Ariel gave a coy shrug. "Come by on a weekend and we'll have plenty of time to see Thorn," she said. "As long as you don't mind sharing the time with my children as well. When do you think you will be back?"

"It's hard to say, really." Janius rubbed the back of his neck. "It could take a while to find them, it might only take two days. And once we're there, we did not have a solid plan on how long we wished to stay. We were going to work it out when we got there. At any rate, I doubt we'll be longer than four, five weeks? Likely less."

Sabine spoke up as well. "And if Ariel and Rukeewei are too busy, Julan, I could take you to almost any city you like after you visit your grandparents. I will have some other business to attend soon, after I spend some time with my sister, but there is no rush."

There was an uncertain look from Ariel to Sabine. She opened her mouth as if almost about to ask.

Sabine beat her to it. "But you were interrupted before, Ariel. How is Rukeewei? Where is he now?"

"Rukee is doing relatively well," Ariel said. "He has had some ups and downs, as have I, but we have been able to hold each other up when..." A shadow moved across the front window, catching Ariel's eye. "Oh! That'll be him with the girls right now. You can ask him for yourself!" Ariel grinned.

Already the high-voiced chatter of three very young Bretons was closing in on the door near Rukeewei's silhouette.