"It's wonderful to see you, again."

"You, too. Are you well?"  Inquired the empress.

"Yes, why do you ask?" 

"I meant with little Willow being away at school," She explained.

"It's been a bit of an adjustmet, but I'm fine." 

"Oh good." 

"Coffee?" Te queen offered.

"I thought you'd never ask," Ralvania joked.

           They both giggled like children at the same time as Colin returned wih a fresh pot and spare mugs. 

"Here we are," He said.

"You're a lifesaver," Ralvania said to him.

"Not a problem, we could use company." 

"Why do you say that?" She asked.

"It has been far too silent around here since our little one left for school," He told her.

"Oh I'm sure it's a drastic change for you both," She said as he poured mug and handed them over.

"It is." Lily replied.

"I order the both of you to take a day trip anywhere. It would do you both some good." 

"We may do that," Colin replied.

"We can always go see Willow but I want to give her some time to adjust," Lily informed her.

"I couldn't agree more, go see her next moon." The empress suggested.

"Sounds good," He replied.

"It's so strange to think of her as near adult." She said.

"Us too." He agreed.

"It is wierd, but part of the great cycle of life-times," She said taking a gulp of the brew.

As the three of them settled in, they could hear a faint knock on the door of the palace.