No one suspects the butterfly~

[Filter: Alastair]

Well?~

[Filter: Hilary]

Hello! Eudora has a question for you, if you have time.

What's it like being on the Council of Eleven?

[Filter: Private]

Hmm.

Now that that's done, where do I go from here? I know I can rule one thing out, as long as the tea keeps working. But what about the rest?

Well, first I'll finish weathering this storm. I know my father is going to be just about as happy about this as Alastair's was. And still is, of course, though there isn't anything to be done about that, I'm afraid~

Eudora and Alastair got married!~

[Filter: Alastair]

I have a question for you. A much better one than "what's it like to get married~"

Actually, two questions, the second one being entirely tied to how you answer the first. That one is can I get an honest answer out of you? No games?

Eudora loves Fairen very much. Everyone here is so nice! And it's warmer here than in Iverem, since it's farther south. Eudora can wear some of her summer dresses earlier!

[Filter: Private]

It's a good thing I got more than a month's worth of tea.

How long can this go on? I don't even-

I'm in so far over my head and yet when it's happening I just don't care.

It is liberating. And terrifying.

[Filter: Alastair]

You know, darling, perhaps it is time to start thinking about a date. Soon maybe, for the sake of my reputation.

[Filter: Alastair]

Eudora was-

[long pause]

I'm sick of this stupid game.

What do you want?

Eudora wishes that it didn't get dark so early now. She always has to come back inside when it's dark, though sometimes it is nice to go and look at the stars and the moons. They are very pretty. But so are all the plants and animals that Eudora can't see when it's nighttime.

[Filter: Private]

I don't know what to do.

I want to know what he would think, but that's not part of the plan. None of this is part of the plan. Nothing at all.

But what else am I supposed to do?

[long pause]

Dragons damn it all to hell.

[Filter: Alastair]

What is it exactly that you're planning to do now?

It's almost Eudora's birthday! It is very exciting too, because in only a few days Eudora will be 18!!~ And that is very important!

Eudora is going to have a huge party and lots of people will be here. It's going to be very, very fun!

[Filter: Private]

Why do the good girls always want the bad boys? That's the eternal, isn't it?

Of course, Eudora isn't a good girl~

[Filter: Lord Alastair]

Eudora hopes you're enjoying being here lots and lots! Is there anything you'd like to do?~

Lord Alastair is here!~

Eudora is very, very, very excited! It's been so long since she last saw him and now he's finally here to visit! Eudora can't think of anything better in the whole world!

[Filter: Private]

Actually, I don't really like surprises all that much, good or bad. Especially from that one. He's always been so hard to predict.

My plan is solid. I have a way in and a way out and I'll feed him to the Dragons if I have to. It all works out perfectly, in my head.

But what if I'm only fooling myself? Can I really do it? I thought so, but thought and action aren't the same thing. And if I'm wrong and it doesn't work out, it could ruin everything.

[pause]

I don't like surprises.

[Filter: Private]

Time is just flying by, yet nothing changes. I may be known for my patience, but only when it's worth it~

[Filter: Lord Alastair]

Eudora was wondering if you're going to come visit after all? It's going to be July tomorrow and Emilia is an awfully long way away.

Happy Day of Everlasting Light!

Eudora hopes that everyone has a really great day and gives thanks to the Dragons lots and lots because they are so good to everyone! Or at least everyone who is good and deserves it!~

Eudora had a very good Day of Epiphany. It was very fun, we had a great big feast that was very yummy, and there were some musicians that Daddy hired to play and some other performers too. Eudora always has fun this day!

But it hasn't been quite as much fun here lately, now that Lord Wesley is gone. Daddy is busy and Eudora's brothers are all busy or gone and this means Eudora doesn't really have much to do. Maybe she'll go ride Spot for a bit. That's always fun, though not as fun as it was with Lord Wesley. He was very good at riding!~

[Filter: Private]

That's done with then. It is a good match, I can't deny that, but who is it really good for? Father, of course. He came up with it. But I don't see much in there for me. He's too old to be any fun or listen to me. He already has an heir. I wouldn't be anything more than a pretty little bauble on his arm.

I want more than that. I deserve more than that. So I will look into other options.

Alastair of Fairen. I still don't quite know what to make of him. He is hardly a prime prospect. Too unpredictable. And who even knows what his intentions are? Still, there is potential. Good connections. And his talents could be turned to something useful perhaps, with the right persuasion.

Plus I want him.

[pause]

Let's try it out and see. I always have an escape route with silly little Eudora.

[Filter: Lord Alastair]

Eudora was wondering if you have any plans for the summer?~

Lord Wesley is going to be leaving soon. Eudora is very sad because it has been so nice having such important visitors. Everything was so very exciting when they were here and it was a whole lot of fun!

Eudora hopes it isn't too boring after they leave. That would be no good at all. Maybe Eudora will have to do something to make sure that doesn't happen~