The morning was crisp and serene, as it always was nowadays. With the war over, everyone slept soundly and comfortably through the night. All was well with the Phoenix Queen as she and her Ambassador, Prince Malyen Trevil, walked to their kitchen to get their breakfast. As Malyen talked of how the Dark Keep, since his next trip up there was that night and he'd stay for the month, Celine walked her maids and guards wander the castle merrily. They bowed and Celine would nod back and sometimes thank them for being there. She was happier nowadays, since conversation with Brooke was more frequent. There were rumors to that mysterious redheaded woman at Celine's side. Most thought her as her wife already, but that left a haunting question to Ostines that they would only ask if Brooke was who they say she is, "Who will become the next heir?"
Celine was not bothered by this; Aleksander had two adopted daughters - and one being a Leseque nonetheless - so Celine could adopt if she wanted.
"Lady Celine!" A voice called, and the royal siblings turned to see Celine's Lady in Waiting, Guinevere Night. They met not long ago, she had participated in the war and nearly lost her life as a healer. She survived and came back to the castle to pledge her service as a maid. Celine made her something better, since her bravery and loyalty was owed to it.
"Guinevere, lovely to see you this morning!" Celine smiled. "You have news?"
"I do, your Majesty. Lady Indigo is done with her training in Mandalay. She wrote to Merlin telling him she would go to him for rest and return to her fathers in Chiadan the next day. But since Merlin is away, Gael is requesting she stays with him for the night for her to meet her step-sisters."
"I see. I'm assuming I am needed there?" Celine asked.
"Indigo will not see him unless there is someone else there." Guinevere nodded.
Celine sighed. "I cannot blame her. Write to her, tell her Ostines welcomes her."
Guinevere nodded. "Oh! And Lillian wrote, she would love to catch up with you before her wedding."
Lillian and Yprine's wedding. It was only a month ago when Lillian got down on one knee in the middle of the Mossdrop to tearfully proclaim her love for Yprine Silverbark. Doing this, Yprine could leave the Silverbark clan - but still be recognized as one of them - and permanently stay in Ostines with Lillian. No one knew if she actually said yes, but Celine figured Yprine wouldn't say no either. "Will you schedule a brunch there?"
"Certainly!" Guinevere smiled and wrote something in her little booklet. "Finally, we have word from Lady Niviane. She is asking for Merlin's presence."
"We'll have to find her Merlin, then." Celine sighed.
It had been thirteen years since Merlin and Blair packed their things, gave Niviane Merlin's position as Magister, and fled from the maps to hunt for Dorian Leseque, the son of the sickest and most powerful witch Ostines produced. His name was legend, and used in song as a title for the unknown. Children would run around spreading rumors that Dorian was watching them all. If only Merlin could hear them, he'd cackle.
"Easier said than done, your Majesty." Guinevere sighed.
"I'll help you." Malyen smiled. "As will Her Majesty, of course. Leave some of the work to us."
Celine smiled gently and nodded. "Yes. Merlin is all of our responsibility."

Ivorford was ever the busy place to be with the twins around. There was always something new that Asena Ríonach Westwood had done. Ivorford was basically "Asena this, Asena that!" Who wouldn't be talking about that beautiful, bubbly young maiden with brown hair that darkened everyday and the delicate green eyes of her father.
One could only imagine the bewilderment of Asena when word came that Indigo Slavakin-Nevil of House Leseque, Heiress to Ostines' Magister, was coming to her home. As her maid brushed her hair that morning, the little girl ranted to her twin of the outrage.
"Rieka, can you believe the gall of this girl to walk around with Father's name as if it were a trophy?! I'm astounded that everyone is preparing for her to be here soon! What does she have that I don't, you know?"
"Perhaps the ability to hold her tongue." A voice said, and Lord Varian Savatore-Westwood entered their room.
Asena perked up and escaped her maid to run to her dad. "Daddy! Good morning, good morning!"
Varian laughed, "Yes, yes. Good morning, Asena. And Rieka, good morning. Are you two ready for a trip to the Mossdrop for breakfast. We'll be meeting Indigo there."
"Yes! I am! Rieka's slow as usual! I'll wait for you in the carriage, dearest sister!" Asena raced to Rieka and gave her head a big kiss before grabbing her shoes and rushing out. She noticed Gael walking down the stairs and called. "Father! Wait for me!"
Varian chuckled at Asena's antics, then turned to Rieka. "Did you sleep well?"