Mari and I take our time dressing. The sun has risen and we begin to hear guests and staff through the open window. I fold Corwin’s letter and tuck it inside my shirt. Slowly walking to the door I hold it open for Mari as she makes last minute adjustments to her dress.

“Ready?” she asks
“After you” I answer

As we make our way to the dinning hall, Mari again speculates on the writer of the note and how it was delivered. I add my own unanswered questions, falling silent momentarily as a couple walk past.

Hektor walks over and greets us as soon as he sees Mari. She returns the greeting and casually asks if a message for either of us has arrived. Hektor answers no then adds he would keep an eye out and if one arrives that he would get it to us straight away. I thank him and ask where we could take our breakfast in a more private setting. He takes us outside to the far end of a terrace overlooking a well manicured garden.

Over breakfast we methodically talk through what we will need for the next few days. We decide the best use of our time would for Mari to inquire about the lake since she has been here before and for me to buy supplies. Without a discussion it seems we have already agreed that Mari is going and with that I am relieved. Not that the argument would have been heated rather I’m fortunate to be able to rely on her as a strategist, offering fresh perspectives and new ideas.