Killers of the Shadows; Claudia Returns

Claudia snapped from her state of thought and smiled down at Darin, "Yes, of course you can," she said happily, "Now, why don't you go out there and wait with Malik? I just need to finish up with my cousin and I'll be out in a minute alright?" Claudia let Darin down and waited until he was out of the room before looking over at Owlan. "Owlan, instead of spending all your time with other people's children, maybe you should go find a woman?" she asked delicately, "Settle down, and have kids of your own. You'd make a great father."

Owlan stood up and picked up Claudia's knife, then slid it back across the table to her. "I know that. It's not being a good father I'm worried about," said Owlan, "It's being a good husband." Claudia raised an eyebrow and she sheathed her knife, "What do you mean?" asked Claudia. "You know what I mean," said Owlan, "I'm always out on the battlefield or in negotiations, and when I'm not doing that I'm out on excavations and digs searching for artifacts and ancient tomes so I can work on my Codex. I'm already married to two jobs, Fire Lord and Author/Historian, I can't make a third commitment right now." Claudia laughed, "Then you just need to find a woman that will understand," she said, "But do it soon! You're twenty seven Owlan, you're almost middle aged and if you don't do it soon all the good women will be gone. And then your line will die." Owlan chuckled, "If anything Naina's children can take over," he said, "She's still princess, and her kids will be royalty too, assuming she marries Airo. " "Stop making excuses," said Claudia with her hands on her hips, "I want you to start finding a woman, before I have to raise your dowry by 10 000 gold."

Owlan laughed and walked over to her cousin, then hugged her, "You never change Claudia," he said, and that was all he had to say on the matter. "Now you should go," said Owlan, "And don't forget to actually write this time. I miss hearing from you, god knows you may end up dead or worse one day and I won't know unless you right." Claudia nodded, "I promise," she said, "And I'll mail you pictures of women from my Order for you to fall in love with." Owlan rolled his eyes and walked with her to the door of the room.