Why, Hazel, Why?

A letter had arrived back from his sister. Elswyth was glad that Sun had made it back in one piece and she perched on the arm of his chair as he read his letter. Just reading the first few words brought a smile to his face. He really missed her.

But as he read he grew a bit incredulous.

"To the Best Brother in the World,

"What skills? And who is this friend of yours? You used a female pronoun. Is this going to be my new sister-in-law? Is she pretty? Why does she own a hawk? Why does Father not like her?

Don't worry brother. I have made a few friends. I actually like Carendlus, and would not be adverse to visiting it again. The queen is currently pregnant and she is such a darling.

There are other things that I may tell you when I see you, but I do not want to write them in a letter. Oh, Asrar is loosening up just a little, though he still talks with that formal way he has all the time.

With love,

Your little sister

P.S. Asrar wishes you good health and says that he believes in your capability to rule."

He heard Elswyth snicker and shot her a look, "What?"

"Your sister seems to want to marry you off to me." She had a twinkle in her eye as she teased him.

"She was just trying to tease me."

"Uh-huh."

Heron had a bad premonition that Elswyth was going to be teasing him about this for quite some time. He sighed, "As if I would think of marrying you."

"Should I be insulted?" She laughed.

"No. Just a remark on how I know you'd never see a youngster like me in that way." He rolled his eyes.

"You'll be an adult soon enough Heron. And I'm not that old." She seemed a little bit terse.

Ah. She wasn't technically that old yet. Not even in her late twenties. And it was true that in a few years that difference wouldn't seem as big. Still at his age, nine years was a long time. Well, eight and a half was closer but still.

He shook his head, "Sorry. Sorry. You aren't old in the slightest."

"Exactly. And don't you forget it!"

He was not sure why she was so adamant about something so strange. Perhaps it was because she was female. Women tended to be a bit more concerned with being considered old.

He left it at that for now. He hoped his premonition did not come true and that she didn't bring it up again. But knowing that she really seemed to like teasing him he was sure she would.

He was not looking forward to it. It was one of her worst habits. And he had no idea why he was the subject of all her teasing. Or anyway, he'd never heard her tease anyone else the way she teased him.