He smiles.

"Good priorities. And all things you've been putting off. I suggest you start by spending the night with her. She's noticed you avoiding her except in short bursts."

"Have I? I guess- Yes, I have. Ugh."

"Do you want more counsel?"

"Do I need to hear more?"

"Need? I think not. But I would say- remind her you love her. And don't let her 'ma'am' you tonight."

"We'd be much dumber without you, Corl."

"That's half of a shaman's job. And I am happy to help my dear friend."

She reached up to properly return his hug. "Likewise, whenever you want. And I'm glad I'll be staying here to give it."

But she didn't hold it long. She had a lover to reassure, and apologize to.

"Stel! I wasn't expecting you."

She just went up and kissed her, pulling her into a hug.

"Not that I'm complaining, ma'am, but what brought this on?"

"None of that 'ma'am' tonight, love. I don't want to be in charge of anything right now."

"Sure, but?"

"I'm staying. Against orders, probably, I'm two months overdue to get orders and - if they didn't say to come back, I'd just break them. I realized this morning I'd stopped pretending to myself I was going to get around to it. And Corl says my Law broke recently, probably then. I'm a Steel Exile for as long as you want me here."

"Oh, love..."

She hugged Estel tight.

"You talked with Corl about it?"

"Extensively. He - helped me get my head sorted out, over dinner. And pointed out I'd been neglecting you."

"Fortunately, making up for that sounds like just what I need."

"Does it? With no bossing me around at all?"

"I'm tired. Tired in the head. I need to plan a few things, soon. How I leave them cleanly, renounced and not hunted."

"But not tonight. Tonight, I don't want to be making more decisions."

"Well, I might be able to make a couple decisions. I am in charge of this clan, after all."

She spun Estel around and pushed her down onto the bed.

"And now I know I get to keep you."