4 January 2023

This one is short, because I spent most of my evening planning things out for this story and trying to figure out who Elliott was better. In particular, I want to get a better grasp on the dynamic between Elliott and Charles, and the way that will evolve over the course of the series.

Arylwen found the princeling brooding over the railing at the stern. It figured. What else would blonde princelings do in their free time?

She dropped down next to him. She was a bit disappointed when he didn’t jump; he must be getting used to her by now. She asked, “Where’s the other one?”

“With the captain. I guess he wanted extra sword lessons or something.”

Arylwen shuddered. “He could still move after her normal ones?” When the princeling didn’t respond, she flipped around the rail to get a better look at him. “So what, he’s busy, and you just mope out here?”

Elliott shrugged. “More or less.”

“Why do you hang out with him, anyway?”