* Meghan is pacing the living room bouncing Abagail softly. Abagail is whimpering just a bit and her face is flushed slightly, her face is wet with tears. Meghan is wearing a dark green dress and her hair is caught back with a green ribbon

* Kevil mounts the stairs to Ellesmere and knocks. He's wearing navy blue pants and vest over a white shirt, a snowdrop on his collar.

* Meghan walks over to the door and opens it. She smiles softly "Hello Kevil. It's so nice to see you. Please come in." She steps back and holds the door for him.

* Kevil smiles. "I am glad to see you, too." He steps past her into the living room.

* Meghan closes the door behind him and turns into the living room. She shifts Abby to the other shoulder "Can I get you a drink? Please sit."

<Kevil> ::sitting on one side of the couch:: Only water, if you would be so kind... ::he looks at the fretful Abby:: Is she unwell?

<Meghan> She just has a bit of a cold. If you'd like you can hold her. She's only a tiny bit fussy.

<Kevil> Of course. ::he holds out his arms for the baby::

* Meghan smiles and offers Abby to Kevil. Abby immediately grabs fistfuls of his shirt and rubs her face against him before settling against his shoulder and sighing softly. Meghan smiles and goes to the kitchen.

* Kevil grins and bounces Abby gently.

* Meghan returns with a glass of water and offers it to him. She sits across from him on the couch, turned facing him. "So tell me how have you been?"

<Kevil> ::takes the water in one hand and sips a bit before putting it on the table:: Well, thank you. If busy... ::he smiles:: How did you fare on your trip?

<Meghan> It was good. I learned a lot. It's nice to be back though.

<Kevil> ::nods:: It is always good to return home. ::he gently pries a lock of his hair from Abby's chubby fist before looking back at Meghan expectantly::

<Meghan> So tell me what you have been doing. I have heard bits and pieces, enough to know that you have lots to tell me.

<Kevil> ::laughs softly:: Very much... Zoya, Lisl, Loria, and I journeyed to my home city a few months ago. It was good to see my family, though I could have done without the rogue mage, the raiders, and the pirates.

* Meghan raises an eyebrow "I can imagine. And how is Loria?"

<Kevil> ::half-smiles:: Fretting. She is called to her goddess' service, d'va? She has been commanded to learn weapons work and self-defense, and finds the learning difficult... It is hard on both of us, I think. But I am more willing to see her in an agony of conscience than I am to contemplate her going into battle unarmed.

* Meghan nods "I can imagine. I suppose there could be worse things to have to learn." she smiles "Although Loria might not think so at the moment. And how was visiting your family? I'm glad you were able to get home."

<Kevil> ::grins:: It was wonderful. My nephews and nieces have grown... so much. I barely recognized some of them. And visiting my parents... ::he smiles almost bashfully:: Part of me will always recognize their courtyard as my true home, d'va?

* Meghan nods as she sips her water. "Good." She smooths out her dress and places her glass on the table near her. "So how are Sabrina's lessons going?"

<Kevil> Well. Very well. I think one more instrument mastered will earn her a Journeyman's status. ::makes a face:: I have no idea how to train her wild talent, though, nor any idea who might.

* Meghan nods looking thoughtful. "Perhaps she should go to the psionic school. Tyl might be able to help...." she pauses "Urm ok Tyl's not there. Well whoever is in charge at the moment might have some suggestions."

<Kevil> ::nods:: I will suggest it... Perhaps I will walk over later and speak with the headmaster.

* Meghan nods "So do you think she will leave once she has mastered another instrument?"

<Kevil> ::considers:: I do not know... A journey is traditional - hence the title of "Journeyman" - but a city Marsember's size affords much opportunity for self-study without leaving home.

* Meghan nods "Well I'm sure she will do what's right for her. She seems to have grown a lot since I left. It's good to see her happier and more self confident."

<Kevil> ::nods and smiles:: She progresses quickly. A worthy apprentice, indeed.

<Meghan> ::smiles:: Good. ::she glances to Abby who has fallen asleep on Kevil's shoulder:: I guess she is going to have to wait for next time to hear you sing.

<Kevil> ::looks down at the small sleeping form and grins:: It seems so.

<Kevil> ::looks back at Meghan:: And you? Tell me how you have been faring.

<Meghan> She always was more comfortable with you than most people. ::She glances back up to Kevil:: Well. I am going into the city to help out at an orphanage. It's good to fill the day, and I love being with the children, as does Abby.

<Kevil> ::smiles and nods::

<Meghan> So that takes up most of my days. Michelle's been teaching me some about first aid, which I can use at the orphanage.

<Kevil> ::smiles:: It is a useful skill anywhere.

<Meghan> ::nods:: It is. ::she smiles:: So I know you have news that you have not yet shared with me.

<Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: What news is that?

<Meghan> Well Brina tells me you are getting married.

<Kevil> Ah, that. ::he grins:: You were here when I came to speak with the Lady Imp on the matter; I assumed that had sufficiently informed you... Yes, we will be married in... Elasius, if I remember her planning correctly.

<Meghan> ::nods:: I guess I don't remember the conversation that well. I had just gotten home. I'm very happy for you.

<Kevil> I am sorry. ::he smiles:: It seemed word had spread so quickly that actually making a declaration would be foolish... And thank you.

<Meghan> Well I had hoped ::she nods:: Never mind. ::she smiles:: Elasius will be nice.

<Kevil> ::nods:: If the weather cooperates. ::he raises an eyebrow at her:: You had hoped...?

* Meghan stands and takes her glass. She turns away for a moment and then back to Kevil. "I had hoped you would have wanted to come tell me yourself. At the very least come see me since I have come back." She twists the glass around in her hand, looking at it. "I hope we are still friends."

<Kevil> ::blinks at her in surprise:: Of course! I... ::he looks down at Abby, limp in his arms, and sighs before looking back up at her, his voice soft:: You were here when I came to speak with Lady Nacheyla, and you seemed... perhaps somewhat distressed. I did not wish to distress you further. If I have done ill, I can only beg you to forgive me.

* Meghan smiles at him. "You haven't. I was surprised I guess. That you and Loria had gotten so close. I still care very much about you and..." she pauses "Well no matter. I guess after a while I expected you'd come and visit me. When you didn't I wondered."

<Kevil> ::hesitates briefly, then nods:: I apologize... We had been growing closer for some time, but the last few months moved much more swiftly than I had anticipated. ::he grins faintly::

<Meghan> ::nods:: I am happy for you Kevil. It's good to see someone bring you such happiness. I wish you the best.

<Kevil> ::stands and crosses to her:: Thank you. It means a great deal to me. ::he hugs her with his free arm, careful not to squash Abby::

* Meghan hugs him back lightly "Do let me know if there is anything I can do to help."

<Kevil> ::grins:: Do not think I will forget that offer...

* Meghan grins and reaches to take Abby. "I count on it." She cuddles Abby against her chest and reaches out to touch his cheek lightly "You are so dear to me. If you are happy it makes me happy."

<Kevil> ::takes her hand from his face and kisses her fingers lightly:: Then I must of course endeavor to remain happy - for your benefit, of course. ::he smiles:: I should go. I will come back soon and sing for Abby. Give my regards to your love.

* Meghan nods "And give mine to yours." She smiles as she holds the door for him. "It was good to see you Kevil. Please come back soon."

* Kevil smiles and bows, then rests his hand briefly on Abby's head before heading down the path.

* Meghan watches him for a moment and then closes the door.