Isembold is living up to his name, isn't he? Pearl seems to be settling in well at the Smials. She's made friends among the girls and attracted the attention of the lads. Lalia is proving managable, and there's enough work to make Pearl feel useful as the Yule approaches. I love seeing a younger version of Everard - he's just as serious as he will be later. This whole chapter is a lovely character study - all the personalities are clear, except for Ferdi. He's still in his own world, and although we know he will recover, even later he has a tacturn and reserved quality to his speech, doesn't he?
It's nice that you're writing these Yule scenes at Christmas time. The scent of cinnamon and pine in the background just seems to fit. |
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