Ryyan's Journal - Session 5
From the journal of Ryyan Pendel, Third Heir to the Pendel Barony,
Tonight was an unmitigated disaster, in every sense of the word. I thought I was prepared for what awaited in the ballroom, but I couldn’t imagine what the night would bring.
I love my mother dearly, but I cannot fathom what she was thinking when she picked out suitors for me. I have spoken to her at length about my current lack of interest in romantic matters, but even so, she could have looked for somebody who was at least more interested than I! Half the people she introduced me to looked like they didn’t even want to be there! But that wasn’t the worst thing that happened, oh no, not even close.
Of course Wyserias was there. And while I must admit taking enjoyment in properly snubbing him in front of dear Aunt Cecile, there was something about him that set me on edge (more so than he usually would). It wasn’t until Pash told there were other dragons in the ballroom that I started to feel panic. Wyserias is under the influence of a red dragon, and from what Pash tells me, the stories they create are filled with war. It goes without saying that it was impossible for me to even pretend to enjoy the party, or the cooking competition (although, Alice’s dishes were excellent, and she outdid herself tonight). Even discovering the fact that Beatrice had been dating one of my traveling companions for months prior to our first journey, did little to phase me. It does seem odd, still: Beatrice is the type who would definitely brag about such things rather than keep them secret.
I really wish I could focus on romantic endeavors, if only to appease my Mother and keep my end of the bargain to Pash. But how could I possibly find love when the threat of war looms over us all? Shouldn’t I be trying to avoid conflicts? Trying to make the world safer, for everyone? Pash says that there are many forms of love, all of which he considers important to include in his stories.
What kind of love can stop a war before it even starts?