The first of the Month of Falling Stars has always been as cold as a naked swim in the chilling waters of Londor Bay. During these shivering days residents of Londor Bay looked most forward to their moments at the end of day in the warm steamed lake when the sun lowered behind the trees and mountains and lanterns were oiled and lit.

Reid Aerys soaked with his wife Ariel Everlith; a gorgeous young woman and mother of three of his children. She leaned against Reid alone in the steamed lake; a natural hot spring, which served as a social spot in Londor Bay for bathing and relaxation, a unique location to let worries fade and cleanse.

Ariel peered into Reid's eyes whom seemed distracted, lost in thought. Reid could tell that she knew something was wrong.

"I saw our youngest, Hailey, near the cellar doors again," Ariel moved in closer to Reid, "Does it worry you, dear?" she questioned, pressing up against his muscular chest.

Reid turned his head away and stroked his cleanly shaven face.

"No," he replied, "When they are ready for such questions I will have answers."

"If not that, then what? What worries you?" she asked, "Why are you so cold and sullen?"

He had received terrible news and wanted nothing more than to leave it, but he knew he would have to tell her.

"I received a white dove- from the City of White," he answered, staring into Ariel's bright blue eyes.

'You have? I haven't heard of such a dove,' she replied.

"Our House already has enough problems. The Lunarei knock against our thin walls. They want nothing more than to try me for that great fire- and hang me."

'You did nothing but save a girl that night. They will not break the peace bond, and they will not try you. Now, what has you so sullen? What words did the dove bring?"

"I was the only one from our settlements seen that night. The Lunarei do not believe me."

"What did the letter say, Reid?" Ariel questioned impatiently.

"The Lunarei Nightriders saw me pull Amelie out of the fire, and followed me through the flames to Cape Aerendel." Reid looked down at Ariel, admiring her naked figure, "There will be blood spilt over that fire, and I won't be here for it," he admitted.

Shocked, Ariel stood up with an confused expression. The steam from the heated water permeated through the brisk air of the night- creating a mist obscuring Reid's view of his naked wife. Reid glanced upwards to make eye contact.

"You're leaving?" she shrieked with a fierce look in her eyes. Reid playfully flinched, expecting her to tap him on the chest.

Reid quickly gestured her to quiet down by placing his finger over her lips.

"You're leaving?" she repeated in a hushed tone, "what news did the dove bring?"

"My father, Lord Rickton...," Reid paused, "The maids found him dead- just lying there on the floor in his chambers," Reid embraced his wife, "It was during the second moon, three nights ago. Why would it take the High Court three days to send word for me? The entire situation strikes me as strange," he questioned.

"I can't believe he is dead. Did it say what happened to the man? Was he murdered?" spoke an expression-less Ariel.

"It isn't known. The Servants of the Red still do not know what happened. It makes me sick envisioning the blood magic that they'll perform on him. They'll find out the cause of death surely though."

"What about his role? They will need a replacement from Aerendel to represent us, won't they?"

"They've summoned me as his heir, to replace him as Lord of Aerendel in Sansora. They've sent a ship to escort me to the bloody White City. It's probably a few days out still."

"To Sansora... You won't last a moment amongst the Cranes.  You're not that breed of man, Reid. You've got to decline. Your place is here. With us. With House Aerys and the children."

"I'll decline the title and return, sweet wife."

Reid stroked Ariel's smooth arms, comforting her. It felt like a silk cloth against his callused hands.

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"You can't forget I once was born from such a place. Was it not for my great grandfather founding Aerendel and raising me aboard sailing ships, I would still be amongst those Cranes," Reid replied, standing up out of the hot bath.

Ariel surveyed his fit naked body, and pressed her hands against the many scars that marked his chest, "But I will miss you," she spoke softly with a smile.

"I will miss you, love of my life," spoke Reid as he leaned down to give his wife a kiss.

"Will you take on my surname? Before I leave? Will you become Ariel Aerys for me?"

"Of course, my dear. I will do anything for you. I will tell father that it will be done. I will no longer be Ariel Everlith, if that is what you want," she confirmed, kissing, and biting his lower lip, "I will be an Aerys for you."

Reid's smile reached from ear to ear. House Everlith was a proud family, and her proud father refused to allow Ariel to take on Reid's surname. He had waited many years for the moment that she would display his banners instead of her own.

Reid turned his head over to the sound of approaching footsteps. Reid bent over, reaching down to the dry stone floor. He grabbed for his sword under the heap of linen towels and bathing cloths. Reid passed a towel from the floor swiftly to his naked wife, revealing Reid's sword and clothes beneath it.

From out of the forest brush appeared three of their young children, Raimes, Mia and Hailey.

"You're bloody naked, Father," spoke Reid's eldest son, Raimes Aerys.

"What did you expect coming to a hot bath? To find your parents dressed in workwear chopping lumber?"

"Avert your eyes, Mia. No one wants to see their father in the raw," giggled Hailey, the youngest of his daughters, who held Mia's eyes shut with her hands.

"The red ribboned letter, we found it, Father. Did you plan on telling us?" Raimes questioned.

"Were you in my chambers? You know you're not allowed," tested Reid, unwilling to confess the news.

"Tell them, Reid. They've got the right to know," explained Ariel, as she wrapped herself up in a bathing towel.

"The royal letter from Sansora. Is it true?" questioned Mia.

Reid sighed, and nodded his head.

"I was just discussing it with your mother," Reid chimed in, "I've been summoned to Sansora by the King's orders."

"To the City of Blades?" Raimes shook his head in disbelief, "I've heard stories, nightmarish ones about that place. And it's true then- our grandfather has passed away?"

"Grandfather's dead?" spouted Hailey, who was unaware of the letter and easily upset.

Mia removed Hailey's hands from over her covered eyes, "Was he murdered?"

Hailey's cheerful expression dropped and her hazel eyes began to water.

"Yes, that's what was written in the King's letter. I'm not sure if it was murder- it isn't known." Reid paused in thought for a brief moment, "I don't want to go, and I don't want that position. But, it would shame our family if I did not return the King's letter in person. A royal ship has already been sent for me."

"What's your plan then?" Raimes stepped forward, "Do you plan to decline the role of Lord of Aerendel in front of the King? Slaying a drake in the deep sea would be easier... The role can't just be left empty. Are you going to appoint someone else as Lord of Aerendel? Who can be trusted with that sort of power?"

"You have many questions, son." smiled Reid, "I could trust you with that power, Raimes."

"Not to sound ungrateful, father, but fuck no," chuckled Raimes, "I wouldn't last a second as Lord of Aerendel. All the gold and gorgeous Sansoran women- that would be excellent, but keeping my head attached to its body is far better."

"Well, there are a few loyal faces in these parts still. Not everyone will cave from the gold and sell out our fish and lumber. I'll find the proper man before the ship docks in our harbour," explained Reid.