In reply to Ertzel Buckley (msg # 924):

Liadan quickly wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand and gently hugged Ertzel.

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 925):

Nelek looked at Aislyn- she still looked as beautiful as the day he married her! He wanted to take her into his arms! "I suppose we can go back now."

In reply to Liadan Buckley (msg # 926):

"I love you, Mama," Ertzel said softly.

In reply to Nelek (msg # 927):

"Yes, let's return to our seats," Aislyn said, reaching for his hand.

In reply to Ertzel Buckley (msg # 928):

Full on tears now.

"I love you too." Liadan sniffled.

In reply to Aislyn Gerthrim (msg # 929):

Nelek squeezed her hand and kissed it. He led Aislyn to their seats.

In reply to Liadan Buckley (msg # 930):

Ertzel snuggled against her mother.

In reply to Nelek (msg # 931):

Aislyn let Millie take her spot next to Difyr and then sat down.

In reply to Ertzel Buckley (msg # 932):

Liadan was alarmed at how tall Ertzel was. When had this happened? Next thing she'd know, Ertzel would be all grown up, and the younger children not far behind. She felt choked up.

In reply to Aislyn Gerthrim (msg # 933):

Nelek sat beside Aislyn, still holding her hand. He ran a finger up her arm.

In reply to Liadan Buckley (msg # 934):

"Mama? Are you all right?"

"Yes. You're just looking so grown up today." Liadan started to try smoothing Ertzel's hair, then stopped herself.

"I'm not THAT grown up, Mama," Ertzel blushed.

Now I've embarrassed her. I really am the worst mother. Liadan could have kicked herself. She wished Aron was there.

Ertzel scooped up Vicki, who had started to fuss.

My daughter is a better mother than I am. Liadan thought.

Ertzel sat down on the bench, settling Vicki on her lap.

Quietly becoming more open to the people in the main hall, Sir Bran shyly smiled at the people in front of him, looking for an empty seat.

In reply to Ertzel Buckley (msg # 942):

Liadan sat next to Ertzel. She turned to look at the door, hoping to see Aron returning with Yehudit.

Aron entered the hall and took a deep breath. Lia was not going to be happy. He made his way to where his family was seated.

Liadan was not happy. "Where's Yehudit?"

"She refused to come." Aron shook his head. "She's afraid something will happen and she'll be blamed, and refuses to believe that Sileas wants her here."

Dyfrig came in to see if folks were ready for their meal.

"Why didn't you carry her here?" Liadan asked.

In reply to Sileas Spenser (msg # 895):

Bai walked over to Sileas. He had shadows under his eyes, his dress shirt was rumpled and the collar loosened, magic dust had powdered his clothes. He was so tired, he wanted to go to bed.

"I'm about to close the wards. Is that Molech's child cousin of yours coming or not?"