The Fool (spoilers for all RotE books, including LST)

[o0Ampy0o]

I have read quotes of her stating she felt had finished the Fitz story with the end of Tawny Man.

Actually, she has stated many times that when she finished Farseer, she thought that was the end of Fitz's story. Then she got the idea for Liveships and wrote it.. and a bit later the story for Tawny Man came to her. She is very adamant about NOT continuing a story or series just for the sake of pumping out more books, but will only write more if it comes to her. She has probably just spent so much time in this world it's inevitable she'd think about the future.

The point I was making was that when Hobb completed Tawny Man she was done with the series in her mind as opposed to already having plans for a future series. She did not intentionally design the ending of Tawny Man in preparation for future books.

As she left it, I cannot imagine the story continuing without significant focus on the children including Dutiful, Nettle and all of the kids Burrich and Molly produced as they had become the responsibility of Fitz. He certainly would not have the freedom he once had to take off on various adventures. Chade was already old. He might not live long enough to be included in any future books.

She has also stated recently that it is another Fitz/Fool story. Based on that simple information alone, I don't think the story would focus on the kids at all. I wish I had the talent that Farseer has of finding and linking threads, because there's one around here with that discussion, too. I can't say too much without spoiling some RWC, either.

I would consider Tawny Man an example of focusing heavily on the children. Most of the story was built around Dutiful's Wit and arranged marriage, with Nettle's Skill playing a significant role in controlling Tintaglia. Burrich reunited with Fitz because he was seeking out his Witted son to bring him home safely. Burrich's Witted son slayed the Skill dragon with his arrow. Burrich died defending his son against the Skill dragon. Burrich dying opened a door for Fitz to get back together with Molly. Avoiding all of the children in future books would be a conundrum. Dutiful will be of age to be king.