[he looks over to francel with a soft smile.] He's better with you than he is with Estinien, you know. He only hisses and attacks him. It's really a troublesome affair.

[he pours a bit of birch syrup in each cup, stirring both with a dainty tea spoon.]

Are you sure you'd like to stay in bed? I've given Veduex leave for several weeks; we will have to fend for ourselves. [a bit of red catches his eye, and he tugs the silk skirt]