The second spring at Number Three Ginkgo Alley arrived more quietly than the first.
New shoots had sprouted in the vegetable patch by the courtyard gate. Saina had gotten up early to water them and was now crouching beside the chicken coop, counting eggs. All six hens had settled into a steady laying rhythm. The speckled one was the most dependable, producing an egg every other day without fail.
Su Li was in the woodshed forging the last of a custom-made set of kitchen knives. He was finishing the hammer patterns, and the furnace burned fiercely.
There came three knocks on the courtyard gate.
Elonore poked her head out from the kitchen to answer it, still clutching a scallion in one hand. Two elven guards stood outside, with an elderly elf in a dark gold robe between them.
Elvin.
The Grand Elder had not come in a sedan chair today. Behind him followed a young elf carrying a lacquered wooden gift box tied with a silver ribbon.
Elonore's fingers crushed the scallion flat.
"Grandfather..."
Elvin smiled kindly, his hands clasped behind his back as his gaze passed over his granddaughter and swept around the courtyard.
"It's been a long time. The courtyard is cleaner than last time."
Saina rose from beside the chicken coop, brushing grass clippings from her skirt as she cast a sidelong glance their way. Elena poked half her head out from the second-floor window, a charcoal pencil still tucked between her fingers.
Hearing the commotion, Su Li came out of the woodshed, iron filings still clinging to his hands.
"Grand Elder. What a rare guest."
"My apologies for intruding." Elvin stepped over the threshold. His gaze rested on Elonore's face for a beat before shifting away. "I came today because there is a private matter I