It was her birthday not long past. I know how she doesnt enjoy large celebrations and of course no one wants reminders of getting old. But its not really about that - not really. Its about celebrating who she is and for my part, what she means to me. We had a quiet celebration near Caernivale. I made her dinner and a cake. Cooking is not something I do often, but thanks to my mother's early teachings I like to think it turned out fairly well - at least, she didnt seem to mind one bit. I skipped the singing part also, I think I did quite enough of that at the Idol competition. I may never hear the last of it but Im sure that will be my last public display of singing.

Speaking of my mother, we are planning to go visit my parents soon. There are still a lot of preparations and we are planning on taking the twins with us. My mother will be very, very excited. I just know she will adore Fleur. Of course, that goes without saying about the children. They are getting bigger every day. I think they will enjoy the trip and time out of school. I am certain Fleur will enjoy having them to herself for awhile as well. It should be good. Although, it seems she is a bit nervous about meeting my parents. I guess I would be the same about meeting hers. Azure made us promise to not be gone long - rosters and all to maintain. I think thats her way of saying she will miss us. Even went as far as planting a conspiracy in Fleur's head of ways to cut the trip short if needed. Silly Knight. We will come back, as always.

Training wears on day to day. It would be nice to visit the trainer again soon with Fleur. The Demon Lord seems to be getting more bold in his advances, so best to be on our guard as much as possible. Cordelia has returned from her trip as well - which could be what has prompted Balthazars increased raiding. Its good to see she is well, but I never had a doubt of that. One thing about our Queen is that she was an Iron Knight first and while she is owed our allegiance, to our very last breath, she is in no way helpless.

Plans to finalize and packing to get done. I will have to remember to write about our trip as we go.

The party last night was brilliant. A fancy dinner with fancy toga dress - at least, fancy for Valorn, although we are seeing more toga's around now that the trade is solid between our land and Ethucan. The food was delicious, the servers attentive, and the entertainment superb! Topaz recited a rhyme about the opening of the Doorway to commemorate the event - that was the reason for the manner of dress and the meal, to celebrate the truce and AVE's 4th anniversary. Even the understudy of that Murder of Crows fellow was really rather amusing - had a hard act to follow, coming up right after Thorin and Ba-Ku's gladiator vs demon bout. I was out of my seat for most of the mocked battle and enjoyed getting into the action - even if I did lose my head for a few moments and Fleur had to remind me to calm down a bit. It was very well done, hard to tell it was faked in fact! All around brilliant!

Fleur often wears a toga, I have to admit I quite like it. I still much prefer trousers but it was alright to dress in a wrapped up dress for one evening, I suppose. Not that I dont like visiting Ethucan. I just like my trousers.

Weve taken on another in Twenty Two - Abalan. Nice fellow, but not for the council just yet. Unnumbered for the moment, but just as important. Its good to see Urkki lively again and busy with an apprentice really.