John sat eating with Ann, Pt’this and Thailyn. “The gossip I heard this morning is there’s a new pledge that took place. Congratulations,” John said. “Thanks.” Thailyn nodded. “Ruzi can be quite the matchmaker,” Ann said. Thailyn nodded. “He can.” “I know it was unexpected. If you need a ring, you can have this one.” Ann held out a ring of braided metal and set with diamonds. Thailyn’s eyes grew wide. “Where did you get that?” “Kith made it for me. It was my pledge ring. Why?” “It’s beautiful. The work looks similar to the ring I had made for Darina. I know he had feelings for her. I’d hate to think he was the one to make her ring. Did he ever work here in Sen-gan?” “No, only in Thager. I think the jeweler who taught him was here.” Thailyn relaxed. “Good.” “Take it. Give it to Pisha. Even if I could bring myself to wear it, it wouldn’t be appropriate.” “Thank you.” He took the ring. “I need to get going. I have a busy day today,” Ann excused herself. “John?” Remtani asked. John turned. “I’m Prince-general Remtani. Can I ask a favor? I’m looking for a karate instructor and was told you’re quite good.” John shrugged. “I’ve been told that myself. What can I do for you?” He asked as he followed Remtani. “Is Darkham watching the clinic again while we’re gone?” Pt’this asked. Thailyn shook his head. “I’m closing this time. My patients either have referrals to see Shunati or will go to the college for treatment. Lamdi will help Shunati here. Who’s helping Dae and Ti?” “Bacna and Lillan and I think Ghin and Bria might come too.” “They’re good with kids. Rejenn wants them to help at one of the other homes,” Thailyn agreed. “The Baj-tisk leaving Baj-tisk,” Pt’this mused. “It’s how it should be. You weren’t meant to stay isolated.” “Not all of us did,” Pt’this pointed out. “No, but you never came home.” “For most of us, this is home. Perhaps the first generation might have been willing to return but the rest of us grew up here. This is what we know.” “So what do you think about going back to Tricon?” “For a visit, to meet your family, I don’t mind. But like I said, this is home.” Thailyn nodded. “It’s become my home too. I had more of a connection to this place then when I went back. I was an itinerant healer in both places. But here, I had friends. I had a home, even if it was sometimes just a cot in the corner.” “You also had family.” Thailyn grimaced. “When I left, I had a brother I thought hated me and went back to a grandmother who approved of me less than Dad did.” “Seriously? And you went back?” “She was family.” “Was?” “She passed away while we were gone.” “I’m sorry.” “Thanks. She’d lived a full life. “Do you remember Dad talking about a black and a silver dragon having a child who was so weak in magic he barely survived?” “Yeah.” “That was my grandpa, Dad’s dad.” “Your dad didn’t mention that.” “I’m surprised he mentioned him at all. Grandpa died very young, barely making it to a thousand. I think that’s why Dad agreed to help you. You both lost your fathers early and you were both strong mages who struggled for control. Great-Grandpa helped Dad learn though.” “And my grandparents were gone before I was born.” “You’ve lost quite a bit of family, haven’t you?” “I guess that’s why I want such a big one now. It’s part of what got me to finally tell Sapphire my feelings. Andy pointed out we were both alone. We could be each other’s family.” “That’s all?” “And him threatening to tell her himself. I decided it was better if I told her. I was upset with him for a while, but now, I’m glad he pushed. It’s exhausting, but I love having a huge family. How about you and Pisha? Are you two going to have any kids?” Thailyn paused. “We never talked about it. I hadn’t planned on it. I feel I’m getting too old. But if Pisha wants some, I’m willing.” “You might want to talk with her. Elves like big families. Shun and Vor are rare.” Thailyn nodded. “Shun said Vor’s mom had health problems right after he was born. The healers thought it was related to the pregnancy and advised her not to have more children. Shun’s mom decided that since they were twins, it would be good if she didn’t have any more children either.” “Was she right?” Pt’this asked. He’d known Shunati for fifty years but he’d never mentioned it. “Yes. Neither should’ve ever had any children. Both were lucky.” “Is that why Sinta had so many problems with Vaila?” Thailyn shook his head. “No, the problem wasn’t passed down. Vaila had other problems and Deyama is doing fine.” Pt’this grinned. “Are you keeping an eye on her too?” “I couldn’t help but check her in Erilu. And Lamdi checked her while she was here.” “Does Lamdi know enough to see a problem?” Thailyn nodded. “She may not be able to say what’s wrong, but she can see problems easily enough. Being a sensitive helps. Working together, we can usually fix any problem.” “Is she going to work on Pisha’s hip?” “When we get back. What she’ll have to do will stop my heart, so we’ll need to block the bond. We can’t do that until after we’ve been mated for a while.” Suddenly, a page came running. “Master Thailyn, Master Darkham needs you in the barracks. It’s Prince Andy.” Thailyn followed quickly.