"As I understood it, the property was given to him by the Rian not earned through battle," I say, softening my voice. The fact that she did not back down, and did not challenge me on the spot are all good signs that I've found a sister I can trust, and I smile at her. "We may need to ask for clarification from Fenian for he was here at the time, and I was not. It would not be the first time I acted on misinformation, unfortunately." I look ahead and nod to Dobhar, hoping she'll understand without my speaking it aloud.

"Your logic is sound for wanting the property. I have a small house already away from the keep. It's large enough for my needs and protected by a local family while I'm away. I understand the need for a place of your own."

We ride for a few, and I shrug some tension from my shoulders.

"I hope that you forgive the tone of voice I used. The events of the past days have left me frustrated for it seems like so much is going wrong and I'm unable to change it. I've only been able to do one small gesture to help the Rian at this point."

At this point Dobhar assigns our riding postions. I pat the gelding's neck and tell him to be good, then ride ahead to watch the trees on the side of the road.