“Mom, what are you doing?” Darina asked as she came in. “I’m making dinner. What does look like?” Fria frowned. “You have an empty pot on the stove. The carrots are all over the floor and the rice is in the flour. I'm afraid to ask where the meat is.” “Meat? I forgot the meat.” Fria looked around for it. “Mom, where's Anisa?” “Anisa?” Fria looked confused. “You do remember who she is, don't you?” “Of course I do.” Fria snapped. “But she hasn't been here for years. Why are you asking about her?” “Mom, she lives next door. She was here this morning when I left. She comes every day.” Darina reminded her mother. Fria looked puzzled as she tried to remember. “What happened here?” Thailyn asked as he entered. “Another cooking lesson?” “I just got here.” Darina shook her head. Fria grabbed a knife and started drawing in magic. “Who are you? What are you doing in my house?” She demanded. “Mom, that's Lyni. He lives here.” Darina insisted. Fria looked shocked. “He does? Since when?” “He has for six months now.” “Did you get married?” She asked. “Not exactly.” Darina told her. She could feel Thailyn's disappointment at her words. He still wanted to get married. She wanted it too, but it was too dangerous. “Are you sleeping together?” Fria asked. “Yes, Mom. And you knew about it. You practically gave us permission.” “I did?” Fria frowned. “I’m getting as bad as my grandmother.” “Fria, I'm a healer.” Thailyn reminded her. “Let me try to clear your mind a little.” He slipped off a glove and reached out his hand. Fria nodded and cautiously took the offered hand. Darina braced herself. Some of the healing Thailyn did she could feel through the bond. This one was quite unpleasant. Fria looked around when he was done. “Mom, where's Anisa?” Darina asked again. Fria frowned. For a minute, Darina thought she still wasn't going to answer. “Maybe I should try scrying her.” Thailyn suggested. “No, she had to go out for a minute. I don’t remember why but she said she'd be right back.” Fria finally said. “How long ago?” Thailyn asked. “I don't know. I’d say a while, based on this mess.” Fria looked around. “I’ll see if I can find her. You two clean up.” Thailyn suggested. Darina nodded and he left. He returned a short time later followed by Anisa. “Look who I found,” he said. “I'm so sorry.” Anisa told them. “I went out to get some meat for your supper. Fria said you were out. She's been doing okay lately so I thought it would be okay if I was gone for just a few minutes but everybody's wanting to gossip. I even got stopped by neighbor on the way back here.” “What's happening?” Fria asked. “Apparently, King Emeton's marrying the daughter of the Governor of Paosij.” Anisa told them. “Already?” Darina asked. “You knew about this?” Anisa look surprise. “And you didn’t say anything?” “Kith and Tylan were talking about it, but all they knew was Governor Carem had made a suggestion. King Emeton was refusing to see anyone but his kids at that time.” Darina explained. “Kith always tells you the latest news.” Fria insisted. “I haven't seen Kith in months. He's still in Baj-tisk.” Darina shrugged. “Is he still sick?” Fria asked. Darina nodded. “He got a bad batch of potions and had a relapse. He was talking about making them as himself.” “Does he know how?” Anisa asked. “He used to be licensed. He had to stop because of his drinking. I don't know how much he remembers. Anyway, his aunt makes them to so she's going to make them and the palace healer’s go to check the ingredients to make sure there good.” Darina explained. “Good.” Thailyn nodded. She could tell he approved of his sister mixing potions. “I should go get my own dinner ready.” Anisa excused herself. “I really am sorry.” “That's all right.” Thailyn nodded as she left. They finish cleaning and then Thailyn made dinner. Fria apologize for the trouble. Both assured her not to worry because no one was hurt though Darina herself worried because she could have been. “Is she getting worse again?” She asked Thailyn later, when they were alone. Thailyn shook his head. “She’s still holding steady. She's going to have bad days occasionally though. When she starts to deteriorate again, we’ll be able to tell and I won't be able to help so easily.” He put his arms around her. “I'm glad you're here. I couldn't do this alone.” She told him. “You’re stronger than you realize.” He assured her. “But, no, you won't have to go through this alone.”