~Idriel~

'Well, I'm still looking forward to it,' I insisted. 'Are you going to want to write to them when we get back to the House? To let them know that you're coming to see them or something?'

Oliver-

"No," I said firmly. Idriel looked confused, but at the moment the serving-girl arrived.

"House omelette, please," I said. "And coffee."

~Idriel~

'Oh, um...' I glanced down at the menu, realising that I hadn't actually chosen what I wanted yet. 'The... fruit pancakes, please,' I said. 'And a fruit juice. I don't mind what flavour.'

The serving-girl nodded, and hurried off to give our orders to the kitchens. I looked back at Oliver.

'Why not?' I asked.

Oliver-

"Why not what?" I said, pretending I found the top of the table fascinating.

~Idriel~

I leaned forward, trying to catch his eye. 'Why don't you want to write to your family?'

Oliver-

I let out a small sigh. "You won't give up, will you..." I looked up at Idriel and gave her a small smile. "I don't want them to know in advance, because... word might get out."

~Idriel~

I tilted my head to one side. 'Why are you worried about that?'

Oliver-

"I'm worried about who could find out." Idriel was still looking at me, and I was being cryptic. Finally, I sighed. "The Colonel. My uncle."

~Idriel~

'Oh,' I said, nodding. 'The one you don't like?'

Oliver-

"That's putting it mildly," I snorted.

~Idriel~

'Is he really that bad, then?' I asked.

Oliver-

"I don't know," I said, shrugging. "He thinks I'm the bad one. It's a matter of opinion."

~Idriel~

I thought for a moment. 'Can't you ask your parents not to tell your uncle?' I suggested.

Oliver-

"Can I ask my - ?" I actually laughed at that. Idriel looked somewhat bemused. "Sorry," I said with a broad grin. "If my parents find out I'm coming home, they'll let the whole country know. They're not exactly subtle. But I suppose I could tell Orien, seeing as she's the one who wrote and invited me."

~Idriel~

I nodded. 'Are you going to tell her that I'm coming too?' I asked.

Oliver-

"Of course," I said, a bit surprised. "That is - unless you don't want me to -"

(OOC: Ugh. I'm trying to multi-task now... Breakfast, RPing, and writing Christmas cards... *headdesk*)

~Idriel~

'No, I don't mind,' I said quickly. 'I... guess she'll be a bit surprised.'

(OOC: Wow, that is impressive. Breakfast at 11? ^_^)

Oliver-

"Yeah, I guess she will..." I thought about it for a moment. Orien was my sister, and she could usually be trusted to keep her opinions to herself about things like this. Still, she knew that Idriel had murdered Garret, and she knew - or at least suspected - Idriel's age. She wouldn't tell my parents, but still...

(OOC: Well... when you wake up at about 10... :P)

~Idriel~

'What is it?' I asked, seeing Oliver's expression.

Oliver-

"It's just..." I gestured helplessly with my hands. "Orien knows you - what you've done. I don't think she'd say anything, but..." I shook my head. "Maybe I'm worrying too much."

~Idriel~

I sighed. He had a very good point. 'Maybe... it would be better if I didn't come,' I said. 'I guess she'd be a bit funny about it. Us, I mean.'

Oliver-

"No, I want you to come," I said without even thinking. "And don't worry about Orien. She won't say anything."

~Idriel~

'But she'll be thinking... things,' I said. 'And she knows that I'm not eighteen, doesn't she?'

Oliver-

I nodded. "She still won't say anything. Why - do you want me to write to her about it?"

~Idriel~

'If she won't say anything, then I don't think you need to,' I said, shrugging. 'But... well, she might be a bit funny about it.'

Oliver-

"That's her problem then," I said with a small smile. I suddenly thought of something. "Idriel - when we cross the Wall, do you want to stop to see Cariel?"

~Idriel~

I bit my lip and nodded. 'Of course I do,' I replied, hoping that Cariel was all right. 'Will they let me see her, then?'

Oliver-

"I don't see why not," I said. "Maybe I can write to Orien and tell her when we'll be getting back, and she can arrange it."

The serving girl came with our food and drinks. I waited until she was gone before asking, "Did you want me to come along? I completely understand if you want to see her alone."

~Idriel~

'I'd prefer to talk to her alone,' I replied quietly. 'But you can still come and see her, if you want. I guess she'll want to hear about our fight with the necromancer and everything.'

Oliver-

"I'll just stay for a few minutes, then," I said. "Orien and her friend have been visiting her, but I think the more familiar faces Cariel sees, the better."

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