Dinner was over and seemed ages away now when people gave themselves over to quiet contemplation and bellies full of food and drink. Even Jun was unable to keep himself awake as he drifted off to sleep on the long couch in his mother?s private study.

The keep had its own library. A rather small one as most of the literature was kept still to scroll and took up considerably less space then books. There were an equal number of books and scrolls in the small version of the keeps library but held many more personal touches of its Mistress.

Myllyanna?s hair retained its ornamental splendor, though she had changed into less formal dress that still hinted to the festivities of the house earlier. She worked with her back to Garret, keeping him waiting as she moved a tiny pair of scissors over a shapely bonsai. She was as much shaping her thoughts as skillfully as she was the tree, choosing which to reveal.

?It started as a new life, much as my son. It will choose to grow, or not. To bear fruit or decline to seed. But it is up to me, should it grow too tall, to cut it down, too wide, to trim it off. A never ending battle of wills. But with constant pressure, even so light that it goes unnoticed, it will take the shape I design.? She set the little sheers down and sighed. ?then again, desire to grow can not steel the hand that wishes it disposed.?

She moved across to one of the high backed chairs and sat quietly letting the silks fan about her. Offering Garret a cup of tea she continued, ?I mean the tree. My son is valuable to me and my house. And with that, I want only the best for him. Warmest shelter, finest clothes, rarest food, master trainers, and a gifted education.?

She took a sip of tea herself, though a tiny one. ?How do I put this...?