"That actually sounds rather manageable," Llarasa said.

Fendros' head turned at her optimism.

She continued. "Not only would a business negotiation not last too-too long, it means mother and father will not be [i]continuously[/i] giving them hospitality. A break here and there could be helpful."

"Hopefully it will make the difference," Monderyn responded. "Well, we had better let mother know now. We can all meet up later to see if we have any strategies..."

"Wait, brother." Fendros half-raised a hand before Monderyn could stand up. "In all fairness, we're not in a rush. Do you have time to stay and share a few drinks with us? Without worrying about all this? It's been so long since we've spoken to you both."

"It would be nice to catch up," Llarasa said with a smile. "I can stay a while."

Monderyn clutched the arm of his chair and was silent for a moment. He exhaled through his nose and relaxed back into his chair. "Very well," he conceded.

[hr]
Harriet kept her cross-armed, eyes-down posture and let Narsi answer.

Narsi took a moment to clench her hand into a fist. She didn't look up at Lorag, but he could see her lowered face looking stern as a wall. "'Course I can," she said indignantly.