The knock on Scarlet’s door late in the evening is nothing new. She is often consumed with her duties long past the time most sane people have gone to sleep.

“Come in”, She rolls up the scroll containing the summary of the treasury which Brother Shin had left for her.

“Ah, Your Grace, I’m glad I do not disturb your slumber. As you know Faisal and I will soon be off to Qadira to find the child, the acolyte, Armando and his men. But before we leave I wanted to speak with you about something urgent.”

Scarlet looks back at the treasury report which she really didn’t want to read anyways, “I can spare you a few minutes, Ildrim.”

“Thank you, Your Grace”, Ildrim says with a small bow, “In part, I wanted to speak to you about marriage.”

Scarlet looks up quickly from the report where her gaze had rested, takes a deep breath and sighs.

Ildrim shifts uncomfortably, “Your Grace, I think you misunderstood my meaning. I had come to speak with you about the weddings of our fellow council members… but I would also be remiss if I didn’t encourage you for the sake of the Duchy and your Grandmother if I didn’t remind you that you should be getting married as well.”

“I do not know what sort of man who be of interest to you. It seems you have no interest in Captain Carson nor General Faisal.”, Ildrim kneels, “It would be my honor and my duty to marry you if you so wished.”

Scarlet now turning a bit scarlet in the cheeks, grits her teeth, “Oh, for The Goddess’s sake, stand up Ildrim. You know I don’t wish to marry you.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. Soletha will overwhelmed to hear that. I hope Beppo and Nicholas wouldn’t mind a triple wedding…”

“Is that all, Ildrim?”

“My apologize, Your Grace for losing my train of thought. I actually came here to ask you a question and potentially to offer you my council should you wish it. With whom will you be attending the weddings, Your Grace?”

The shock on Scarlet’s face is obvious, “With whom? … wedding…”

“Well it is customary to attend these sorts of things with a companion and seeing as you have none. I thought I could offer you my assistance. Given that Brevoy is not terribly friendly with us currently, I could take you to Iadara where I could introduce you to some fine noble elven men… errrr, or women as your tastes may be.” Ildrim starts muttering, “Or to Taldor perhaps? I’m assuming Qadira wouldn’t be an option considering your relationship with Faisal…”

Ildrim turns as he hears a scattering noise to see Scarlet attempting to pour wine from a decanter in a glass which is now lying broken on the floor. He casts a quick spell which removes the shattered glass and the puddle of wine as he moves forward.

“Your Grace? I’m sorry if I startled you or overstepped my bounds. Can I offer one other suggestion? Armando. If you want to infuriate Captain Carson such that he will realize he will never stand a chance with you, attend the weddings with Armando. One other thing Scarlet. It would appear to me that you were happier as High Priestess. The weight of leadership does not seem to agree with you.”