "I have since learned to have sandbags ready, keep important stock on the upper level, and about five other things that the locals know since childhood."

Ariel perked up from her minor embarrassment quickly. "As for thing since my last letter, things have been relatively stable." She held her tea cup in both hands and raised it to her lips, revealing a gold band on her finger inlaid with three amethysts. "Rukee's business is doing fairly well, as is mine. We've talked back and forth about living together, but neither of us have the means to purchase a new house unless we sold what we have. Instead, we just alternate where we live between here and the inn."

"Meesei?" Sabine turned her head to her. "If we are not allowed to talk about home in the letters, can we speak of it here?"

[hr]
Gallus shifted and lowered thee feather. "As you wish. I regret to inform that Dar-Tzesa has passed away. I can tell you the details, but I would prefer to inform her son at the same time. It is a sensitive matter and I am sure you would both have questions."

Gallus angled his head forward. "May we come in? Mister...?"