A Castrovel Adventure: Part 3, Chapter 12

From the Daylog of Vaeol-Zheieveil u'Zhasaele Zolaemaue be'Son

14. Shenealae, 24,541 - At the Flaghold
A mild day, which I wish to never end, but some work to help Erymi and the Shota and little else than to catch up with Remaue and the others. Our little feast yesternight went well, though I was betaken of a queer mood and unbelieved to take share in the idlesport we meanly follow. Instead, I had heart only for Remaue, for I am merely relieved that we are again together after our years’ shedness. Now we can truly be the household we have wished. I am thankful for today spent in my wifemate’s arms and coming to know our wonderful babe. Too shortly it ends, however, and tomorrow Lady Vosaeth and I must go back to the city.

15. Shenealae - Son
We are againcome to the city, where Lady-Mother has outwilled that Remaue and I shall stay with her, along with Lady Vosaeth as guest. She has spoken there is nothing like again having a babe in the house, which I yaysay, though also I uplook this keeps me so near as canny. The others stay at the Citadel, and, I forelook, they will soon ask furlough to stay at the Flaghold, which Erymi now tends alone. Tae doubtlessly forereckons her own birthtide and would thank chance to join her wifelove, and the Korasha would soon follow. For now, however, Oshis has also come to my mother’s house, where, he outlaid, at Erymi’s bid he waits on Lady Vosaeth’s idleness. For her share, Vosaeth seems outgladdened by his service and makes much of him, whom she names our overeager Korasha with more manliness than wit. An unfair word, maybe, though Erymi his wifemate has said samely.
After Vosaeth withdrew with Oshis in tow, Lady-Mother asked whether Oshis is the same who had undergone thrall-bond from striking me at Remaue’s bridetide. I shrove yes, and also that I have wholly forgiven him. Remaue added that, whatever wrongs Oshis has done, they stem from eagerness and not ill will, for he is the faithfullest of men. Lady-Mother took this word lissomely.
A last word: while our ride here today, a thing amazed me: how mindfully the Shotalashu behave to the babes, dolefully Valos, Remaue’s steed, and Erymi’s Shaeva, which makes good thought since they are mind-bound to their riders and their hearts. Yet even the other Shotalashu, including my Ess, show heed. I remind of yore-tales of children raised by wild Shota and how these mighty beasts are drawn to a babe’s soul. It gives me wonderful halt.

16. Shenealae
Today I met with Lady-Captain and Captain Dosauesh, who wished to overtalk bid-logs for the upcoming year. I halted at this forethought and asked that we offhold until the New Year, whereto they agreed.
Lady-Captain then upbrought another thought: now that I am homecome, do I wish to stay as Flagmaiden? At once I answered yes, which she atook, but then asked whether I have given thought to how I will uphold my house. She added that, while the Citadel will keep sharing my housemates’ food-dole, Flagwives are forelooked to share their underlings’ fee, and a wantsome flagwife brings no more wealth. I forespoke to overlook this thing and give answer straightaway.
Flustered and rather aloss, I went to Lady-Mother’s house. Over noonmeal I asked to speak and somewhat ashamedly outlaid my problem. She listened heedfully, and then laughed. She quoth she had foreseen this likelihood and had made some forestock. She then brought forth a writ, which I read was a dole for five hundred elindro a year. She told this is the last share of Grandmother Efadi’s bequest, which she had held for my heed. It is not much, sundrily mathced at what my sisters needed to start their livelihoods among the Matronhood, but will stand me worthily. Overwhelmed, I thanked and kissed her. Frankly, I had had no thought there was even anything left of my grandmother’s bequest, for I had erstwhilely understood it all had been uptaken by my sisters. I wonder what my mother must have done to overtide it.
In other good news, Devaeas my brother and Elarue his wifemate are come again on another tradefare, which this time had led them from Mother-Arasene’s eastern shore. Merrily we ate duskmeal while we heard their hunting-tales. Even better, they have with them a new kindred-fellow: Shaess my new nephew, who is nigh Lanaryel's years. Lady-Mother and I have overgladdened to meet him, and even my sisters have softened. 
Laterward, Devaeas asked me of the Formians, though without the blithe awfulness whereby most folk hold these foes. Rather, he was interested in their selfness and behavior. I did my best to answer, though felt unmatched to the task. So much as I know, I feel knowledgeless. Nevertheless, we sat alone in a nook and had a lively talk, unbothered but by Remaue and his Elarue, who idled by to tease us.