“The ceremonial attire – I will show you. Let me see if I can find your size.” Scarlet scans the baron up and down and begins to rummage through her closet.

“As for guiding you through the Himem, I have to warn you due to the nature of our potential relationship I am unable to perform this ceremony and neither can my apprentice since he hasn’t received the proper training and he has much to learn. The only one who can perform this rite is Faisal. I understand the ceremony is different from Wudhu but the passages between the two rites are similar. And I will debrief Faisal prior to the ceremony.”

Talreth responds, “Faisal will wonder why you are not performing the rite.”

“If he asks we can tell him that you are not comfortable with a woman touching you. I am certain he will understand. However if you do wish me present to ensure he does it correctly that is your prerogative. You can decide if you want an audience.”

“Ah.. here it is..”

Scarlet pulls out a folded linen cloth and hands it to Talreth. Talreth unfolds it and gasps in horror as he lifts what appears to be an undergarment with strings barely large enough to cover his chin let alone his manhood.

Talreth demands, “Do I have to wear this!”

”Not at all your grace. You can be cloth less if you desire. Though this is smallest size I can find ”, she says disappointedly.

“This is too small. I need a larger size.” Talreth insists.

Scarlet responds,

“I beg to differ your grace. I think this size suits you although a smaller size would be ideal.”

“No. I need a larger size! This will not fit!” Talreth commands as he grits his teeth.

Puzzled by the baron’s outburst, Scarlet pauses, deeply absorbed in thought. She suddenly blushes in embarrassment at a moment of realization but quickly changes her expression to a pang of remorse as she eyes Talreth.

“Forgive me your grace. I did not mean to offend you but you must be aware that the water will be icy cold and it is quite chilly this time of year. Though I will give you a larger size as you wish.”

Scarlet snatches a larger size and hands it to the baron who unfolds it and nods approvingly. The baron rises from his seat and stuffs the undergarment in pocket.

As he approaches the door, he turns around and inquires, “Do you think Beppo will make a fine woman?”

Scarlet gives him a quizzical look, which prompts him to continue, “for the playwright that I am working on. I will be casting him as the you or whoever leading woman will be.”