Madeline Warmbow

Van sleeps beside me, snoring. I forgot to pack the poppy which aided my sleep last night, and dulled the pain from my ribs some, so here I sit exhausted, yet unable to sleep in this opulent room in Nujelm. And I sit here, wondering where this new path in my life will take me. Truly it seems as if from the moment we first made love our souls became entwined somehow, and todays ceremony was the affirmation of that. I am now Baroness of Vesper. Though a newcomer here, I plan to help Van in any way I can, giving council to him when opportunity and need arise, and loving him with all of my heart and being. This is my destiny as shown by the cards that night not so very long ago through Alruane's eyes. I pray I have chosen this road wisely, and that I will never regret this path I now travel upon.

Today the crimson dawn greeted me. Van newly returned yesterday from a trip to the Hedgemaze where he got lost for a couple of days, slept in. I nae am sure I believe the story in its entirety, but I love him just the same. He seems a bit different now. An almost unnoticeable distance, though it seems he tries not to show it. I will wait until he comes to me with the fullness of what kept him away until an hour before our betrothal was to be with no word. I am satisfied for now that he is home safe and in my arms once again.
It could be just the weight of the world upon his shoulders.

Some say when a large decision is being made an ye cant wrap your head around it, that walking a labyrinths path can focus the mind as a kind of meditation and perhaps, unknowingly, this is what he did. He certainly has a lot on his mind, with the worries of politics between West Vesper and Vesper. It was hard for him to take the job from Rey, I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. Rey acquiesced the position begrudgingly. He meant to serve well and not bring Minoc to the brink of Civil war I am sure of it. The gentle soul of an artist he has, and a good man. But I can also understand a peoples desire to have a say in their local politics.

In a short amount of time so much has changed for Van, and for me. I no longer travel the woods alone for days on end with only the animals of the deep wood as my company while I gather my herbs. I live in an opulent home with a man who kindles a fire in me that consumes until I cry out in the heat of it, embers ever ready to be stoked by something so simple as a glance or kiss or touch.

Paintings have come in from a friend, Virelle, brought by hawk of our ceremony. I shall tuck them with this journal that they not be lost.



I thought for a moment Van would tear his arm off as the fire engulfed our hands. It reminded me of the story I once told him about a girl who loved a boy enchanted by an evil witch who would not let go through adversity. Though he got a bit wild eyed, he did not let go. And neither will I. We both owe a great thank you to all who helped make this such a special day. I am deeply indebted to them all, and my help is only an asking away.

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