But... he's gonna be back in the Capitol! And then off on a mission! When do we find out about Windimere????

Nice little vignette, though. WW5 is going to have to learn Draconic, methinks.

For more on the Windimere front, I suspect it is as they say in the classics... "That, my friends, is a story for another time."

As you mention, Sir, this has been a story with far less Empire shaking drama than others but at the same time a story that has entertained while adding more to some existing elements and bringing some more depth to the world of the average and not so average Elfhame resident. We also have seen that the Elfhamian boast of having a history that dates back to well beyond anything else in the Empire is backed up by proof that the verbal history has a firm foundation in fact.

It also seems something lies heavily on the mind of the Wolf Queen and Westersloe has chosen to look upon a quiet and brooding companion as a boon rather than a burden. No idea why...

Because when she's in a good mood, she's snarky and teases him. And he hasn't yet gone past the relief to figure out what could be making her depressed...

Hence the knowing wink.... I am pretty sure the present feeling of peace due to the Wolf Queen's preoccupation will eventually be overcome by a sense of guilt that he is enjoying this respite from the more common feeling of exasperation her attitude brings him... but for now some soup, a sandwich and a quiet moment before whatever the Marshall has in mind comes to rest on his shoulders...

One can't help feel a bit sorry for the fawns. Their parents work at jobs that keep them far apart for random stretches of time.

It was perceived as traditional to have the children of nobility brought up more by servants than their parents and so I guess this makes their situation somewhat par for the course. That said, unlike many young 'uns whose parents leave them in the care of others while they pursue their careers, these two have very devoted parents who are unstinting in showing their love for them when they are able to be there. At the same time, the carers they do have, in particular [Little Toy], are just as devoted to them as caring for them is not just a job but a purpose. I am sure that there are some older mels of the Vale who make it their business to ensure that The Little Master has company and activities outside of his studies and much the same with the femmes for Little Star although, as more and more families migrate to Elfhame I am sure that the two will not lack for other children to spend time with... we already know The Little Master has found his spot as the leader of the up and coming young Elfhame Rangers and it would not surprise me to find that Stella is already spending some time with some of the Eldest.

I guess I see this as a glass half full situation.... I know both Anastasia and Westersloe would prefer to be there for them every day and they would miss the children as much as the children miss them, but conversely, I would feel worse for a child who has constantly present parents who are indifferent or even worse than indifferent. Just think of the alternative of Anastasia or Prince William's parents.... a cringeworthy thought.

It's always worth remembering that [Little Toy] was built explicitly for the purpose of being a nanny for Eleanor of Elfhame, Anastasia's grand-doe. Thus being a caring fur is literally hard-wired. Granted, WW6's tendency to get covered antler-tip to hoof-tip in mud as a result of various hijinks is a trial for an automaton really built for doe-fawns!

But yes, the bucks, particularly the sentimental old ones that in the far-distant days of their youth wore the mint-green of the Elfhame Rangers keep an eye on the Little Master.

And you can be sure the Heiress of Elfhame, who will one day inherit her sire's estate, is already well in paw by the Eldest.

That was mighty sweet. Excellent Establishment of Background.

Heh…Miss Ring's a trophy all right

..that said…she doesn't work at the Master's Lodge anymore? (since her fight the the Wolf Queen and resulting "punishment" by [Little Toy]?)


Hmmmm

Well, the events where the WQ and Tessie were squabbling were not at the Master's Lodge outside Greytor, Elfhame, but were at WW5's residence in the capital. You'll recall the ovine Sir Arnold Longstaple lives across the street.

[Little Toy] and the WQ have been in Elfhame; Tessie has not.

Ah…I see...