"Judith," he said. "Sorry, I should've expected you home but certain things have happened." He hugged her before taking his hammer back to its hook above the fire. "Your uncle was taken prisoner last night, I have had no word but...we both know what that means." He walked back to the picture. "What on earth would your mother think if she could see me now?" He jumped as he heard a loud knock on the door behind him. "Stay here," he said, picking up the freshly-forged blade and heading for the door, opening it cautiously before relaxing when he saw the old woman waiting on the other side.<br/><br/>"Vennar, is that anyway to treat your guests when they come to see you?" she asked with a laugh as she stepped inside. "Judith, it has been too long, probably too long for you to remember. I am Elian, I was a friend of both your parents and I saw a lot of you when you were a young child." She turned to Vennar. "If we are to make our move we must do it tonight Vennar, please tell me you have told her of our plan?"