Rose and Julian looked about the house that had been in his mother's family for generations. They watched two men as they loaded a wagon teamed with great draft horses, the snow floated slowly and softly upon and around them.

Together, Rose and Julian had gathered what articles they and Valenta would need until the end of the journey they were about to begin. The wagon loaded, Julian spoke briefly with the driver, shook hands then gave the man some coins.

Inside again, Rose stirred a stew, sliced bread, made sandwiches with shredded meat and packed a block of cheese for the trip. Julian went to the root cellar and packed dried fruits, vegetables and herbs. They would likely be having to camp along the way between accomadations.

Everything ready, the couple sat down over steaming tea, their hands entwined. Julian lifted Rose's hand and kissed it gently. Smiling gray eyes looked back into his. To an observer, the feelings shared between the pair would be obvious.

The bark of Julian's great dog alerted the couple. Soon they could hear the clear jingle of bells on harness as the sturdy carriage drew closer. Standing, Julian gathered and wrapped a heavy cloak around Rose's shoulders. Offering his hand, Julian asked, "Shall we greet them, my love?"

Everything ready, the couple sat down over steaming tea, their hands entwined. Julian lifted Rose's hand and kissed it gently. The bark of Julian's great dog alerted the couple. Soon they could hear the clear jingle of bells on harness as the sturdy carriage drew closer. Standing, Julian gathered and wrapped a heavy cloak around Rose's shoulders. Offering his hand, Julian asked, "Shall we greet them, my love?"

Charlie helped Valenta to the snow swept ground. Greetings done the hired man unhitched the team and escorted them to food, water and shelter. They would need their strength for the morrow.

Over steamy bowls of stew, Julian and Rose, answered Valenta's questions about the disarray of the house. Julian, more so than Rose, explained to Val what changes were occurring in their collective lives and how they were needed elsewhere.

After his rhetoric, Julian looked soberly at Charlie. "Charlie, you have been as good a student as anyone could hope for. You are well prepared to move on in your studies and practices but not with me." Julian paused and cleared his throat. "Drakesheath needs you boy! It would be selfish of me to ask you to come with us. So, I won't." Moving close to Charlie and taking his hand Julian finished, "As my parting request, I ask you to keep the house and grounds in order..just in case we should make it back this way sometime. And of course, you will receive missives now and again, just in case you get itchy feet, you can find me."