[Valan Quinn]

Valan nodded while chewing a piece of fish. “I suppose you’re right. I could do some good- though I can’t imagine what.”

“No no, not power. I’m far too content with sitting on the beaches of Ieffreon on a future brightening, sipping champagne and watching the ships pass.” He smiled. “With a villa, and my own boat, and 3, no four horses and…” he looked up at Elmaryia laughing. “Alright, bad example.” He took another sip of wine. “But if I had to choose, I would say recognition. Maybe use that to… I don’t know… open my own academy?” he grinned at the thought. Val put his hands up above his head, gesturing a sign, and said, “The Quinn Institute of Swordplay. I can see it all now!” he chuckled.

Valan nodded at Elmaryia’s observation. “Hmm, animals are fine, I suppose. But I personally couldn’t substitute the company of people.” He laughed and said, “Yes, you are quite the philosopher. Maybe the academy is the better place for you, after all.”

“A cousin?” he blurted. “Who?”

“Oh, I see- a cousin, indeed.” he leaned backwards in his chair. “I suppose this Iseult, would be my cousin, too, eh? Albeit a half-cousin.” He gestured toward the waitress to refill his glass. “It seems this family is getting larger by the moment, hm?”