more preparations

[cellio]

June 24 (Tuesday)

Trina arrived in Cardior last night. She spent most of today with Dorla, but I have not yet heard how things are going. It may be a long while before Trina can help Dorla, if she can help her at all, but the first step was to get them together. Turok must have spent a while reassuring Dorla about Trina, as Dorla was actually willing to see her.

Poor Dorla. She has barely emerged from her rooms since arriving in Cardior. She and Turok spend a lot of time together and that seems to make her temporarily happy, but from what I've seen it doesn't last. I hope that Trina is able to help her or, failing that, that Dorla finds some way to cope with her situation.

Liandra has spent the last couple days in Beliaberith and returned today. She said most of the elves have returned there now and they seemed to be preparing to leave Agondre, but she urged them to stay a while. Elys' is right that their presence affects young Agondre, but the effect seems to be small and he does not seem to mind. Anarian said they will leave at the first sign of harm to Agondre, but it sounds like this is not imminent. I'm glad; I have enjoyed spending time with them, and of course their departure would affect Liandra strongly.

Coronation is in five days. The activity here in Cardior has risen to a new frenzy, and there is still much to do that Turok and I must tend to personally. The dukes will begin arriving tomorrow, along with other people, and there are the last few Claws to identify, and the geas trap to reset, and final details of the ceremony. And my parents -- I have got to sit down and talk with them soon. I'm so glad I have friends who are able to help.

And Hrolf! I'm so glad I have him to talk with. He's so supportive. (Well, mostly. He did suggest that it's not too late to escape to Genathiel.) Tonight we had a long conversation while flying, wing to wing, above the fields outside Cardior. These excursions may get more challenging in a few days, so best to take the opportunities where we can. I should remember to ask Turok which of the Claws don't mind being polymorphed into owls. But no matter what happens, knowing that Hrolf will be there means a great deal to me.

June 25 (Wednesday)

The dukes began arriving today. First was the delegation from the Gastreyr -- Duke Leopold, his son Bernardo, Lord Marius, many other members of his court, their various retainers -- and also Colm and a small group with him. Apparently Lord Marius has ensured that Duke Leopold knows of Colm's good work, which is great to hear!

Turok assigned a delegation of palace guards to help them settle into their suites in the palace. We are going to need a palace seneschal to oversee such things in the coming days; I suggested Galen and Turok concurred. Galen happily agreed, and I am confident that with his attention to detail and the care he showed in looking after Kyle in Genathiel, if there is anything that should concern us, we will find out.

The duke of Taelyn also arrived today, and Bertolf came with him. The new eyes that Liandra gave him are working out beautifully, he said -- even better than the old ones. She joined us this evening after a day in Oakhame, and she, Viggo, and Bertolf spent much of the evening talking. Seamus is here too, gathering information for the ceremony.

Turok and I both felt that Galen and Bertolf should meet Agondre, so we slipped away after dinner to introduce them. Tobin and one of his students accompanied us. All of our visitors stood, awe-struck, in the doorway for several minutes; I was somewhat overwhelmed myself (I always am, on first entering), so it must have been much stronger for them. After a minute or two Turok and I walked into the chamber and greeted Agondre, who let out a playful wisp of flame (aimed carefully elsewhere). Eventually the others ventured into the chamber. I saw Tobin push his student into a bow; the others followed suit. Hrolf changed the mood in that way that only he can, flying up and landing on Agondre's nose briefly before returning to my shoulder.

Bertolf and Agondre gazed into each others' eyes for a long time; it seemed that Agondre was examining Bertolf as much as Bertolf was examining Agondre. A small part of Bertolf is of the land now; I wonder if that particularly drew Agondre's attention.

After what felt like a long time -- I can never judge the passage of time in Agondre's chamber -- the others stood, bowed, and started to move toward the door. I felt that Agondre was calling to me, though, so I held back. So did Turok. Tobin met my gaze and then led the others out of the chamber.

Agondre does not speak using words, but Turok, Hrolf, and I all felt his thoughts: he approved of not only Galen, the Claw candidate we intended to present, but also Bertolf. In fact, he urged us to speak with Bertolf, suggesting that Bertolf feels a stronger tie here than we thought. Interesting; I had assumed he was happy in his homeland with his new vision.

I also got a feeling that Agondre approves of the work Tobin is doing with his students. Someday his students may be ready to follow Tobin into direct service to Agondre.

We returned to the palace and were later joined by Lord Marius, Colm, and the small group Colm brought with him. They regaled us with tales of monster-hunting in the lands around Covanion, and Colm and Lord Marius both spoke highly of their dedication. Tomorrow Turok will spend some time talking with them individually.

Meanwhile, tomorrow I and the palace tailor will pay a visit to Shepford and, specifically, my family. Perhaps before I retire tonight I will pay a visit to the magical table in the sanctum for some ale to give me strength.