Moving on.

It isn't long before the demands of the war mean you must put Airgid Carran behind you. The bulk of the coalition forces move on, a host led by Kara and Donald's uncle remaining behind to defend the town against any attempt the raiders might make to recapture it.

Your ultimate destination is the Fresgoe Isles, presently being menaced by Jarl Leif Bloodhound. Of course, lacking much in the way of ships, you'd first need to build or otherwise acquire some to take the united forces into the archipelago.

According to advance reports from Beathan scouts, the ship-building town of Blahem was being held by several of the Bloodhound's lesser crews. Still in relatively good shape, a plan had quickly been devised to retake it, commandeer or build new ships and sail to the Isles.

“What kind of a name is Blahem, anyway?” Madeleine scoffs. She's riding in your carriage with you and Kara, a frequent companion to you both now on the long, dull journeys across the frozen Beathan countryside.

You're sat one one side of the carriage, sipping periodically from a cup of wine and glancing at your royal correspondence, while Madeleine and Kara occupy the other seat. The Dauphine of Sinnabarrow lies back against the taller, stronger princess, Kara holds Madeleine to her, arms draped over the smaller woman's shoulders, a lit pipe in her right hand.

“It's a strong Beathan name, I don't see what the problem is.” Kara says calmly, shifting ever so slightly to take a puff on the long stem of her pipe.

“Sounds like the sort of noise a drunk simpleton'd make to me, personally.” Madeleine sniffs. “Blahem!”

She makes a face, extending her tongue at you as she calls out the name.

“Afraid I do'nae hear it.” Kara says, conspicuously placid.

“Yes, you do!” Madeleine titters. “Blahem!”

She makes the face again.

“No idea what you mean.” Kara says, trying not to rise to Madeleine's bait.

The carriage trundles along in a comfortable silence for a few minutes longer, before the Sinnabarrovian sits up, glancing out the window.

“How much longer will this take?” she sighs. “I'm simply not accustomed to such monstrous journeys!”

“Aye, you're puttin' a brave face on it though, workin' through your suffering. I'm proud.” Kara says, offering the other woman the stem of her pipe.

Madeleine accepts it, sucking on the pipe like a babe at the teat.

“Thank you.” she says, rubbing herself back against Kara appreciatively.

“It... shouldn't be much longer now.” Kara informs you both. “Two days, three at the most? In fact, we should be getting' ready to make camp for the night soon.”

“Good. I'm quite eager to return to my work.” Madeleine says absently. “You know, tomorrow we really ought to ride in my carriage.”

“Edward's is fine.” Kara says. “Lot nicer than I'm accustomed to, let me tell you.”

“I'm sure, I'm sure.” Madeleine says. “Thing is, and Edward, I'm sorry if this wounds your masculine pride, but mine's er... bigger.”