[I've been thinking exactly the same thing for a while now,] he says, accepting his tea and conjuring her one in return.

She takes her tea and sips it. [As probably the most obvious matter - you are welcome to Bond with my beloved if you still wish to do so. I had a moment of uncertainty but it has been resolved to my satisfaction.]

[Did that have something to do with getting married?]

[Yes. Although once we had thought of Ansharil becoming an elf long enough to complete the prerequisite, it most likely would have happened anyway.]

[It wasn't a surprise. But I did notice the timing.]

[It came up when I was expressing concern about - dilution, as it were.]

[...I'm not sure I understand.]

[I was worried about feeling less special as one of two instead of as the only.]

[Oh. Yes, I see,] he says. [Well, whatever else happens, I'd wager you'll remain their only wife.]

[I expect so, yes.]

He laughs.

[So, yes, that has been settled, but perhaps you have other questions you did not have time to get to before you were shooed from my tree.]

[...I think I might want to finally get my enchanter's aura,] he says. [I've had flickers, but nothing like Liselen's. And I don't know if it would help like yours does, but it can't hurt to find out, right?]

[It will not hurt you. Unless you develop your aura without a channel, and then only in the literal sense. The quickest way is to travel to my alt Glass's world and pour power into her forest.]

[I'll do that, then. How quick is quick?]

[It depends on the channel - how much channeling they can tolerate, and one of the Jokers has an amplification ability that speeds it up considerably.]

[I was thinking of doing it by myself, but I wouldn't mind having help.]

[Jane is back again, and can poll the Jokers for their availability.]

[All right.]

[You could ask her yourself, or I can do it for you.]

[I'm not sure how to talk to her, although I guess I'll have to learn.]

[I can introduce you if you would like.]

[Okay.]

[Jane, this is Lycaelon. Lycaelon, Jane. He needs a channel for developing aura, and then he will need a ride to Chronicle.]

[Hi, Lycaelon! Polling Jokers now.] She polls Jokers. [Do you know where my Janepoint is?]