With words of deep-rooted encouragement from family, and the discovery of adventures on his very doorstep, Arven Fisk was beginning to realise that even the wildest traveller could have a base of operations. Travel was one of life's greatest pleasures, but there was something also to be said for simply having tea with one's sister under the white British sun.

"Good to see you too, Freddie", he said warmly, kissing her cheek as he was invited into the family rooms at Sanditon.

His pet ferret, Virgil, had scampered from his shoulder down to his feet, now trotting rather obediently beside him as if he were a little dog. To his credit, Virgil had also been enjoying the homelife of late.

"I've been quite well thank you. Though I did meet a vampire in the woods at the end of last month", Arv recalled lightheartedly. "Maybe that's a story I should save for the children."

"How are you, sister?"