Carol
Elroy Thèvenet
Balcony of their private quarters, Provincial Thèvenet

The warmth in the air dissipated as the sun began its descent below the horizon. A stark contrast to the bright hues of sunset that warmed the thoughts of those who viewed it with awe. Unlike many things, the sun was a constant companion. Its cycle predictable, comforting even because every day had an ending and a new beginning. 

*'A new beginning.'*

The crackle of paper yearning to break free from the tight grasp of its captor interrupted his contemplation. Elroy did not need to see the words to recall what the note had said.

```Dear Mother, 

It's been a while since I've been home to see you, and I hope you've been doing well. Worry has struck everyone here in Erillia as the planning for the pilgrimage is reaching its final stages, and I wouldn't be surprised if the people In charge of the whole affair drop dead any day now from stress.

Despite the urgency in most of the planning, my time has been as it always is. With Father in charge of most of the guards and the idea of a military assault against the infected unlikely, as the rest of the court runs around I find myself with more time on my hands then worries. 

Part of me wishes I could do more, help in any way that I can. The system they have for the payment of the pilgrimage is rather fascinating, and I would give anything to be a part of the conversation over another meeting about supplies headed to Bladeguarden that Father handled a month previous. The plan, while flawed for now, seems to be focused around redistributing shops and land to larger businesses when families cannot pay for, or maintain their inheritance. 

The application process is one that bores even me, but the taxes on the now larger businesses should be enough that through the plan the pilgrimage almost pays for itself within a few years. Enough about talks of this for now though, it's not my issue anyhow just gossip and rumors I've heard around some friends. My real reason for writing is saying I plan to visit for a short time and will be arriving within the next few days. I have a project that I need to talk to Father about despite it being something I'm sure his all knowing brain will be able to solve with no worries. The exact details are slightly too fine to be discussed over mail, so i've arranged a short trip back. 

All going well I hope to see you within the next week at most, and I'm sorry for any disturbances my presence may cause in advance. 

Love, Marcus Thèvent.```

An ache from the tense grip around the letter forced Elroy to relax his hand and smooth the paper on the stone ledge of the balcony. His finger traced the letters of his sons name and Elroy's head fell in shame with a sigh. He had many regrets. He had failed many people. But none, perhaps, as much as his son. Their relationship had soured long ago when Marcus threw his responsibility to Bladegarden away. Elroy had worked tirelessly through the years to provide the best inheritence he could give his son. But for what? 

*'For nothing.'* He thought bitterly. 

The chill from the air drove Elroy inside. Slowly folding the letter, he left it on Jasmine's desk before calling for a hot bath to be drawn. Jasmine, he imagined, would not be home for a few hours still if she was working late as usual and Elroy needed space to think.
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet
Provincial Thèvenet

The night air was cold and crisp as Jasmine looked up at the stars twinkling above. She was tired, but satisfied with the work she had accomplished in La Gruador. The inventory was successfully updated, and things had run slightly smoother than she had expected in her absence. Everything was in order. Shivering slightly from a breeze that rustled her cloak, she handed the reins to a servant with a tired smile before she went inside.

The stress of the day had taken its toll upon her, in one way or another. The hospital affairs were in order, though it had taken her ten hours of hard work and running to and fro. The letter from Marcus had given her mixed emotions. While her heart felt glad at the idea of seeing her son again, the inevitable arguments that were to follow between him and Elroy weighed upon her heavily. She often was seen as a hindrance by both parties when trying to be the mediator. And she was forever the mediator, whether she wanted to be or not. She had no choice. She could not afford to be selfish with her stance or emotions to jeopardize her family's happiness. 

If only they would see it that way, instead of thinking her difficult or not understanding. If only they thought similarly.

A tired sigh escaped her lips.

*'The letter...'* It was as good a time as any to show it to Elroy. She took a right down the hall, straying from her original path of the private quarters to arrive instead at the library. She noticed immediately that the book was moved from where she had left it on the small table. It was nowhere to be found. *'Did Elroy bring it to the bedroom for me?'* She wondered as she glanced around the room. It was nowhere in sight.

.

She paused. He must have seen the letter.

Another sigh escaped her lips as she rubbed her face with her hand. Her hair had come half undone with her scurrying around La Gruador, and yet she did not care. She tried to prepare herself for what was likely to come as she made her way to the private quarters. With a slow inhale, she pushed the door open to see Elroy sitting in bed with a book. Her eyes darted to her desk, and the letter sat on top of her book in full view.

He knew.

As his eyes lifted his eyes from his book, she tried to give him a smile. Despite her best efforts, her weariness and apprehension was still prevalent in her expression as she held her hands meekly in front of her. "Hello, darling," She said quietly as she took a few small steps into the doorway. She paused as her eyes went back over to the letter. Lifting a hand to tuck a lock of red hair that had come loose from her braid behind her ear, she looked back over at Elroy."...Are you angry with me?"
Carol
Elroy Thèvenet
Private Quarters, Provincial Thèvenet

Elroy eyes strayed from the words of his book to his wife as he heard hear greeting. "Hello." He replied quietly taking great care with his tone while watching as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Sighing, Elroy picked his book back up nodding towards the bathroom. "I had the servants draw you a bath. Best not let it get cold."
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet
Private Quarters, Provincial Thèvenet

After looking at him for a few moments, she nodded and moved to the washroom. Seeing that her nightgown was neatly folded on its usual resting place on the counter, she dared not looked back at Elroy as she quietly shut the door to the bathroom. Her attempt at a composed expression crumpled as soon as the door clicked shut. 

After slowly taking off her clothes, she slid into the tub. The water was lukewarm at best, but still comforting. Crossing her arms over her chest in a sort of self-embrace, she laid in the water and thought about bittersweet memories and how simple things used to be.
Carol
Elroy Thèvenet
Private Quarters, Provincial Thèvenet

Elroy let his wife take her time, occassionally glancing at the door and listening for the sound of water splashing out of the tub. He considered checking on her after a half hour had passed, but thought it would be better to wait until she was done. He had his time to process the information and he wanted to allow her the same. 

The shuffles of movement in the washroom made him put the book down, waiting for her to emerge so they could talk.
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet
Private Quarters, Provincial Thèvenet

After roughly forty minutes, Jasmine rose from the now-cold tub and dried herself off. She was not sure if she felt better or worse. After donning her nightgown and drying her wet hair best she could, she opened the door to the bathroom. Elroy was already waiting for her, his book no longer in his hands as he watched her walk out.

She went over to sit on the wooden chair at her desk, turning it so that she was facing her husband. She was afraid that she would be too tired if she sat upon their soft bed. Looking at Elroy's eyes, she patiently waited for him to say something. She had failed to lead the conversation earlier, and would let Elroy speak first instead.
Carol
Elroy Thèvenet
Private Chambers, Provincial Thèvenet

"Were you planning on telling me?" He asked, not wanting to sound accusatory, but also disappointed that she had waited even though she had known prior. Elroy was not mad. It was not Jasmine's fault that Marcus only communicated with her about his plans when it would have been better to send him official notice so he could prepare. 

As much as Elroy would like to say he would professionally handle a surprise visit from their son, it would not be true. With warning he could prepare in both and official and personal capacity for the conversations that would follow.
Erin
Jasmine Thèvenet
Private Quarters, Provincial Thèvenet

A slightly hurt expression crossed Jasmine's face, though she tried to hide it. "Of course I was," She said softly, keeping her tone gentle. It was on the tip of her tongue to add, *'I never keep things from you,'* But she couldn't bring herself to say such a thing. While it would have been true only a week ago, that was not the case anymore.

She lowered her gaze to look at the edge of their bed, not wanting Elroy to see the sadness in her eyes. "You were so stressed by your work that I thought it would be best to wait to tell you. I only read it this morning. It must have came while I was away."
Carol
Elroy Thèvenet
Private Quarters, Provincial Thèvenet

Elroy pondered her reply for a few moments. "Do you remember the promise we made to each other in the gardens the night before our marriage?" His eyes rested on her, waiting for her to meet his gaze. Elroy hated how much they had been fighting recently. Maybe something had happened during her visit to her parents near Delekou? But when she had returned things seemed fine. 

"We promised to tell each other everything.." He paused. Shaking his head, Elroy threw back the covers and scooted to the edge of the bed, chucling quietly. "We worry about each other more than we do ourselves. But despite how well I think I know you, I am not you, Jasmine. I would never presume to know what you can or cannot handle." Elroy didn't think Jasmine truly understood what a marvel she was and what he saw in her. Brilliant, but humble. Stubborn, yet with seemingly boundless patience. How often had he lost his own patience only to be guided back to reason by her calm? Jasmine was not only his partner, but his rock.

"You had good intentions. I know that." He continued, smiling gently at her. "Jasmine, I don't like this. Being upset. Please, just be honest with me even if you think I can't handle it." He was exhausted. Between the pilgrimage and the news of her pregnancy and now Marcus coming home... Was there anything more the Xolile wanted to add to his growing list?