[ A certain Lord Commander turned Lord Speaker has also had similar thoughts concerning his old friend, but as he went about his days doing his best to adjust to a new daily routine, he found his attention pulled elsewhere by his new responsibilities. Of course, none of this really stopped him from wondering about the well-being of his friend and that of his betrothed and her sister as well.

It was not until later in the evening when the day's work was ended that he finally had the time to breathe and let his thoughts travel where they would. He let his steps lead him to his customary place where he would stand vigil for a moment or two, taking in the fresh but chilled air and doing his best to calm his thoughts before heading home for the evening.

Part of him felt a pang of loneliness when he thought about walking through the door and into the house that was once again empty save for his trusted steward and head maid. But there was nothing to be done about that, as he knew full well that there were other things far more important than his personal wishes.

His eyebrows lift in surprise when Estinien addresses him, but his surprised expression is quickly replaced by a fond smile. ] Ah, Estinien, I was not expecting to see you returned so soon, but I am glad of it.

[ He shakes his head in response and he adds: ] All is well here for the moment, and the recovery effort is continuing as well as might be expected.

[ War might have visited another part of their star, of course, but that is the unfortunate reality of the world they live in. ]

You know what they say about old habits, I assume.