Welcome to Is Fitz Happy?, a chapter by chapter reread of Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings. We'll be diving into the plot, characters, theories and connections to the other books, and general spoilers. New readers beware! Join us on an in-depth look into one of our favorite series.

We dive into Chapter 1, The Earliest History and discuss the introduction of our main character, FitzChivalry. Along with the introduction of some of the most influential characters to him, we talk about the defining early moments of Fitz's life.

Fitz's whirlwind journey continues where we left off, with both him and Chade on the way to Forge aboard a boat. Fitz doggedly follows Chade with the horses and blindly wanders into our first encounter with Raider-Forged people. Fitz has to grapple with a newly discovered sense and the beginning of consequences that will impact the Six Duchies for the years to come.

Emma and Luke have made it to episode 100! Meanwhile Fitz and company are adjusting to seeing Verity, once again. The Fool gets Silver on his fingers, Kettle is grumpy about everything, and Kettricken needs comfort. Verity is as present as he can be, but it isn't what anyone needs. His dragon calls to him. Fitz provides what companionship he can to both Kettricken and the Fool, who has a fascination with a certain half-finished statue. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz and the Fool head to Girl-on-a-Dragon to investigate, Kettle rebukes them, and Fitz shames her for withholding knowledge. This leads to Kettle pledging her service to King Verity with FitzChivalry having to attempt to unblock Kettle. A revealed betrayal later, the Fool and Nighteyes give Fitz strength to set Gull and Kestrel free.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Rebuffed by Verity, FitzChivalry falls asleep after trying to offer help to fill the dragon. He Skill dreams to Burrich, Molly, and Nettle when Regal's soldiers try to kidnap the baby. He talks to the Fool, mopes about not being able to help, and tries to resist his Skill addiction. He is finally given a task by Verity to awaken the dragon statues. And so, Fitz walks once more through the pillar.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz returns through the Skill pillar and warns the company of Regal's army. Meanwhile, Verity is feeling a renewed sense of hope for his dragon with Kettle's help. Fitz feels left out and eventually drifts to Verity's dragon, where Kettle confronts him with some harsh truths. The end of this chapter steals the early hope away and leaves the company with a lifeless, but complete, statue and the dread of Regal's soldiers.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Verity offers FitzChivalry a way to help out and Fitz accepts with the caveat of seeing Molly, Nettle, and Burrich one more time. As all with all bargains Fitz makes, this turns out poorly and he sees the start of Molly and Burrich's relationship and tells Verity to get on with his plan. Fitz hobbles to Girl-on-a-Dragon to meet the Fool, give memories, and block out his pain.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Verity-as-Dragon rises. The Six Duchies savior flies off with goodbyes and Regal's soldiers come to claim the quarry. Part one of the finale fight is full of melancholy, coteries, magic, and dragons.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz and Nighteyes are in a fight for their life after chasing Will through the Skill Pillar to the Stone Dragon garden. Confronted with Regal's soldiers, Fitz has no hope until the Dragons start to stir. The 'Elderlings' finally rise to Six Duchies defense.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

FitzChivalry and Nighteyes stand in the quiet remains of the battle in the Stone Dragon Garden. They gather themselves and some supplies to move away while Fitz ponders his next steps. However, they run into Will trying to crawl towards the Skill Pillar and Fitz takes advantage of the opportunity to peek in on Regal with the Skill.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

'Old' man Fitz is writing down his thoughts about his life, while Nighteyes is chilling and Hap is doing chores. He discusses Starling visiting him and his lingering addiction to the Skill. Loneliness has not stopped eating away at him and he is not happy.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Emma and Luke are welcomed in to Liveship Traders with the serpants. We are introduced to Maulkin, Shreever, and company. The tangle is grossly described and we start to see some similarities to dragons.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

The origin of the Pocked Man as well as Eda and El are discussed before we dive into the aftermath of Forge. Unrest is growing in the Six Duchies with the increase of raids. Fitz is clueless with Molly, Verity is clueless about ruling (with King Shrewd ignoring his duties), and again Fitz is clueless as to who this mysterious noblewoman in the kitchens is... All that and more, discussing Chapter 11 of Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb!

Striding across the island is Captain Kennit. We meet this self assured but ruthless sailor while he tries to collect treasures from the fabled Others. Meanwhile, a priest in training, Wintrow Vestrit, creates some art with the Skill. Welcome to the Liveship Traders! We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Luke and Emma pick up this week with Kennit strolling the beach of Other Island. With his ship, the Marietta, anchored at this treacherous place, time is of the essence. Kennit meets and speaks to the Other, gets his prophecy, and hightails it back to the ship. However, the magic of the island tries to ensnare and trap him. We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Brashen is haunted by serpents in his dreams and Kyle Haven during his waking hours. Althea is dreaming of her liveship, Vivacia, awakening and is also haunted by Kyle. And finally, we meet Paragon, a ship haunted by his past and surprisingly not Kyle.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ronica Vestrit is waiting for her husband to die. In her musings, we learn more about Bingtown, it's politics, and societal pressures. We talk about if Ephron Vestrit is a good or bad person, and the decisions both of the parents have made. 

We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Davad Restart intrudes upon Ronica and Ephron's privacy to relay an offer to the Vestrits. Ronica and Davad discuss current affairs, land wars, and politics in Bingtown. Ultimately, Ronica is against the New Traders and their ways, and Davad thinks change is inevitable. Ephron agrees with Ronica and says not to let them get a foothold in Bingtown. We discuss the opinions Davad and Ronica hold, as well as the changes no one is anticipating in the upcoming books.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Kennit sails back to port in Divvytown and muses on the his plans for the future. Trying to convince Sorcor of the benefits of a king is harder than he imagines, and Kennit falls into a depression. After selling his wares, Kennit winds up at Bettel's Bagnio to visit Etta to try and shake this mood.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

The Vivacia heads back home to Bingtown, but not before Althea starts drowning in the ship's memories. We get insight into Wintrow's thoughts about his old home and Brashen's about his fears for the future and concerns for Althea. The homecoming isn't what Althea is expecting, however. Her father, Ephron, and patriarch of the Vestrit family, is soon to die.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ephron Vestrit is quickly brought aboard his ship, Vivacia on a litter. Standing by, Brashen is hit with the reality of his impending death. All of the family gathers to witness the final transference of essence to awaken The Vivacia. Ronica's plan and Kyle's gambit come to fruition to bypass Althea, to her despair and rage. Join us in discussing Brashen, Althea, and other viewpoints of this pivotal moment!  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Wintrow is left feeling adrift watching his family bury Ephron and introduce Vivacia to the rest of the traders. He is unfamiliar with the traditions and is ready to head back to the monastery. However, like calls to like and Wintrow volunteers to spend the night on Vivacia, starting to create a bond with the liveship. Meanwhile, Brashen has been remotely babysitting Althea, who needs to sleep off the liquor.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

We return to the Vestrit home and discuss Kyle and Keffria's relationship, Keffria's role, and the decisions Kyle is making. Meanwhile, Brashen walks Althea home away from prying eyes and they happen to walk past Amber, our favorite bead seller. Althea manages to compliment and insult her in one breath and then they head back home. Brashen drops her off but not before Kyle angrily confronts both, ending with no one happy.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

This episode we have a long discussion of Lady Patience, Burrich, Chade, the royal family, bastards, and Fitz's feelings. Chapter 12 has Fitz realize he has met his father's wife 3 times before knowing who she was and get a surprise (only to him) revelation about Chade. Galen comes into view with Skill training appearing on the horizon and we leave on a fitting, ominous note from Chade.

This chapter kicks off the many intertwining plot threads. We see Brashen and Paragon's friendship, as well as a glimpse into how the liveship keeps madness at bay. Kennit and Sorcor have a discussion about the future and Kennit is able to convince Sorcor to pursue a liveship in exchange for chasing slavers. Finally, we discuss Wintrow's future and more of Kyle's manipulation and abuse of his family.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Althea overhears Kyle, Ronica, and Keffria's argument over Wintrow and goes to eavesdrop on it. After Kyle insults her, she storms in and the family starts to air out their grievances. Kyle flexes his status and bullies Wintrow in to getting his way. Ronica tries to keep the peace, but Althea ends up leaving her childhood home for good.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Part 2 of this chapter is possibly even more frustrating than the first half. Ronica and Kyle discuss Althea, Wintrow, and the future of the family's finances. Ronica can't believe the plan is slipping this far away from her original vision and sees Kyle grasping more and more control for himself. She has to reassess the dynamics and direct Kyle's thoughts towards his next trip away. However, that trading trip includes Kyle dealing in slaves which both Ronica and Keffria try to unsuccessfully convince him otherwise.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

We follow Althea as she walks to the docks to speak with Vivacia. Reassuring her that Wintrow will be a good companion eventually, Althea also tells Vivacia that she has a plan to get the ship back. In the midst of all the talks, Althea becomes wary of Vivacia's burgeoning personality and possible vengeful attitude. Althea hurries away to think on her future, her ship, and her next steps, but before she can leave the docks, she's confronted by the mysterious Amber.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Our favorite insane Liveship, Paragon, is surprised to find Althea approach him. After some discussion with him, Althea finds a place to hunker down on board for the night and wait for Brashen, who comes back to sleep on board, as well. Meanwhile, Kennit and Sorcor have failed to catch a liveship, but have caught wind of their first slaver to attack.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

We start this episode discussing Brashen's guilt for his harsh advice to Althea as well as misguided thoughts. Althea meanwhile was up early, preparing to live on her own and gathering essentials. She finds herself in front of Amber's shop and finally has a face-to-face discussion with the enigmatic woodcarver that is familiarly opaque with references to fate.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

We dive into Wintrow's story and perspective as he dines with his father, Kyle. Captain Haven feels as though his son has learned his lesson and will bend to his wishes, but he and Wintrow instead butt heads, once again. Wintrow disappoints  his father again, and is relegated to being the ship's boy. Meanwhile, Ronica visits with Vivacia after reading the note Althea sent to the Vestrit house. Mainly, they discuss their worry for Althea and Ronica hopes to talk with her again, hinting that they're not as opposed as it may seem.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Kennit lucks his way into starting his kingdom in the small slave-refuge, pirate village of Askew. He earns loyalty and adoration for reasons he can't even comprehend. Meanwhile, Keffria is once again rebuffed by Kyle in conversation and ridiculed for presuming she can help raise their kids. She desperately tries to convince herself that Kyle still means well and that he's a good man.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

The Vivacia sails soon and Wintrow has a hard time making friends or fitting in with the crew. Meanwhile, Althea is on a mission to collect witnesses against Kyle for her future plans. She visits Wintrow and her mother to gather those promises of help. However, Ronica is left wanting to discuss more as she tries to collect the strands of the Vestrit family left adrift by Keffria and, more importantly, Kyle while juggling the Rain Wild Trader family they are indebted to, the Festrews.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Some time has passed and we catch up with Brashen and Althea on the Reaper, a slaughter ship. Althea is masquerading as Athel, the ship's boy, while Brashen is eaten up with guilt and worry that she will be discovered. Meanwhile, Wintrow is trying to fit in with the crew and make a new friend in Mild onboard the Vivacia.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

More on Lady Patience's thoughts, potential feelings, and actions. Fitz starts to learn new things, gets introduced to a new friend, Smithy, and has a talk with the Fool. Angsty teen Fitz loosens the hold on his heart and lets sincerity shine through in this discussion of Assassin's Apprentice.

After the chapter discussion, Luke and Emma talk about their favorite POVs among other small topics.

In this episode, Althea finds out she is good at something, but is still in constant danger of being discovered. Vivacia and Wintrow's bond grows closer as each of them are learning from the other. Wintrow is also starting to become closer to the crew, until a fateful trip onshore with a bear tamer puts a damper on those relationships.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Content Warning: We briefly discuss the implied SA of Etta that happens near the end of this chapter.  Kennit arrives back at Divvytown to sell his goods and see how his reputation has spread. Sorcor and the crew show faith in their captain and a powerful merchant implies that Kennit's dream could be in reach. However, after a successful homecoming, he encounters some trouble at Bettel's Bagnio.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Luke and Emma dive into Malta Vestrit's character for the first time. We catch up with her in the midst of a plan to get to the Liveship Trader Harvest Ball all on her own, with her own gown. As a 12 year old, she definitely has everything figured out and doesn't lie, get caught, and understands what everything she's doing implies. Full of frustration, we talk about Bingtown society, the role of women, and parallels with Althea.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

After Cress, Wintrow has been shunned by the Vivacia's crew for cowardice. He's lived in misery until the extent of his recent injury forces him to come to terms with losing a finger. He confronts Kyle to get it amputated, and he puts on a strong display for the crew, proving he is not a coward or afraid of pain. Meanwhile, in Bingtown, Paragon is getting introduced to our favorite woodworker, Amber.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Content Warning: Talk of sexual assault, rape, and consent starts at 1:15:00 until 1:30:00 in regards to Althea's past. The port town Brashen and Althea have stopped in is more dangerous than it first appears. Brashen is drugged through his ale and led to the back room, while Althea is baited there as well, barely escaping a kidnapping. After getting back to the ship, Brashen stitches up Althea's wounds and the intimate quarters (and probably the cindin) begets the start of their relationship. They both know it's dangerous, but for now, it is simply nice to be wanted.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Ronica and Keffria have to deal with and confront Malta's conniving and manipulations when she invited Cerwin Trell to the Vestrit home. Ronica also has to come to grips with her lack of understanding of her own family. Keffria finally comes grasps for her place in the household and has a discussion with her mother about their future plans. Meanwhile, Vivacia and Wintrow have arrived in Jamaillia, finally. Wintrow has been effectively ostracized from the crew by his father despite proving that he isn't a coward, and he is at a breaking point. Vivacia is worried about what might come in the city.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Captain Kennit misses another opportunity to capture a liveship, but Etta suggests a plan that might work for the future. Meanwhile, both of our liveships, Paragon and Vivacia, are in turmoil; the former from being sold soon and the latter from Wintrow leaving in the harbor of Jamaillia amidst sleeping serpents.  Althea and Brashen have to contend with a live serpent, however, trying to get a meal and not caring whether it sinks their ship or not. They struggle to survive and to navigate their new relationship dynamics.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Wintow ventures into Jamaillia and encounters the horrors of slavery, Vivacia mourns the loss of her companion, and Kennit bites off more than he can chew with freeing a slave ship of his own. Or should we say a serpent bit off more than it could chew.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

The Old Traders have been called by their kin, the Rain Wild Traders, to a meeting. Malta is excited to go to a party, while her mother, Keffria, and Ronica are worried about what this means. The political landscape is looking grim for Bingtown and for the Vestrits as Malta is getting them into even more trouble by introducing herself to the Khuprus family.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

The Reaper has docked in Candletown and Althea is ready to head back to Bingtown with a ship's ticket to claim Vivacia as her own. However, the revelation of Althea's gender forces her off the ship without it and with a deeping sense of hopelessness. In the meantime, Brashen is looking forward to continuing his relationship with Althea and waits for her to show up at his inn.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz settles into another rhythm, only to be disrupted once again. 

Enter Galen. 

After an emotional release and a somewhat happy beginning with Patience, Galen ruins everything like he always does. With a dire warning from Burrich, Fitz starts his lessons in the royal Farseer magic, the Skill, and they definitely don't go well. We discuss Galen's methods, his character, and debate about his voice!  *Apologies to anyone for our pronunciation of your names for the podcast discussions at the end! 

Amber and Paragon have been bonding in Bingtown. One day, she brings a carved necklace for Paragon, who grows suspicious of her motives. Elsewhere in Bingtown, the Vestrit household is quiet while Ronica and Keffria discuss their plans for the future. A Rain Wild gong rings out and a courting gift is dropped off for Malta, who throws a tantrum and steals it after the adults want to send it back.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Wintow has been locked up for days, wrestling with the decision to tell his father to bail him out or to stay a slave. Finally, he sees Torg who seems to take that decision out of Wintrow's hands. On the Marietta, Kennit is struggling to heal and keep control of himself with Etta and Sorcor worrying about his wellbeing. Etta has tortured the slaveship captives to gain information about the next liveship they can chase, The Vivacia.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Wintrow is brought to an auction as a slave where his father is forced to buy him. He is tattooed, turned over to Torg, and tattooed again with Vivacia's likeness. She has trepidations about the upcoming journey and is forced to confront more of her independent side in Wintrow's absence. In Candletown, Brashen and Althea both find separate ships to leave on while desperately trying not to think of each other.  We're reading Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb, book 1 of the Liveship Traders in The Realm of the Elderlings.