Ewan had seen to the arrangements of everything and everyone that came with them from Yransea. Yearling Brook manor was alive with again, and all but the rooms of the guest house filled. He saw to each detail and kept his presence visible on the grounds. As evening called up its starry garment, Ewan felt the weariness he had ignored finally rise harsh and unforgiving upon his shoulders and legs. He sat on the stoop of the barracks, his cane at his side, and eased back against the wooden walls.

Willen came out and joined him on the step, ?It is good to be back, Master Corinsson.? She offered in lame opening.

He looked to her. She had been the first to out of her own choice come and speak with him. ?Missed it, did you??

?Aye, sir. I won?t deny it. Didn?t you?? She slid a bit closer to him.

Now Ewan understood why, and sighed to push himself up to his feet again. ?In some ways, I suppose I did. I think I will travel into town. If anyone needs me, they can find me there.?

The disappointed look was not to be missed on the young woman?s face, but she stood and nodded, ?Yes, sir. I will let them know, though, I feel I should have you stay. You must be very tired.?

He was tempted to quote one of his own training masters, that one pressed tiredness into a goal needing to be obtained. Instead, he nodded, ?I will not linger over long, but I have a few matters to attend.? Ewan turned for the lane and down to the road on the way to the city. His weariness molded into a need to see some people and start a few new trades in motion. Perhaps he might see a glimpse of her. If she was happy, it would please him to see it. But what if she was not? That he would not contemplate yet. He had to be sure he had done the right thing. She had worlds and realms to deal with, and he had his.

Ewan passed beneath a tree where a bird sang its night song, and he had to smile. A bird may love a fish?but where would they build a home? Had he made it happen? Had he sought it? The matter was at an end now, for he would never want to hurt her, and more so, he would never want to play a game of come and go either. For right or wrong, the decision had been made, and now he was bound to it.

Now there were darker times to meet head on and dark parts of him to free inside himself. Ewan would tame and direct the rage that once consumed him in his youth. He would direct it to the enemy of his liege and his land. A great symphony he would create with blade and blood. The heart would be secondary once more. For now he would take up the role of his Mistress Death?s right hand man.