stunning coup, eh? no, he's perfectly right...i've upped the ante to an unheard of level, which is saying something considering my typically arrogant attitude towards others. i hesitate only because i worry that my words will rapidly descend into the maudlin, but suffice it to say that the very mention of adriana brings a smile to my face. as helena will attest, my moments of (true) happiness are few and far between, so perhaps she, better than others, will understand.

but what is the order of events, ed? i promised to get you and helena situated before i would deign to seek out anyone, and now you seem to offer an alternative view. in the end, i know that ed and hel are the sort of people who form lasting bonds with other people, and as such, will most likely be the first to cash in their chips. you have to believe in the soul to commit yourself, right? i only can hope that someday all will realize the impermanence of all things...

adriana said she found edward and 'rent like a wonderful american family, and emphasized the chivalry of all males concerned, in addition to the wit and charm present. it's an odd state of mind. i think i should rest, because my time here is limited and some day when i wake up, i won't be here anymore...