After the King's announcement of his plans, Titus steps forward and asks, "You Majesty, may I request that Patre Seti join us in Belgica? It seems to me that we must remind your people that the Gods are indeed with us and the best way to do this is to quickly reestablish relations with Arras."

Titus has had little time to give much thought to what his plans would be as Theodoric's Minister of State . He and the King had had a short discussion of the position, so he has a sense of what his first actions should be; however, before they go their separate ways he needs to have a private discussion with him.

At first glance Titus realizes that his work in the next few weeks will be important not only for Beligca's recovery from the Hun invasion, but for Theodoric's reign. After all, it has been a long time since the Dukes have had a King and although they are all dramatically affected by the invasion, in fact one is probably dead, they are not used to being subordinate or having anything less than utter control within their fiefs. The only thing good about the Emperor's attack is that through it he has given Theodoric an opportunity to establish a Kingship that even Clovis might not have enjoyed.

When they have an opportunity to speak privately, Titus asks for a complete understanding of the resources he has available to offer the Dukes and makes his thoughts known. To his mind they may have as few as 3 months or as many as 24 before the Emperor has recovered enough to attack again. It may be too early to plan an offensive war against the Huns, but they have the advantage of momentum and must use it rather than face another threat from him. He suggests sending messengers to Burgundy and Brittany and Britain. His wedding would make an excellent moment to make official a true alliance against the Emperor and further the work they have only just begun.

"Theo were you looking for a place for the centaurs to settle? I had hoped they would live near Eadoin's home though I understand if that's not possible. Your thinking about somewhere new?" She is curious about that having thought they would live somewhere near Eadoin's new farm with Appleblossom so they could be close to their people.

Aelasuria smiles warmly looking very happy to see that Apple blossom is safe as well as breezes safe return. She takes a moment to hug Cirrus affectionately if given the chance. "I am glad you safe Cirrus. It's good to see you as well Breeze. I am afraid that the ice bridges seemed to melt on their own once the ice demons fell. Even so thank you breeze for your Heroic efforts on the behalf of the land and it's people. Your very brave and we owe you a debt of gratitude. If you need anything breeze please feel free to ask. Also know that you will always be welcome in our home. You can visit Theo and I anytime you like. I will also ask my father to welcome you if you with to visit Geneva. I know that sylphs love to travel so I have a feeling you might visit from time to time."

Taking a sip of wine Aelasuria asks the Riverlights if it would be all right if they acquired a bottle or three for Their private stock. If there is enough to go around that is. "Is there a possibility that we could acquire a few bottles of this wine please? IF not I understand."

Seeing that Titus is also thinking about establishing or reestablishing relations in some cases gives her a idea. "Titus how good are you at working up trading agreements? I thought in due time considering the limitations of the war. It would be good to establish a trade agreement with the Ardennes elves. I might have laid the initial groundwork there however I think a human touch would help. Since I am a elf and you are human we would have both perspectives."

OOC: No need to go into great detail. IT just seems like a good idea at the time. Especially since Aelasuria has to go with Theo. You don't need to stay Titus it's just you seem the natural diplomat so it's a good fit for you when the time is right.

When Aelasuria asks Titus whether or not he is good at Trade agreements he pauses before he replies, "Were I not adept at negotiating Trade agreements, Your Grace, my family would not have permitted me to leave Massillia.", he says with a grin.

Taking a sip of the delicious wine in his cup he continues, "That said, I appreciate your concerns and see the wisdom in them. I pledge to you that I shall continue the talks with our Elven neighbors about Trade that I began many months ago. At that time I was speaking on behalf of Burgundy, but through them I gained an understanding of what the Elves of the Ardennes are and are not seeking. Something tells me that these needs may have evolved, but the reasons why Trade would be useful must be clear to everyone."

Turning back to the Riverlights he raises his cup with a smile, "Indeed, as My Lady suggests we might not only have resources that each other needs, but other less necessary goods whose value will be no less. I would also suggest that Trade will do more than enrich us. It will grow the understanding we have of each other and in doing so diminish the fear and ignorance that the Emperor has used to justify his actions."

Theoderic inspects the Elven boats.

Clearly, he cannot move the horses.  Not many of them, at least.  That means, most of the troops he will bring to the east on the boats will be the soldiers from Lucimburic.  But that's fine.  They would be heading home.  The horsemen can follow along by way of the river bank path.

* * * * *

The Centaurs have set up a camp at the Citadel.  Despite the losses they took, most of the Centaurs are upbeat.  At least, they seem to be.  Perhaps it is their way of coping.   Theoderic decides to speak to them, in the morning after the battle.  The previous day has left plenty of bruises, tired muscles, aches and pains, in addition to the wounds of battle.   Tired but undaunted, the Centaurs gather around.

Before addressing the whole group, though, he discusses some specifics with the most experienced Centaurs, like Thayer.  He wants to know, what happened?

Thayer explains what occurred after the troops became separated by the Sambre River.  The Huns were there by the thousand, and they didn’t know that one of their ice bridges had been destroyed, and the other cut off by Theoderic’s cavalry.  So they just pressed on ahead.  The Centaurs found themselves without the usual maneuvering room they needed for hit and run tactics.  They couldn’t shoot, then scurry away to find an unguarded flank- all they found were more Orcs.

“It was like no battle we have ever seen,” Thayer says.

“Hopefully we will not see it again,” Theoderic replies.

“I should like to think so, but let us not hide our eyes from the facts,” Thayer says.  “The Huns are every bit as horrible a foe as we expected, but it becomes even more important that they be destroyed.  As we have learned from the Elves, we cannot hide forever and hope that distance and forests will shield us.  If they swallow up these lands, they will not be sated and they will eventually come for the gray forests where our tribes roam.  So we will fight again.”

“But not right now,” Theoderic says.  “You have earned a rest.  And more land than the forest camps Eadoin showed off to you.. but that will be yours too.  Belgica has room for you.  There is more land than people now.  All I ask of you know is, find your new homes, and settle in for the winter.”

* * * * * * *

Breeze and Cirrus greet Aelasuria, and Cirrus explains her own experiences.  She had been going back and forth delivering messages when the army divided…

”It was frightening, very frightening,” she says.  “But they were never fast enough to get close to .  I think they tried a few times.  Every time, they were blocked by some of the soldiers.  They were very concerned that I not get into any trouble.  I think Rita would be proud of them.”

Breeze has more news, though.

”Aelasuria, I brought warm air here.  But there are rules.  There are forces even I cannot change.  I have brought warm air from the south, and water comes with it.  When the air cools, there will be snow, because the cold air cannot hold the water like the warm air.  Over the next few days it will become colder again, and then there will be a snowfall.  Not heavy, not sudden.  Just slow and light, over a few days.”

Cirrus is intrigued.  “You know the weather’s future?  Is it magic?  Will I be able to do that?”

The Sylph smiles.  “Not magic, Cirrus.  When you have drifted on clouds and winds for many years, you will know their ways and their patterns, and what each kind of air and each kind of cloud will bring, as easily as a farmer knows what kind of fruit will spring from a  tree.”

Scolo seeks out Seti,

Heloo , and Pluto is busy no doubt

It was meant well and said with a smile but the wizards tact is certainly wanting.

And now, are you remaining with the royals and seeking war to the east? Ill be.

Clearly the wizard is unsure what he had intended to say. The floating multipod watches him with concern.

As crazy as the grand wizard appears, Seti seems to understand him. "Indeed," he replies to the reference to his master.

"I am leery about stopping the campaign, but the generals know better than I the logistics and difficulties of moving and engaging armies during Winter. I had hoped they might be able to cut off the Huns at the Rhine and isolate the troops left in Gaul, but they may not have the strength left. Of one thing I am certain: the emperor is far from done here. He will not just leave. In fact, I have a hard time believing, as large as this battle was, that it was the whole of his plan."

"No.... I don't seek war, but it seeks us, and we must not lie dormant. Don't you agree?" He ponders to the wizard and his familiar. "After today, you may have even moved further up on the emperor's best wishes list. Take care of yourself, and don't be lax. Many Blackguards remain in places unknown and they prefer tracking down one powerful man at a time, as opposed to carnage such as this."

He begins gathering his things. "If there is to be no immediate pressure, it likely behooves the king if I accompany Titus and the others heading north. People need to see that some priests still exists and hear of our triumphs over the demons. I am also still eager to unravel the mysteries in Arras, where I have no doubt spies and assassins remain."

Listening to the conversation Aelasuria looks from Theo to Thayer knowing it must have been horrible. "Choosing the battle field is a advantage you can use your strengths if you can do that. Let us hope next time that we get that benefit. Please take care and know that you will always be welcome at our side. I hope that your people find the perfect place to call home."

"It's a natural instinct for the soldiers particularly the males to look out for you. I am glad that you were not hurt Cirrus." She gives her another gentle hug grateful Cirrus isn't one of the wounded that they would need to find shelter for. "I know Rita will. Just don't mention the Orcs in her presence. She will likely start to fret over you as she feels very protective of you and the other orphans back at home."

Nodding she takes Breezes hands for a moment giving them a gentle squeeze. "I understand and again I can't thank you enough for your efforts. I will tell Theo what to expect. Do you think the snow will be enough to make seeing a army from the distance difficult?" Looking to Cirrus Aelasuria continues softly. "It's true Cirrus anyone who pays attention long enough can often tell the signs of weather changes. Rangers, druids, Fey, elves, and even shorter lived races. They can observe the clouds, feel the humidity in the air, feel the power of the winds, observe animal behaviors and changes in certain kinds of plants.  Sylphs of course have quite the advantage in noting weather changes."

When she gets the chance she passes the information on to Theo. "Theo Breeze has informed me of what the weather should be like over the next few days. It will grow colder and there will be snow. It won't be heavy but perhaps it's enough to aid in tracking and perhaps cutting down on visibility which might help certain tactics. Will the centaurs rejoin us in the east or is it your plan to let them sit that battle out while they rest?" She just wanted to confirm because centaurs could travel quickly when they wanted to do so. Though it sounded like they wouldn't be there for the battle in the east.

Titus joined Theodoric when he spoke to the Centaurs and agreed heartily with his and Aelasuria's thoughts, "The flexibility your leadership showed, Thayer, and the very adaptability your warriors each proved will be remembered by all. I hope our enemy does not learn this, though!", he says with a smile.

"I look forward to traveling with you into Belgica and seeing your people newly established."

The other detail he looks into while managing plans for his forthcoming redeployment is to visit with each of the Werewolves that fought besides him in the battle. Titus wants to know the name of those that fell as well. He will speak to their commander and write a letter to Barstow praising their bravery.

Ah... She's like a toad ... Scolo smacks his lips, there was some other animal he meant to say, something that hibernates in winter and represents war, something ferocious, toad, mole, prairie dog, slavering sloth .... What animals are really known for hibernating? Toad works, war seems warty and slow and ugly too.



Oh yes, yes it's true ... Clever the emperor is and he never forgets nor relaxes. The plan ... I wish I knew ... But likely he will shift from aggression to subtlety. Strange as it is I rather like the emperor as a perfect example of the Orc, odd habits though. Do you know that he bathes? He loves it! Helps him plan ... Yes I made him a gift, a bathtub spout in the shape of a severed head, hmmm it magically heats the water and makes bubbles, it also sings drunken songs. I want to give it to him before we destroy him, it's always nice to know somebody knows you eh?

Scolo seems to be speaking a little better with the flight of ideas.


Scolo nods, Edgar coos nervously.


Scolo frowns "But...but... We're going east ... On boats, to battle again" his eyebrows furrow, there was something he wanted to say, what do you say? He thinks about all the miles riding on that wagon, and their disagreement over melissa and how they worked together and how he had considered killing Seti's mule the day they met, mistaking the Priest for a goblin. And how funny he looked riding a horse while invisible, the poor horse looked lame the way it kept twitching to one side from the invisible man's awkward style.
"It's getting cold ... North" he says finally, something is missing, something unsaid. He manages a smile and waves

OOC: Are there orphans or displaced refugees as a result of the battle, people who need healing and/or a new home? If there are any orphans who do not have family members or close friends to take them in, Rita would want to bring them to the orphanage in Raviniacum.

Rita has a lot to think about in deciding where to go next. The first thing is her concern with those wounded in battle, including Gellas. She will not leave them until they are strong enough to travel, and that will clearly take more than one day.

She is fascinated by the giant owls and would love to learn more about them, but with so many still in need of healing, she simply does not have the time to sit and talk with them, at least not at any length.

When she gets a break, she searches for Melissa, concerned with how the woman is holding up.

“You have helped us significantly in this battle, and I sure King Theoderic has taken notice,” she begins.

“I need to talk to him and Aelasuria, to determine where I go next. You will almost certainly go either with me or with Lord Titus. Do you have a preference? If you had a choice among the options facing us, is there one you would prefer? I can see you’ve become friendly with Scolo, and you might prefer to go where he does.

If you wish to talk, if there are any concerns you want to discuss, please, feel free. That’s what I am here for,” she says, hoping Melissa will feel comfortable enough to talk to her.

There are several other people she needs to talk to before making her decision. She seeks out Aelasuria and Theoderic, and finds Breeze and Cirrus with them. She arrives after Cirrus’ tale, so she does not hear about her having been chased by orcs.

“Hello, Breeze. Thank you for helping us by bringing the warm air,” she says after learning of Breeze’s role.

“Cirrus, I am so very proud of you. Carrying messages back and forth the way you did was a great service to the king’s army. You contributed significantly to this victory. I am still protective to the point of not wanting you anywhere near battle, but you have done great work. I have to accept it is the will of the gods that you be here and serve King Theoderic this way.”

Rita gives Cirrus, Aelasuria, and Breeze (if she allows it) hugs and then addresses Aelasuria.

“Aelasuria…I know at one point you had planned for your wedding to take place on the day of the Winter Solstice. Is that still an option?” she asks, wondering how even royals could put together such a major event within such a short time.

“I told you I would be present at your wedding, and I want to keep that promise, as well as bring the children from Raviniacum.”

She turns to Theoderic.

“I assume Melissa must accompany either me or Lord Titus. This has to be a consideration for us in deciding where to go next.

My preference is for Riordeg and me to accompany you and your army to the Ardennes. As I am sure you can imagine, Riordeg and I want to stay together. I do know that may not be possible. In splitting up, we have to make sure every group has at least one healer. That includes the troops going home. I know if I go with them, the chances are Riordeg will not be able to join me, given the need for warriors to assist the elves.”

Rita will pray about this decision and also make sure to talk to Titus and Seti before everyone splits up. She reminds Titus that one of them has to stay with Melissa.

“I don’t mind Melissa staying with me, especially if you think her presence might be a problem for your diplomatic activities.”

With Seti, she shares her concerns, including that of Melissa.

“Would you prefer Melissa go with Lord Titus or with me? As I understand the king’s decision, she has to be with one of us. I have no problem with her accompanying me though I do want to get your input as to what you think will be better for her.

My choice is to accompany King Theoderic and his troops to the Ardennes. But I also realize that each group should have at least one healer with them, and I don’t know if any healers are accompanying the troops who cannot fight any more and are going home, presumably to Raviniacum.

If you have any advice for me, I would much appreciate it. And if you go to Arras, please check up on my father, and give him my love. I am worried about him, about the possibility of more attacks there.”

She also takes time to talk to Eadoin and reunite with Ovo. Given that Eadoin is also a healer, it will be useful to know where he is going, so they don’t have several healers with one group and no healers with another.

Rita is happy to see Ovo again and gives him a hug too. “I wish we didn’t have to split up, now that we find ourselves all together again.”

She also says hello to Salen.

In between talking with the various party members, she shares her uncertainty with Riordeg.

“I know you very likely have to go with King Theoderic and Gellas to assist the elves. I want to go with all of you, but it is possible the king may need a cleric to accompany the troops going home. I will do that if he asks it, but my preference is to stay with you and Aelasuria and the king, especially after having met the elves last summer. What are your thoughts on this?”

Unfortunately with all the battles, saving of lives, putting out forest fires, slaying demons, traveling across a few different kingdoms Aelasuria really hadn't had time to consider her wedding. "I am afraid it's going to have to be postponed Rita. We can't afford to let the elvish people down and they need us right now. The wedding is supposed to happen in Lucimbiric and I honestly don't think Theo can afford to leave the army in someone else's care. Then men and women fighting for him look up to him and need him."

Seeing Scolo is a bit confused she speaks to him softly. "Yes Scolo we are going east to do battle with the huns. The Elves of the mark need our help. Perhaps with a little luck we will get to see the wizards you wish to speak to and access the libraries you seek. Your not thinking about the quick Iron are you?  Perhaps Melissa is on your mind?" She wasn't sure what he was trying to remember.

Looking into Rita's eyes Aelasuria gently takes her hand giving it a affectionate reassuring squeeze. "I think Melissa is doing well with Scolo. If she wants to stay with him then I support it. Since she needs either Titus or you Rita and you want to come with us then I recommend that you come with us. If Melissa wants to go with Titus I certainly won't stop her. Regarding Ovo we might not have to he's always welcome if he wishes to come with us."

Eadoin does what he can to manipulate Scolo's quickiron.  The young Centaur isn't exactly sure what makes it special, really, throughthe wizard seems to put great stock by it.  Whether he swings it, tosses it, or tries to bend its spoon with his psychic powers, Eadoin tries, even if it's only to entertain or humor Scolo.  No reason not to go along with the joke.

---

Through the evening with the Riverlights, the owls, Elven wine, and revels, Eadoin is rather introspective.  He wants to speak with the king, but the matter of whether to settle and where is more an issue for him and Thayer to discuss.  At some point in the evening, when the fires of victory have burned down, to he approaches the older Centaur, bringing an extra cup with him.  "They say we fought well, today, Thayer.  We did carry the day, it seems, but at quite a cost.  We would be hard pressed to purchase a week that way and there'd be none left to spend the time we'd earned"

He offers the cup of mulled winter wine to the other Centaur, then drinks from his own.  He sips, very slightly into his cups, feeling jovial, warm, and slightly sleepy.  "The king offers us portions of Belgica, apparently to settle or roam as we choose, while he goes further east to fight, most likely to try and lift the siege at Mos Trajectum."

"There's a score of us at Raviniacum the Hybsils and my own family besides.". Eadoin paws a little at the frozen ground with a forehoof.  "I'll admit I'd sooner take up Atlas' burden than tell Apple Blossom she's got to uproot her garden again and move to Belgica.  Give me a mountain to move, or a dozen iron warriors mounted on warbeasts."

The druid again sips from his cup.  "I go where we all go, whether home, here, or to Mos Trajectum.  The king will need to know where we stand, whether you say that word to him or I do.  Where do you stand on it, Thayer?". Eadoin looks at the older Centaur, curiously a few long moments before continuing.  "I do not think we can be divided on things.  We're too few.  Where do we stand, Thayer, you and I?"

Just because they are going to need a new thread anyway, and to unjumble some of the traffic in this thread, the response for Eadoin moves to a new thread:

The Centaurs in Winter

“I need to stay close to Scolo,” Melissa says to Rita.  “It’s… no, it’s not that.. it’s that.. the way he thinks, the way his minds works, it’s a little off.  It’s not like anyone else, and he could get in trouble. Or cause trouble.  And I owe him something, because he held nothing against me when everyone else did.  He never saw me as someone to be locked up, even when I was someone who should be locked up.  He’s very.. free.  But if he’s not with someone who understands him, it could be bad.”

* * * * *

Rita does a quick initial survey of the Orphan Situation.   Here, in Namaco, there aren’t any in need.  The child population among the Elves is much smaller than it is among Humans, proportionately, due to their long lives.   Typically, about a quarter to a third of Humans are not yet adults.  With Elves the number is in the five to seven percent range.  Not only are there fewer children, but Elven children often have a plethora of older adults in their family to look after them.  After all, and Elf’s great great grandparents  might be in their four hundreds, and still in the prime of their lives.   Older brothers and sisters might be older by a century or two!  So even when an Elven child is without parents, there is almost always a strong family still present.  Had Namaco been overrun by the Huns, it could have been such a terrible event that whole Elven families were wiped out, and then some orphans would have been present, but, that didn’t happen.

Among the Human towns where the Huns passed through, though, things might be different.  Rita was with Theoderic all the way during  the advance through Belgica.  The Huns didn’t stay long in towns like Turnacum, but they did inflict a lot of damage, and some smaller villages here and there were destroyed.  And of course, she remembers how the town of Viroviacum was devastated.  And she knows that the city of Bruxzella was deliberately abandoned to the Huns, and some people were still left there, even though they were warned to leave right up to the end and given every chance.  No one yet knows how Bruxzella fared, but it is the first stop for Titus, Bulwyf, and Seti.

But given all that, Rita must be asking herself- if there are needy folk in Belgica, would it be better to deal with them there or try and move them to Raviniacum?  It is December, of course, and according to Breeze the Sylph, snow is on the way.  And Theoderic is headed in the opposite direction, to the east, because the war for the Ardennes is not yet won.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:55, Thu 17 Jan 2013.

Scolo does his best to help Eadoin see the uses of quickiron.

OOC: asking for GM clarification for Eadoin or anyone else who may want some.

In reply to Rita (msg # 178):

Riordeg understands Rita's concerns, but is painfully aware of his position. "Of course I want to stay with you, dear, but I have to go where I'm sent. Hopefully uncle Gellas will be fit to travel, but Theoderic will still need all the able-bodied troops he can muster for the Ardennes."

He gives her a hug, and places a soft kiss on her nose. "One day I'll be able to spend time with you at the orphanage, but I really don't think it's going to be this winter. If you need to stay with the little ones I will understand, and I'll come back to you as soon as I can."

Then he smiles. "Of course, if you're needed with the army then I can come see you every day, if my duties allow."

"That's pretty much what I thought," Rita says in response to Aelasuria telling her the wedding will have to be postponed.

"I'm not sure what Scolo's plans are, but given that there might be more iron warriors in the Ardennes, it might be prudent for him to accompany King Theoderic there. I don't know what his preference is, but Melissa wants to accompany him, and I think that is good for her. She and Scolo seem to get along well.

I'm not sure of Eadoin's plans either or where the centaurs plan on going next. But if he does not accompany your group to the Ardennes, that is all the more reason I should. You're going to face battle, which means you need at least one healer.

If Patre Seti and his group promise me they will find new homes for the orphans in Bruxzella, I have enough faith in them that I feel justified going to the Ardennes. I do want to speak with Seti and make sure they will give proper attention to the orphans regardless of the many other issues they will face."

Before Seti's group leaves for Bruxzella, Rita finds Seti and asks him if he is willing to make sure the orphans in the towns his group is visiting are all taken care of and given good homes, with either relatives or friends or temples in those cities.

She also asks Melissa what Scolo's plans are.

During her conversation with Riordeg, Rita smiles when he says he won't be able to spend the holidays with the orphans in Raviniacum this year.

"I'm not sure I will be able to do so either, at least not this year. I feel terrible about it because the children likely feel I've abandoned them. I had never planned to be away this long. But I too have pledged myself to King Theoderic's service. And besides needing able-bodied fighters, the king and Gellas need at least one healer to accompany them.

If I can be confident that Patre Seti and his group will look after the orphans in Bruxzella, then I have no reason not to continue with all of you into the Ardennes."

There is also a selfish reason for her wanting to stay with Theoderic's group. That way, at least she and Riordeg can be together for the Solstice festivities, along with Aelasuria and Theoderic.

Melissa has a new purpose in life.  She understands that it is Rita who was charged with the role of Scolo-minder.  However, Melissa feels she can do it, or at least, help out.  For one, she has little else to do.

For another, she has a feeling that she sort of, kind of, understands the crazy wizard.  In their own ways, their paths were similar.

A curious listener might ask, "why?"

And Melissa would explain- they both rejected the standard roles the world had given them.  Scolo rejected the path of "ordinary" wizardry, and Melissa rejected TWO paths now, the path of the Blackguard, and prior to that, the path of back alley street girl.

Although conversations can continue here, we have a new thread:

Ides of December- Heading East

OOC: Rita wasn't charged with minding Scolo. I think that was Seti. Rita was charged with minding Melissa.

That is true.

Rita minds Melissa.  Melissa minds Scolo.

Scolo minds Edgar.  After that it is complicated.

Edgar minds the world for Scolo and Scolo doesn't mind.

Seti grumbles somewhat about being put in charge of orphans. There are still adults with whom he fails to relate at times, but children.... He will consent, out of necessity if nothing else, after pointing out that the task seems more appropriately assigned to Titus. Seti knows the orphans have likely suffered, as have many others in this war, and it remains within his toughened skin not to get too attached to them. War is a messy, ugly business, where one must make very hard decisions, often quickly.

He is willing to commit to look after their safety and use his reasonable best judgment, but he lacks Rita's emotional connection, or information, to do much more than that. (OOC: how many are there?)

"If Titus is willing to take charge of the orphans, that is fine with me," Rita tells Seti. "I just want to make sure someone gives their attention to the task."

Before the groups split up, she will talk to Titus and ask him if he is willing to take charge of caring for orphans in these towns. She would never say it out loud, but she is worried about Seti having a hard time relating to children, and Titus does seem more suited to the role.

To Titus's mind dealing with matters like orphans is part of the Kingdom's larger recovery plan and responds to Rita accordingly, "This is a matter that would be considered with all of the others I shall be speaking with the Dukes about.  Is this what you mean about 'taking charge of orphans'? If so, than I can assure you that I shall be doing so."

"Yes, that is what I mean," Rita explains. "I just want to make sure that no children are left without homes. I know you have a lot to discuss with the dukes about strategy and dealing with the Huns, but it is important, especially now with winter here, that priority be given to finding homes for all children who may have lost their parents or caregivers in the recent battles."