"Tell her brother says to take the stick out of her arse and be civil." He rolled his eyes. "This is between you and her. If you want to get on her good side, tell her she wasn't fair but you're willing to start over if she is. If that doesn't work, turn your back on her until Imbolc and make friends with the bard instead."

Goneril was quiet for a moment, then nodded. "Good neighbor," she said. "I can do that." She sucked in her breath. "I mean, right after I screw up my courage and swallow my pride."

"It really will be all right," he said kindly. "Worst she can do is say you nay and then you'll be no worse off than you are right now and you will have the satisfaction of taking the moral high ground."

Groneil grinned and tossed her hair. "I like the satisfaction of taking the moral high ground, at least," she replied.

"Thought you would," he said wickedly. "I'm probably gonner talk to Mumma here in a bit, see how she's doing. Are you going to be here a while? Do you want me to tell her you might come up? I'll tell her I don't know why, if you like."

"Would you?" Goneril asked, nodding. "If you can tell me whether she's up for, er, visitors, that would be nice. I...you go ahead," she answered. "I'll be here. I hope...I hope there's news."

His expression turned glum. "Aye. I hope so too." He gave her a nod. "I'll let you know either way."

Goneril straightened up. "Don't...I won't tell you not to worry," she said. "But I'm sure she's all right. Really." She gave him a reassuring smile. "If you need to talk about it, you can come back."

"I will do. Good neighbor, Goneril." He started out the door, closing it gently behind him. A moment or so later, it opened enough for Starling to pop his head back in: "No strangling!"

Goneril squeaked, surprised, and then burst out laughing. "I promise!!!" She said, waving her hand at him.