Once more things are getting complicated, brother. Your advice is something I would direly need these days. But you are gone. And each day I wonder more and more how much of it was my fault. How much your men would still need you, even though there are preciously few left to still be called your men.

The duke’s youngest brother has arrived here in Bree. Naturally he has been offered all hospitality. Yet the house is in chaos ever since he got here. So much that even I, despite being absent most of the time, cannot fail to notice.

On top of that Fianah has been staying in my house for a few days, together with her son. There is so little I can do to support her… Finh has done his best to ensure that she and I could get together, not knowing that he was working against my best interest. Eventually I had to tell them both that I no longer have a wish to be with her. I have closed that door a long time ago, not wishing for it to be opened ever again. Nor do I think that it can be. As for Fianah? She has asked for a leave of absence, once more retreating to Bree. She remains a horse amongst lions and wolves.

It is comforting to know that she is never too far gone. I can always reach her, always see her. As long as I make sure that I am not seen in doing so. She is welcoming as ever. I would not have it any other way. Sometimes I wonder if it would not be best to just ask for her hand in marriage… Which is impossible. But the thought makes me smile sometimes. Keeps me warm at night.

But married? That is what killed you after all, isn’t it, brother? I will not repeat your mistakes. Not in this life. Therefore be prepared to wait for me much longer.