Is Fitz Happy?

Ep. 090 - Ch. 26 Assassin’s Quest - Signposts

In this chapter, we learn of Starling's theory on the Fool and Fitz is saved from her conversation by having to move back to the road. Kettle tries to keep him focused, but he is slowly drowning in the memories dredged up along the Skill road. A close call later, and a conversation at camp brings some comfort to Kettricken, but FitzChivalry is distracted by an interesting pillar... 
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ep. 091 - Ch. 27 Assassin’s Quest - The City

FitzChivalry finds himself alone, stranded in a strange city with Skill ghosts. Fogged, mentally and physically, he makes his way into the city in a daze, trying to make sense of the abandoned ruins. Fitz spends a night, dreams of Molly and Chade, then wakes up determined to get back to his companions. A map tower, a dragon, and a strangely inscribed pillar later, he finds himself being greeted by his brother, Nighteyes. 
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ep. 092 - Ch. 28 Assassin’s Quest - The Coterie

Recovering from his trip into Kelsingra, Fitz settles down to sleep and notices the Fool is warm and sickly. Despite his protests, Fitz is convinced to move on in the morning by Kettricken. Earlier than planned, Fitz rouses everyone to move because he senses pursuit. After a tense scramble across a landslide, three of the pursuers head to the city through the pillar and Kettle and Fitz head back across to kill the remaining guards with Nighteyes. 
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ep. 093 - Ch. 29 Part 1 Assassin’s Quest - The Rooster Crown

The group continues travel along the road, with Fitz hounded and threatened by the Coterie and Regal. Kettle strives to keep his mind focused while Fitz and the Fool talk more about the Fool's past. We get a bit more of a dive into his past and discuss their similarities and differences. 
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ep. 094 - Ch. 29 Part 2 Assassin’s Quest - The Rooster Crown

Part two of this chapter has us discussing relationships between party members, talking about frustrations with Fitz, Kettricken, and Starling, and has the Fool become very animated after a Skill scene. Join us in our trek to the next steps towards Verity and the dragons! 
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ep. 095 - Ch. 30 Part 1 Assassin’s Quest - Stone Garden

The start of this chapter has The Fool provoking Starling with little jabs in between his conversations with FitzChivalry. Fitz is trying to explain why plumbing matters and the Fool is challenging his perceptions of what love truly is. While they continue on the road, they stumble upon what Kettricken and Fitz determine is one of the marked spots on the map and find Dragon... statues? 
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ep. 096 - Ch. 30 Part 2 Assassin’s Quest - Stone Garden

Content Warning: Until minute 28:30, we discuss Starling's history, trauma, and coping mechanisms dealing with sexual assault. Please be kind to yourselves and listen accordingly. 
Nighteyes, Fitz, and Starling head off from camp to go hunting. Starling takes the opportunity alone to discuss the friction between them and make amends. Fitz and Starling bond once again, opening themselves up to one another. FitzChivalry lives up to his name to offer a a great ear and shoulder to lean on, and the Fool doesn't even make any jokes when they return to camp much later! 
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ep. 097 - Ch. 31 Assassin’s Quest - Elfbark

FitzChivalry and company leave the Stone Dragon garden and head back to the Skill Road to try and find Verity. After camping for the night near the previous Skill Pillar, Regal's coterie stalks and attacks who they think is Fitz, but is actually the Fool. They douse the Fool with elfbark and Kettle lectures the group on how it affects skill users. We discuss magic and a lot of listener contributions! 
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ep. 098 - Ch. 32 Assassin’s Quest - Capelin Beach

The company travels down from the colder weather, encounter impossible architecture, and relax at hot springs. Excepting the Fool and Nighteyes, they all take the time to bathe. Fitz is by himself, with only his wolf, until the Fool approaches him and talks about subjects he was warned against. A secret is spoken, and Fitz makes a dangerous assumption. 
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ep. 099 - Ch. 33 Assassin’s Quest - The Quarry

Together, FitzChivalry, The Fool, Kettricken, Kettle, Starling, and of course, Nighteyes all make it to the last stop on their map. Fighting despondency, they discover a body and Fitz detects life further in the quarry where they stop. Verity is alive and carving a dragon, but at what cost? 
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.