As the conversation between her three companions continued, Rene struggled to put her finger on the pulse of the atmosphere therein. Ophelia seemed to be finding joviality and amusement at the moments of awkwardness, while Kaia, the quiet girl who had all but shrank from the limelight among her kin of bards had revealed a vastly different side of herself, seeking the attentions of Alexandros, yet remaining guarded at the same time. The good captain himself seemed to waffle in terms of his presentation, and one not need to be privy to all the details to know the encounter in which the three of them spoke had left them in some limbo of emotion.

It was interesting to observe human beings when their their masks had been removed, proverbial or otherwise, as all aspects of life were potential subjects to an artist. Great painters like Apelles had perfected the means of detailing out all the nuances of human beings, their frailties, expressions, glories and accomplishments, frequently with the use of allegory. Perhaps he might have found this conversation worthy of observation, eager to convey the peculiar dynamics into a masterpiece that highlighted more of the human experience.

Seizing the opportunity to remove herself from a conversation in which she had no contribution, she noted the arrival of the other kings on the dais, readying speeches of their own most likely, among them, King Minas. She had not yet deviated from Ophelia’s side thus she had not yet encountered her long time childhood friend, Princess Emilia, and would be remiss in her friendship she felt if she were not close by to offer her unyielding support for House Xanthos.

Gently she interrupted their banter with a pleasant smile. “If you all will be so kind as to excuse me, I must take leave. There is a matter I need to attend to,” she said, bowing gracefully. “Lady Ophelia, we shall reunite soon,” she smiled lovingly to her cherished friend before her dancing blue eyes drifted to Kaia. “A pleasure as always, my dear Kaia,” she nodded to her before extending one as well to Alexandros. “Captain.”

From where they had distanced themselves well behind the trio, now quartet, Melba and Captain Aegeus moved to close in on Rene, affording her a bit of privacy and some semblance of a social life, yet remaining ever watchful. Melba joined Rene at the shoulder, escorting her delicate little ward towards the dais, while the strapping Captain Aegues followed behind them, the striking red plume of his Corinthian style helmet standing above their heads.

Rather shy as it was, Rene was not an overtly social person, having spent the majority of her life held up in her family’s palatial mansion and expansive estate. Broadening her social horizons was something she was dutifully working on, and she was grateful for the opportunity to socialize at the event, but she would loathe herself were she not there for Emilia should her friend need her. Thus she set out, weaving her way through the thick of bodies towards the center, eyes scanning for her friend.

“Fancy that! You both travelled to my home province and made not a single attempt to approach me! Alexandros, did you not think to try your charms on me? And Kaia, my dear, were you not offering your songs at our lovely event? I should have been charmed to hear one from you. I have heard your sister’s voice -- sweet as that of a nightingale -- but I should have liked very much to hear yours,”
She scolded them in jest, for she knew that at an event as large as the Dionysa, there was little chance that their paths would have crossed. Still, disappointment tugged lightly at her heart, for it would have been lovely if by some divine miracle the three could have met. After all, the Gods had seen fit to place Kaia in Alexandros’s path that night. Alas, it had not not been fated, and her own evening had not been so terrible. They were here now, they were together, and they were friends. Surely that was all that mattered.
‘Had I met you during the course of the Dionysa, you would certainly have been the recipient of all the charms that I possess. Probably much to the displeasure of your entourage,’ Ophelia glanced over at said entourage, who were now smiling rather cheerily, no longer unnerved by the Captain’s presence. It was clear that -- if ever they had done so -- they no longer viewed him as a threat to Ophelia’s safety or reputation, and were quite content to view him as she did. In their eyes he was no no more or less than one of several new friends she had made on this day, his presence harmless for he meant her no dishonour. Even the teasing smirk that played across his face did not unnerve them, for they had deduced by now that these mild flirtations were simply his way of showing cordiality. ‘There were so many people there that I can’t say I am surprised that our paths failed to cross. It is disappointing, though. Having made your acquaintance earlier would surely have been better, no?’
“Indeed, but it seems the Fates had other plans, and I shall not contest them. After all, they were kind enough to place us eventually in each other’s paths, and I shall be eternally glad that they did so.”

The kohl beca Kaia well, but she could not see the intricate wings painted artfully at the edges of her eyes. Thinking this a terrible shame, the gentle-hearted noble withdrew without a moment of hesitation a beautiful silver backed looking glass and offered it to the girl, her only request being that Kaia share the gift with her sister. Much to her relief, the girl accepted her gift. She had been slightly concerned that Kaia might be too embarrassed or humble to do so, but this was thankfully not the case.
‘I don’t know what to say,’ the words tumbled from the flower girl’s lips as the mirror passed between their hands. ‘Thank you.’
“You are very welcome, my dearest Kaia.”
Ophelia watched with intrigue and excitement as the girl’s eyes lowered to her reflection. Kaia seemed pleased with her reflection, and this brought joy to Ophelia, for she knew simply by the expression on the petite blonde’s face that she had done her a great service.
“I look forward to showing this to Aea.”
“I do hope she will like what she sees,” a slight smile played across the lips of the Taengean Rose as her warm emerald hues lifted to Kaia’s. “Now you, too, will never have a cause to doubt your beauty, though it is your soul that shines the brightest.”


‘I certainly took a lot of risks to earn it, standing as champion of my father’s band against far more experienced and well known warriors,’ The Captain said of his epitet, capturing her full attention with ease. She leaned a little closer so that she might not miss a single word, several brunette strands fluttering in a gentle breeze as she inclined her head toward him. ‘Each win brought honor and glory, and any loss would have meant death. I gambled with my life daily and I’ve won every time so far.’
For that, Ophelia heartily thanked the Gods, and silent up a silent prayer to the Great Lord Ares that it continue to be this way, for she could not bear to imagine this splendid warrior robbed of the very breath he was renowned for stealing.
‘After such fights, wine and company were the welcomed norm, so the name made itself. I am proud of the legacy it holds, don’t get me wrong. It was hard and dangerous work building it.’
“I too would be proud were I you,” the Lady responded truthfully, a slight smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Certainly you have nothing to be ashamed of. You have a great talent; I am certain I shall hear many more tales of your brave deeds around my dinner table, and I will look forward to them.”

And now they were onto the Dionysa. Upon learning of her passion for hunting, Kaia’s eyes were alight with the fire of a passion shared. Ophelia was more than happy to indulge her curiosity, explaining how most of her game was donated to the families in need, unless a time came when her own was playing host. Kaia listened with rapt attention, and Ophelia found herself offering a hunting trip to the girl, and getting rather excited about the prospect herself.
“...If ever our paths cross again. I very much hope that they shall.’
‘I do too.’

Alexandros laughed at Kaia’s mysterious reply. Was it mysterious? Ophelia thought so, but upon closer inspection, perhaps it was merely that the schedule of a bard was an unpredictable one. Perhaps Apollo had seen fit to send them here today so that she might once more cross paths with her lover.
‘Perhaps the fates were not finished with us. That one night spent together seems to have intertwined our fate. Perhaps this time you’ll stay longer, what do you say?”
Ophelia was surprised by the boldness of both his statement and the question that followed. There could be no doubt now that the Captain and the bardlet had shared a night of passion. Where before there had been allusions, now it was stated in fact. Ophelia wondered how Kaia would feel about that, the details of their tryst lay bare before herself and Rene. She would not have liked to be in Kaia’s position in that moment. In her opinion, it was rather insensitive of Alexandros to discuss such things in public. Ought he not to have sought a private audience with her? He seemed the sort to be considerate enough to do so. Perhaps he cared so much for her that he feared she might be called away at any moment, however. Perhaps time was of the essence, and he had no intention of wasting it. That was, she supposed, an acceptable excuse for his conduct, though Thisbe still looked utterly scandalized. Ophelia could not help but be touched by his question however. Would Kaia feel the same? And would she, if she did, agree to stay longer? A little thrill shot through her heart as she began to picture their wedding. Would it be small and intimate, or as grand as he could make it? There would be flowers for certain, blooms of all colours and shapes, and Aea would be there, beaming broadly as she strummed her harp while the couple danced their first.

‘I could do what we spoke of in jest back in Taengea, it would be an option,’ these words confused her, and while he angled his body away from her so that only Kaia could read his expression, she turned her attention to Rene, raising a delicate brow as if to enquire of the artist whether she had any input as to what these words might mean.
“What do you think all that is about?” she whispered to her favourite doeling, keeping her voice as low as she could so that only Rene might hear, and taking full opportunity of Kaia and Alexandros’s distraction. “We seem to have quite the mystery on our hands, little dove.”

“I don’t see your goats.” This statement caused Ophelia to whip around, an expression of amusement and confusion dancing across her beauteous face. Goats? What goats? Whose goats?
“What in the -- ?” she looked between her companions as though everyone had suddenly grown an extra head, but before she could question them on the matter of who precisely had lost a goat, Kaia spoke again.

“He is the Prince?” The girl’s blue eyes now fixed upon Prince Vangelis of Kotas, her words directed at the Captain. She was asking why he had not told her, leaving Ophelia with yet more questions and confusion. Confusion seemed to be the emotion of the moment. Had Kaia met the Prince? Trysted with him also? No, surely not. Vangelis did not seem the type. But then how was it that she could know his face and not his name?

Too curious to contain herself, Ophelia turned to her newly acquired friend and began to question her. She then proceeded to explain how she had witnessed a fight between the Prince and a rather skilled woman at the Dionysa -- had she come upon him there?
‘She did not meet him, but she saw him the same as you did. The woman he was sparring with was Aea, and we watched part of their match.’
“Aea?” Ophelia gasped in surprise. “I never would have known! Well, I mean, I never saw her face, I was too far away, but she was so graceful and fought so well! Kaia, your sister is very talented! Your father must be a very progessive man to have instructed her so well in self-defense!”
Her eyes shone with admiration as she gazed upon the blonde. “Can you do that too? Fight, I mean? Evanthe is skilled in self-defense, but I would be utterly useless were I to be attacked!”
As if to prove her point, she held up her delicate hands, waving them before her in a gesture of maidenly helplessness. “You two truly are the most exquisite and wonderful creatures.”

Turning then to Kaia, the young officer proceeded to explain why he had not provided the Prince’s identity.
‘I didn’t tell you who he really was because it seemed that he did not wish to be known. He is hard to forget once you do know him, I will admit. I report directly to him, yes. He is a busy man with a lot of responsibilities, something I’m sure you can understand.’
“That was very admirable of you,” Ophelia smiled softly. “I am certain that he will appreciate the anonymity you gave him. It was a kind gesture on your part.”

Rene’s sudden but gentle interruption instantly diverted her attention to the artisan. She had been silent for quite some time, and Ophelia was growing most concerned for her welfare.
‘If you all will be so kind as to excuse me, I must take leave. There is a matter I need to attend to.’
She wondered what this matter might be, or if there even was such a thing. Was this merely an excuse to flee an awkward situation? She supposed she could not blame the girl, for such complex dynamics were unfamiliar territory to her. After all, Rene spent as little time at court as she possibly could, and though they were in the presence of a Captain of a commoner, this rather reminded Ophelia of a scene that might play out in a palati.
‘Lady Ophelia, we shall reunite soon,’ she was rather taken aback by the use of her title, for it was now the custom for the two to be far less formal with one another. Blinking in surprise, she offered the artist an uncertain smile. Had she accidentally offended her in some way? She would have to ask her later and pray that Rene would trust her enough to be honest if indeed she had done so. The smile that was offered set her somewhat at ease however, and so she decided that whether or not there was a matter should not matter. If Rene needed to escape, then that was that, and Ophelia would not prevent her.
“I shall see you soon, my dear one,” she murmured softly, after the artisan had bid her farewells to Kaia and the Captain. She watched as Melba approached, tracking Rene’s movements as best she could. She appeared to be heading towards the dais, towards Princess Emilia.
Of course, the two of them are friends!
Understanding dawned as she watched the shy Athenian weave tentatively through the crowd. This great matter of hers was to support her dear friend. Ophelia breathed a small sigh of relief, then turned her attention back to Kaia and the Captain.

“I don’t see your goats.”

He laughed warmly, letting them return to the playful way they had interacted in Taengea return. His response spoke just as much about the goats as it did about what he knew of her and his plans, which he hoped would put her more at ease. He could tell that his revelation had put her on edge, which confirmed his suspicions and corroborated the evidence he had gathered, but the last thing he wanted was for her to be arrested. “Of course not, I couldn’t drag them through a festival like this. How many did we decide upon back then? Do you recall? They have to be kept safe. Watched over by someone who cares for them and won’t allow them to get themselves hurt, wouldn’t you agree?” He hoped that she would understand he meant her more than the fictional goats, and that she would realize he had no desire to arrest her or spill her secrets. “Perhaps we can take a few minutes to catch up, alone, once the festivities resume for the night, what would you say to that?”

“That was very admirable of you,” Ophelia smiled softly. “I am certain that he will appreciate the anonymity you gave him. It was a kind gesture on your part.”

Alexandros nodded in agreement with the brunette’s words. “I’m certain he would appreciate it, if he were to ever know. I have no plans on telling him or really speaking about it. I don’t really see a point in telling him that I didn’t tell someone his name, do you? That seems to defeat the purpose of giving him anonymity if I tell him for the purpose of my own recognition, does it not?” He asked curiously. Perhaps he had missed something in the world of the nobility, maybe it was better to tell them what he had done. He supposed that he would soon know based on how the Rose of the Condos responded.

“If you all will be so kind as to excuse me, I must take leave. There is a matter I need to attend to,” “Captain”

The young officer returned her nod with one of his own. “If I should not have the luxury of your company before you depart Colchis, I wish you safe travels and swift winds for your journey home, Lady Rene.” He smiled broadly as he spoke, hoping she would appreciate the sentiment behind his words if nothing else.

‘I don’t see your goats.’

Alexandros laughed at this, while Ophelia simply raised a brow, looking from the former mercenary to his potential lover as though they had both grown extra heads.

‘Of course not, I couldn’t drag them through a festival like this. How many did we decide upon back then? Do you recall? They have to be kept safe. Watched over by someone who cares for them and won’t allow them to get themselves hurt, wouldn’t you agree?’

This seemed a rather weighty response on the subject of goats, and Ophelia was hit with the distinct impression that his words held a double meaning. What that meaning could be, she could only hazard a guess. Did he speak instead of Kaia and her sister? Did he share her suspicion that something was amiss, that some malevolent being was out to do them harm? Was this his way of offering his protection? If so, he had certainly approached the situation in a far less direct manner than she, but perhaps he had the right of it. When she had brushed Aea’s hand in a gesture of intended friendship, placing in her palm a shimmering coin and leaning toward her so that her whisper might not be heard, the girl had looked almost frantic with terror. Kaia looked almost calm. Almost, but not quite. Still, it was a far cry from the flash of alarm that had darkened Aea’s eyes when Ophelia had offered assistance. Perhaps she ought to take a leaf out of the Captain’s book and speak more cryptically next time, though she had never been one for rhymes and riddles.

It seemed, however, that she would have to learn, for rhymes and riddles were the flavour of the day, and intrigue the latest of fashions. It would not do to fall behind, and so she would learn their secret codes, and adopt them as her own. She would become one with the chameleon, altering speech and manner as the reptile did its colour to best adapt to the current situation.

Putting this into practise now, she attempted to fade into the background somewhat so that she might better observe the lovers, taking a subtle step to the side and smoothing her expression into one of sweet serenity.

Kaia turned to her however, for in her curiosity she had let slip a comment about her confusion on the goats. ‘We had a running joke on how many goats I would be worth,’ the blonde explained. ‘It was six, by the way.’
In response, the brunette let out a light, lilting laugh. “Only six? Nay, Kaia, you are worth at least twenty goats, and four fine horses too! Three bolts of silk, and all the ribbon in my collection! Perhaps even more than that if I daresay. I would gladly throw in more for you,” she turned to the Captain, lowering her eyes in a wink. “So if you wish to purchase her, you will have to bid against me, and since six goats is a terrible insult to such a delightful creature as our dear Kaia, I believe I will easily win.”

‘Perhaps we can take a few minutes to catch up, alone, once the festivities resume for the night, what would you say to that?’ again he addressed his words to Kaia, and Ophelia remained silent to hear what she might say. Kaia’s eyes were wide. Ophelia watched with bated breath, attempting to remain as unobtrusive as possible. She noted how the girl’s golden brows were furrowed in thought, and many conflicting emotions played like the strains of a strange, unearthly melody in her eyes. Subtle as they were, the pain, confusion and indecision were unmistakable in those stormy cerulean orbs. Everything, from the way the flower girl nipped her lower lip, to the hesitant manner in which she raised her eyes to the Captain’s, suggested hesitancy. This only added to the Taengean’s curiosity. What exactly had transpired between them? Whatever it was, it had to have been more than a mere night of passion. Had marriage been discussed? Had one been spurned? Was Kaia afraid of her father’s reaction, or perhaps of committing herself to a man who knew well the song of steel, but not the gentle ballads she had been raised upon?
‘I would like that,’ the other girl’s answer jarred her from her thoughts. ‘I fear my father may not let me out of his sight after the festivities. Perhaps sometime soon would be the best chance, before I return to where he’s expecting me,’

This response brought so many questions bubbling to the surface of her mind. Again, these words did not sit right with her. Cassero had presented as a friendly and jovial man, if ever so slightly protective. But all fathers were thus, were they not? Protective over the daughters they loved? And yet something had been wrong, she had felt it instinctively, a dark aura lingering over the sisters, compelling her to offer her assistance. She had assumed that the villain took the form of another -- one of their uncles perhaps, or a regular patron -- but now she was uncertain. Why, if Cassero was a good man, was she afeared to introduce him to the Captain? Another question suddenly occurred to her. If he was as protective as to rarely let her leave his sight, how was she here now? And how was it that she had convinced him to allow her to attend the Dionysa? She lifted a hand to her head, which suddenly throbbed with unbearable pain. Putting it down to the confusion, or the glaring light of the sun above, she did her best to ignore it.

Did she dare ask her questions? Was she as bold as that?

No.
She dared not risk losing Kaia’s friendship, nor that of the Captain. For now, she would keep her silence, and simply wonder, and fret, and pray.

When Alexandros addressed her once more, it was on the subject of Prince Vangelis, for she had praised his kindness in granting the Royal an eve of anonymity. Hailing from a prestigious bloodline herself, she knew what it was to be eternally recognized, never able to step through a door without all eyes fixed upon her. She had never sought anonymity, but she was certain that if she did, no person would be kind enough to grant it.
‘I’m certain he would appreciate it, if he were to ever know. I have no plans on telling him or really speaking about it. I don’t really see a point in telling him that I didn’t tell someone his name, do you? That seems to defeat the purpose of giving him anonymity if I tell him for the purpose of my own recognition, does it not?’
“I suppose it does,” the Taengean concurred, a slight smile flickering across her lovely face. “And yet most would, for they would hope to gain a reward. The fact that you intend to keep your silence is an admirable thing. It must mean that either Prince Vangelis is a Commander worthy of great respect, and such a favour granted, or that you are a man of high honour. Perhaps both. I have not had the honour of a lengthy interaction with the Prince, but he seems to be the honourable sort, worthy of such a merit, and you...well...you already know how highly I esteem you.”

And having learned that it was none other than Aea that fought the Prince, her eyes almost bulged from their sockets. She whirled around to face the girl’s sister, words spilling from her mouth like water from a fountain. Her gaze was that of an awestruck worshipper fixed upon a Goddess of war, her voice filled with unfeigned, undisguised reverence.
“Aea? I never would have known! Well, I mean, I never saw her face, I was too far away, but she was so graceful and fought so well! Kaia, your sister is very talented! Your father must be a very progessive man to have instructed her so well in self-defense! Can you do that too? Fight, I mean? Evanthe is skilled in self-defense, but I would be utterly useless were I to be attacked!”
‘I can,’ the other confirmed, beaming with pride at her words. Kaia’s eyes flitted to Evanthe, who offered a broad beam and raised her hand in a tiny wave. Ophelia nodded in confirmation, grinning over at her dearest love.
“Evanthe of Vasilidon,” she confirmed. “One of my dearest friends for many years now.”
‘We have slightly different fighting styles, but we compliment each other quite nicely,’ Kaia explained. Ophelia hung on her every word, and Evanthe too stepped forward so that she might hear. Instinctively, Ophelia threaded her arm through Eva’s, the movement perfectly natural, Both kept their gazes trained on Kaia, eager to hear more of her and her sister. ‘When we cannot perform for a living, we have hunting to rely on. Father has always been wary of how dangerous life can be for two teenage girls when travelling, so thought it best to teach us how to defend ourselves too,’
“Oh, you hunt for a living as well? How exciting!” Ophelia exclaimed.
Evanthe regarded them thoughtfully, nodding once as a serious expression came over her lovely face. “Your father is right. The world can be a very dangerous place, especially for one as lovely as you. He was right to teach you to defend yourself, I admire him for that.”

She watched with mild concern as Rene took her leave, though she was grateful for Alexandros’ gentle farewell to her favoured doeling. Still, the young Athenian’s departure did not sit well with her, and so she followed Rene with her eyes so that she might set her mind at ease. Relief washed over her as she saw the girl make her way towards the dais, towards the young Princess of Xanthos with whom she had been friends for some years. Her business lay with Emilia, it seemed.

And then nothing else mattered but the man who was stepping forward, splendid in his finery, though the finest thing about him in her opinion was the benevolent beam that he wore. He was greeted with thunderous applause, the Taengeans the loudest of all, for he was their beloved sovereign, and they his adoring people. Ophelia brought her hands together in fervent worship of this great man, her emerald eyes shining with adoration. As Kaia shot her a smile, she grinned back, excitement seeping from every pore of her body. Evanthe now to her left, she noticed a youth in Mikaelidas livery making rounds with fresh goblets and hurriedly beckoned him over so that her favourite handmaiden might partake in the toast. With a gracious smile, Ophelia lifted a chalice from the tray and handed it to Eva, who whispered her thanks, delicately clutching the golden stem between her fingers.

All applause and murmurs ceased as the King raised one hand in a gentle wave, seeking the attention of his adoring congregation. His voice was soothing, its timbre low yet not at all intimidating. Ophelia could have listened to that voice all day, for it brought her a sense of tranquility. That voice was comfort; that voice was reason; that voice was home.

‘My hosts, my countrymen, my fellow guests, days such as these are too few in life to cheapen with gilded diatribe, thus, I shall follow His Majesty’s lead with but brief words. Teangea owes much of its growth and prosperity to its neighbors, reaping the benefits of collective peace and achievement. We would not be what we are today, were it not for such unification, and we anticipate continued mutual benefit on behalf of such. Teangea is honored to stand with Colchis and Athenia, in trade relations and good fortunes, in peace, and side by side in war, should the day ever come where even one of our sovereignty’s is threatened. We shall be here. To Greece!”

“To Greece!” Ophelia echoed jubilantly, raising her goblet in the air before taking a delicate sip. The wine tasted all the sweeter on her tongue a second time, knowing that the peace was confirmed. If her King assured the stability of the treaty, then stable it was. Colchis had spoken words of peace, Taengea had echoed them. Surely the Athenian monarch would not break the trend. And that meant ten more years of glorious harmony, maybe twenty, perhaps even a hundred. Perhaps the Kingdoms would remain united forever, though she was not so idealistic as to truly believe that. Men were, by nature, primal and animalistic creatures that sought violence when they could. Eventually, one monarch would find some minor slight to augment, declaring themselves betrayed and commanding their soldiers be ready with axe and dagger and sword.

But for now there was peace.
For now there was wine.
For now all was well.

“Who are you….and what have you done with Yiannis?”

He chuckled, then wrapped an arm around her shoulders in a half-hug as she stood back up. "If I weren't wiser for my travels, I would truly be a sad excuse for a Colchian," he replied before his Father turned the affair over to King Zenon. "I always admired him," he replied, truly a great compliment coming from Yiannis. He had been almost zealously invested in Colchis, but Tangea was both progressive and paradisiacal, a romantic place that beckoned him since his service in the mines. He had been able to pay a visit only twice, and both times it was a diplomatic matter with very little time for leisure.

His jest was met with laughter, then her inspired confidence. “You are capable of great things, Yiannis. Great things. If you let yourself.” He nodded, then waited for Xenon to finish. "I know. I aim for it, with all my heart. Vangelis is destined for the throne, and he deserves it. Still, as the three kingdoms come together, I can make my place in all of it. Particularly Eubocris," he noted. "I've been with the Men of the Heights since I was worth carrying a sword. I gained that worth in its mines. They deserve a leader who knows their land." He was a little surprised by her affection, but definitely warmed by it, kissing the top of her head. “I’m just glad you’re home safe. I hope you never have to go back to those awful places again.”

Smiling, he replied "I don't think there's any need to worry about that. I already know who I'll appoint as my successor. After these celebrations wrap up, I'll talk to my Father, make the necessary arrangements, then carry on the work our family started." It was an idyllic new beginning. He was more than ready to accept new responsibilities. As much as he enjoyed his travels, there was nothing like being home.