Estarfin

At last we were moving to find Lady Danel and Parnard. Since the start, Lord Estarfin had believed Captain Culufinnel had them hidden away somewhere, and had focused on him. It had never seemed the most likely of options to me, and now I had found evidence that Parnard had travelled close to the river...his new cloak caught on some rocks. 

Captain Culufinnel was away, seeking his horse and to travel up-river. Lord Estarfin had never dismounted. 

'He drew me closer, and we danced as if it was for the first time. The music of the Prince’s Ball in Thargelion was in our minds and steps, that we moved as one. And I thought how much more I enjoyed the dance than smiting the dummies earlier. I was happy, and he knew it.

Ceuro struggles with Estarfin's inactivity regarding the sudden news. He understands Estarfin's thoughts concerning how duplicitous Culufinnel can be, but having seen the site near Duillond, and the man's body, having seen the state of Pelorian and Swanfoot, he cannot help but be concerned for Danel and Parnard. He is glad that at least, Yrill is trying to comfort the weeping Marawendi.

"Yarehtar!" He is fully himself again.

After the meal, Barahirn being restored to the bed, and the plates being cleaned, I returned to my training, only this time with the indoor opponents in the side room. As the afternoon grew warmer, I was glad I wore but a thin sleeveless dress. Swinging Sarphir repeatedly at dummies was hot work, and my arms began to ache due to lack of regular practice, but I would not stop.

A few times I heard Estarfin’s voice, speaking as if to something he had crafted. I wondered at what he was making with such tenacity, but knew I would find out as soon as he wished.