Theo debarked in Westcrown, with a modest bribe to skip the detailed customs check. A hansom carriage brought him to his family home.
He paused at the gate for... an embarrassingly long time.
He knocked. One of the family slaves he recognized answered.
"Yes, what's your business-? Master Theopho?"
"Hello again, Tibex. Yes, I'm back. It's a long story. Are you still in good health?"
"I... well enough. I and Jamisa have a son, now."
"I'd wondered about you two; happy to hear it. But if you'll excuse me, I have an unpleasant conversation with my mother that will only get worse if I put it off longer. If I'm still welcome in the house and you'd like, I'll open the liquor cabinet with you tomorrow some time."
"Of course. If it's not presuming..." He opened the gate, then opened his arms to suggest an embrace.
"Of course it isn't." Theo bent to return the embrace. "It really is good to see you."
