It was a point of reflection and a moment of change - The kiss that Lala had given Ulric during the dance had made the intentions of the other man clear to Ulric. The Carriage ride had been jovial, to be sure, but there had been a slight strain in his voice any time he spoke. And when he had returned home, he had all but been damned to Temperia by his father who had demanded to know why he had dallied with that Man Lover from House Ferency!

That had been the straw that broke the horses back and Ulric calmly, but firmly, reminded his parents that Lawrence was a noble as well as a captain of the house Guard of House Ferency. His preferences were known to Ulric and he did not care to abuse them, though he himself was not that way inclined. And he would hear no more slandering of his friends name, lest he be forced to stand up for his honour.

The sudden show of defiance caught his Father off guard completely, and he harrumphed and hummed, but Ulric could see his point had been made and won. He did not press it, sensing the tenuous advantage that he had. His father abruptly turned to a host of letters and scrolls that were on his work desk and gestured to them.

“You’re of marrying age Ulric, and like it or not, you are the first born, which means you will inherit. As such, you will require a wife to carry on our name and standing. I will grant you the right to review these letters of offer to see whom you will choose to marry.” His fathers gaze softened for once. “We just want what is best for you. So take your time.”

Ulric nodded, knowing better than to push his luck on this matter and took a seat, starting to go through the letters of offer for the daughters of different noblemet from across Duirt.

Ulric sat at the desk in his room and for the tenth time, started going through the scrolls from different families, different factions, all who sought to have him become the husband of a daughter of theirs. As he had told Lala, the kiss at the ball had put him squarely in play for marriage. And now, here he was dealing with the fall out, a fall out he had not fully expected but at the same time was not totally unaware of either.

He opened the first scroll without looking at the sigil, and skimmed through the contents. Respectable daughter, studious and well mannered. Skilled with the lute and a good singer. He set it aside and picked up the next .Respectable daughter, studious and well mannered. Skilled with the sword and at sailing. That one was set next to the first and a third was selected. Respectable daughter, studious and well mannered. Skilled in the arcane.

The broad strokes were the same as he went through scroll after scroll after scroll. It was the added details that he was curious about, but again, as he had said to Lala, these were little more than an advertisement. Something to catch his attention. All of them were well written and well mannered, even those from houses with a dark reputation.

He slowly sat back in his chair and stretched. This was not pointless, but it did feel like he was missing critical information. Broad strokes were not enough to get to know someone properly, especially someone whom he might well be spending the rest of his life with. Ulric knew that eventually, he would have to travel to the different houses to meet the young ladies in question. From there, he hoped, his decision to choose would become somewhat easier.

Ulric walked to the stables and had his horse saddled and ready for a ride. He could have taken the carriage, but he wanted to go on his own recognizance. He was dressed in noble finery, bedecked in rich blue with slashes of red along the sleeves of his shirt and legs of his trousers. His rapier was, as always, at his hip, and his hands were gloved in plain white gloves with the house seal on the backs of each one. His black boots were polished to a near mirror shine and he wore an emerald jewel on a chain around his neck. It helped to be prepared when going for a diplomatic meeting after all.

Once his horse was ready, he mounted up and set out in the direction of the Ivory tower where Lady Axia Ferency was studying for extra credit. He rode through the district slowly, his expression thoughtful as to what he might say or what might be discussed. As people made way for the horse, he was aware that some looked at him a little ascanse, but no one barred or hindered his way as he rode on.

Arriving at the tower, he dismounted and looked at the smooth Ivory walls that had no entrance to those without magic - like himself. He was busy pondering how he might be able to enter the grounds or to send a message through to the classes when a quiet voice interrupted his musings.

“Sir Treny, you look lost, may I be of assistance?” the voice asked. Ulric turned and regarded a short, slender woman in her early twenties with ivory features and long dark hair that was braided down her back. She wore red and yellow scholar's robes and a tabby cat wound its way around her legs, purring contentedly, even as it looked at Ulric with golden eyes. A short distance away, Ulric noted a man in Ferency colours with a sword and shield - they were being given privacy, but he was clearly her bodyguard. Ulric nodded.

“I am looking to speak with Lady Axia Ferency,” he replied. He studied the woman for a moment and took a gamble. “Might you be she?” The woman nodded demurely.

“I am, and then you must be Sir Ulric,” she said. “My father said he had sent a letter to you, offering my hand in marriage. Might I take your presence here to assume that I am being considered as a prize for you?” There was a touch of resignation in her tone, even though she maintained a polite demeanour. She studied him with dark eyes.

“Considered yes,” Ulric replied, “But as a wife, not as a prize. In truth, I have had a large number of requests, and I wished to meet the ladies in question to learn a little about them. There is, after all, only so much one can put into a letter of offer without deceit or blurring of details.” Axia nodded.

“I agree,” she replied. “And I have a question to ask of you… is it true that you are friends with my cousin Lala?” Ulric nodded once more and Axia tightened her lips slightly. “Knowing Lala, he has probably fallen in love with you, and it would be … strange to have to share my husband with someone else of the family.” Ulric smiled

“I was going to ask how you might feel about such,” he said, “Thank you for being direct about the matter. I hope you have no ill will toward him?" Axia shook her head.

“No, he is a wonderful man and a stalwart defender of the house,” she replied. “I am just somewhat possessive and do not think I could bear to share affections with another. Especially a cousin. It would be… strange.” Ulric nodded with a smile.

“I understand. Lady Axia, I wish to thank you for your time,” he said, “You have given me much to think about.” He bowed to her and she curtsied in reply, then Ulric remounted his horse smoothly and set off back toward the Treny estate.

It was another day of training and another meeting planned. This one at least had been scheduled, as he did not want to randomly turn up at the House Asa and be rebuked for his lack of manners. They had done him the courtesy of formally presenting a daughter of their house, it would only be polite to reply and advise that he would be coming around to visit.

Having sent the letter by messenger early in the morning, he now stood in his chambers, trying to decide whether it would be better to go in formal or adventuring attire. He exhaled slowly and went to don his noble garb once more. He might be more comfortable in his adventuring garb, but this was a formal meeting and he knew he needed to put his best foot forward.

Dressed and ready, he strapped his rapier to his hip, pulled on his white gloves and made his way out of his chambers to the stables where he knew his horse would be saddled and waiting for him. He mounted his horse smoothly and rode out, heading toward the west side of the city. The weather was cool, a little nippy even, and Ulric made a mental note to buy cold weather clothes for the coming winter.

He rode across the bridge at a leisurely trot and made his way through the centre of the city toward the Western districts. He stopped in front of the House Asa estate and dismounted where two armoured guards eyed him suspiciously.

“State your business,” One of the guards said formally. Ulric stepped forward and presented the scroll he had received from the house.

“I am Ulric Treny, here to meet with Lady Suzan Asa,” he said. “I sent word that I would be coming to visit and speak with her.” One of the guards took the scroll and looked over it, then handed it back.

“Wait here,” The guard said. Ulric nodded and stood, one hand holding the reins of his horse, the other behind his back. The first guard headed into the grounds and into the estate proper, the second guard continued to watch Ulric warily. After a few minutes the first guard returned with a blond haired, tall, fair skinned woman who wore cleric's vestments, a veil over her hair and had a silver key around her neck. Ulric noted absently a mace hung at her hip.

“Sir Ulric Treny,” She said with a curtsy, and Ulric bowed to her in reply. “I see that you received Father’s letter of marriage offer. Might I take this visit as an expression of interest?”

“In a manner of speaking, Lady Suzan” Ulric replied warmly. “As you might have presumed, I have received a lot of offers, and now I am taking the time to meet with the ladies to understand a little more about them.”

“A wise undertaking,” she replied sagely. “What would you seek to know that father would not have put into his offer for my hand?”

“There is one detail that might have been overlooked,” Ulric said. “My friendship with Captain Lawrence Ferency is one I hold dear, and would be a factor in any other relationship as he would be present in many aspects of life.” Suzan smiled sadly.

“Yes, I did wonder if that might have been overlooked by Father,” she said. “I would not be able to share you, with the intimacy that Captain Ferency might well demand. Sooner or later, I would have to make you choose between myself or him.” Ulric nodded and bowed once more.

“Thank you Lady Suzan, for taking the time to meet with me,” he replied warmly. She gave a curtsy in response, returning his smile.

“I thank you, Sir Ulric, for considering me,” she replied before turning and walking back into the estate. Ulric remounted his house and set off back to the Treny Estate, his expression thoughtful as he rode on.

Ulric sat in his study, reading and re-reading the letter he had received from Lady Vanessa Kraken. It was, in effect, another offer, but one that he felt was a last resort letter. She had even made it clear herself - “If the worst comes to the worst.” It was not the letter of someone overly eager to jump into marriage.

He set the letter down and looked at the ceiling for not the first time since the letter had arrived. It would be a marriage of pure political convenience as neither of them would be expected that the other would be faithful. But that is not who he was, and as such, he did not think it would be something he could ultimately accept. Still, it showed that the woman did have a modicum of respect for his ‘dilemma’ that she would put herself forward.

And such an act at the very least was deserving of a reply. He sat forward, set her letter aside and began to write. Once finished, he studied the letter a few times, then screwed it up and started a second letter, choosing his words carefully.

Ulric rode through the Western Docks, dressed in travelling clothes that are finely tailored, with blue and green leather armour over the top of it. His hands were gloved in black gloves and he wore the blue hooded cloak, trimmed in green. His rapier hung at his side and his black riding boots were polished to a mirror shine. He had decided against his nobles outfit for this meeting with Darla Kraken, as the Kraken house tended to the more… boisterous. And that was putting it lightly he thought as he rode along, looking for the ship of which Darla was a crew member, the Salty Parrot.

Finding the ship was no easy feat as several of the ships had their names on the back… stern, he reminded himself… in Silver, a tongue Ulric did not speak. A passing sailor pointed him in the direction of the ship however and Uric nodded his thanks to the man. Riding on, he came to a red and orange ship with blue lines and a black keel. It’s sails were furled and there was a hive of activity on board from the sound of orders being barked.

Ulric dismounted and waited, having read that it was very bad manners to board a ship uninvited. After a couple of minutes, a raven haired woman with dark skin, wearing a white shirt and blue pants came down the ladder on the side of the ship, a cutlass hung at her hip and she wore black boots that were well polished.

“So,” she said as she reached the bottom, looking up at him, “You’re the landlubber that father says I am being considered for marriage to.” She sniffed dismissively. “You don’t look like much… all lank and no sealegs to speak of.” She walked slowly around him, studying him with a critical eye, before looking at him levelly before releasing a blistering punch at his stomach. But Ulric had seen the tensing of her muscles and was ready for her. His rapier was drawn in a heartbeat and he moved to one side slightly, allowing the blow to deflect off his armour.

“So,” she said with a nod. “You’re not just a pretty face. Put your blade away Sir Ulric, you’ve passed my test.” Ulric nodded and sheathed his blade in the same smooth action in which it had been drawn. “So, why do you think I would be a good wife for you?”

“At present, I am making no assumptions,” Ulric replied evenly, “rather I am meeting the women who have been presented as potential partners, and understanding and learning a little about them in the process.”

“And here I thought you were all tied up with your lover Lala Ferency,” She replied with a smirk. Ulric laughed warmly.

“He is my good friend, and I suspect would like to be more, but is not more than a good friend. But, it is a friendship I treasure. And so, I have a question for you Darla Kraken, what objections would you have to Lawrence Ferency being a close friend of mine in a marriage you and I might have?” Darla thought for a moment then shrugged.

“As long as he doesn’t try to sleep with you, and from what I’ve heard of the man he might, I have no issues. Yeah, I’d share you with him.” Ulric nodded.

“That is the first time I have heard such, though I have spoken to only three ladies so far,” he said. Darla grinned.

“So that puts me in the running then. Good. I expect to see more of you. May the Kraken watch over you.” With that, she climbed the ladder once more, clearly excited. Ulric remounted his horse and rode off back toward the East District once more.

Ulric was riding through the Western Docks, heading from his meeting with Darla Kraken when his progress was halted by a small group of sailors, headed by a red haired woman with a slightly rotund build. The woman wore a red shirt, a red cloak, and red pants with grey boots and her blue eyes were flashing with anger. She waited for Ulric to dismount, arms crossed before she spoke.

“How dare you,” she hissed. “Knowing that my father had offered you my hand in marriage, you still went and saw a Kraken over me first.” Immediately, Ulric knew who was addressing him and he bowed slightly to her.

“A good day to you, Lady Evelyn Atianna,” he replied formally. He was about to say more, when Evelyn cut him off with a slashing motion of her hand.

“Keep your f@#king apologies and excuses,” she snapped. “I and my crew want to know why you insulted my house by seeing those tentacled bastards first.” Ulric nodded and tried to choose his words carefully. Diplomacy was never his strong suit after all.

“It came down to chance,” he said honestly. “I knew that one would be insulted if I saw the other first, and so I left it to the Gods to decide whom I should see first.” Evelyn looked at him through narrowed eyes.

“Well, at least you’re not typing to lie to me or pull the wool over my eyes, so that speaks for something about you. I’ll let you speak your piece then instead of just calling everything off from House Atianna.”

“I thank you for the opportunity to speak freely, Lady Everlyn.”

“And drop that Lady part, I might be from a noble house, but that’s just too much.” Ulric laughed warmly.

“Very well,” he said, “Evelyn it is. As you may or may not know, I have received multiple offers of a hand in marriage from several different houses. They each have presented reasons why they should be chosen, but I feel that it is best that I meet each of the ladies in question to gauge how they feel about the prospects of marrying myself.”

“So your father isn’t arranging the marriage. That’s a first,” she replied, calming down somewhat. Ulric nodded in reply.

“It was because of a kiss at the Ball from Lawrence Ferency this has happened. Father initially demanded I stop seeing him, under any circumstances and that was a bridge too far for me. I told father the man was a friend and that I would choose friends on my own recognizance. It was the first time father had seen me fight back on his words and he acquiesced to my position, but made it clear I would choose a bride. And I have been doing just that for the last few days.”

“Alright! I remember that kiss! That set a lot of tongues wagging!” Evelyn relaxes and laughs at the memory. “So he’s making a claim on you as well, is he?”

“His cousin feels he is,” Ulric replied, “which is why she withdrew herself voluntarily from consideration.”

“Well, if it comes down to sharing,” Evelyn said, “I wouldn’t have a problem, as long as he remembers who has the right to bed you. And it wouldn’t be him.” Ulric laughs openly at the statement and Evelyn grins in reply.

“You’ve answered all I need to know, Evelyn,” he says. “And I hope I’ve set your mind at ease.” Evelyn nodded and motioned, the sailors moving, allowing Ulric to move forward once more. Ulric mounted his horse and nodded to the fiery haired woman, before resuming his ride back to the Treny estate.

It was another day, and another meeting that had been planned. He had chosen to wear his noble finery this time as he was going to meet the proposal from House Sterker, Lady Zanthi. Her letter had said she was a stalwart defender of the house and something in Ulric said this would be a short and to the point meeting. After all, the Sterker’s were not famous for their small talk.

He made his way to the stables and mounted his prepared horse, then rode out of the estate, heading toward the Sterker residences. It had rained overnight and the cobbles were wet with moisture, making both horse and rider ensure that footing was secure as they travelled. Arriving at the Sterker residences, Ulric dismounted and approached the guard outside the door.

“If you please, could you inform the Lady Zanthi Sterker that Sir Ulric Treny is here to see her,” he said formally. The guard looked him up and down, but nodded and walked inside the house, leaving the other guard to regard Ulric stoically. After a couple of minutes, a tall woman in plate armour walked out. There is a greatsword on her back and a longsword and shortsword on each hip. Clearly she is a woman of action. She folded her arms and regarded Ulric for a few moments.

“At least you’re not short,” she said bluntly, looking him directly in the eye. Ulric bowed slightly to her and she returned the bow. “Alright, I’ll give you two minutes to state your case before I give you my reply.” Her manner is brisk, almost abrupt.

“Very well, Lady Zanthi,” Ulric said. “As you are aware, my hand is being made available for Marriage. Your father placed you in contention. I am meeting with the various ladies to see whom might be suitable and compatible. And whom might accept my close friendship with Sir Lawrence Ferency.”

“I will stop you right there,” Zanthi interrupted. “I do not like the man one bit, and would insist that you end your friendship with him.” Ulric nodded slightly.

“Then I thank you for your time, Lady Zanthi,” He said. She nodded and turned, walking back into the house as Ulric remounted his horse and started the ride back to the Treny Estate.

The day had been far from fine during the day - in fact it had been downright miserable. A continual drizzle had dampened the spirits of most individuals within the house and being cooped up was not helping with meeting the next lady on the list. Seeing that things were not going to lighten any time before dark, Ulric sent word to have his horse saddled and cleaned up his armour as best as possible from his training practice. House Winford might be Ecclesian only loosely, but they were Ecclesian still and a noble house all the same.

He raised the hood of his cloak up and headed to the stables where his horse was waiting ready for him. He mounted and rode out into the drizzle, patting the neck of the horse as he did so and promising her an extra apple for her faithful service once they returned to the estate.

The ride was as unpleasant as he expected it to be. The cold, wet weather tried to creep into his cloak that was wrapped around him, water tried to sneak down his pants leg into his boots, and the wind tried to blow the hood of his cloak off. And yet, there was laughter from a few street urchins who were more inured to the cold as they splashed in puddles before running back to shelter to shake themselves dry. It gave him something to smile about at least.

By the time he arrived at the estate of House Winford, he was beginning to question the sanity of coming out on such a day. But he knew the seasons were turning and one could not always expect nice days. He approached the gate surrounding the estate where the guards watched him cautiously. He dismounted and approached them.

“Good day,” he said. “I am Sir Ulric Treny, here to speak with Lady Florence Winford.” The guards eyed him levelly for a moment, then one nodded and headed through the gates, motioning for Ulric to follow. Ulric did so, leading his horse as he walked after the guard. The guard knocked on the double doors which were opened by a conservatively dressed woman.

“Sir Treny to see Lady Florence,” the guard said. The woman looked at Ulric and nodded, stepping aside to allow him entry.

“Take his horse to the stable,” the woman said to the guard who nodded. Ulric handed the reins to the guard who led the horse off toward the side of the estate where the stables were. Ulric then walked inside, cloak dripping from the rain as the woman closed the door behind him. She motioned to a rack near the door that was clearly for the hanging of cloaks. He hung his cloak up, then followed the woman through the estate to a drawing room where she gestured to a seat. He bowed slightly to her before sitting in the indicated chair. The woman walked back into the corridor and closed the door, leaving a servant to keep an eye on Ulric.

He had only waited a few minutes when the door opened once more and a young woman with brown hair under a veil and brown eyes entered the room. She was dressed in traditional Ecclesian clothes, but Ulric noted she was not as brightly dressed as other Ecclesian nobles. A male servant walked a few steps behind her and closed the door once she had entered and Ulric stood at the same time.

“Introducing Lady Florence Winford,” the man said in a clear voice. Ulric bowed slightly to her and she curtsied in reply.

“Please be seated, Sir Ulric,” she said warmly. “I thank you for the courtesy but for now, let us talk.” Ulric nodded, but still he waited until she was seated before he took his own seat. She arranged her dress demurely then regarded the still slightly damp form of Ulric. “And what brings you out to see me in such unpleasant weather?” she asked as the manservant took a position just behind her. A chaperone in case this becomes more serious? Ulric thought. He focused on her question.

“As you are no doubt aware, Lady Florence,” Ulric said, “Your name has been forwarded to my father as a candidate for marriage. As such, I am making the time to meet with each of the ladies so presented and to see if, on initial meeting, we are a possible match.” Florence smiled demurely.

“Such a meeting must come with a test if you are seeking to winnow down the list effectively,” she said diplomatically. “I had heard that you met with Lady Suzan Asa and that she turned you down, but in a manner that was respectful.” Ulric nodded.

“You are correct in your assumption that I have a test… a question actually… that I pose,’ He replied. Florence touched one finger delicately to her chin as if in thought.

“Let me guess,” she remarked. “It has to do with your relationship with Sir Lawrence Ferency.” Ulric nodded with a smile. Florence continued. “Then let me ask you a question on the nature of such, for rumour is an ugly thing and I for one prefer to seek the truth of matters. Are the two of you lovers as is rumoured to be?” Ulric shakes his head.

“We are friends. Good friends, possibly one may even consider us close despite the short period of time that we have actually known each other instead of known of the other. But that is all.” Florence regarded Ulric as he spoke, weighing his words carefully before nodding.

“Then as long as it remains as such, and does not become more, I would have no issue with you remaining close friends with him,” she said. Ulric nods with a smile.

“I thank you for your understanding Lady Florence,” he replied warmly. “That is the first part of meeting out of the way. And now, I should take my leave so that rumours do not start about the two of us prematurely.” Lady Florence nodded and rose smoothly.

“I wish you the best in your endeavours, Sir Ulric. May your decision be well measured and thought out,” she said. Ulric bowed once more, then turned and opened the door to the corridor, to collect his cloak and to head out of the estate and collect his horse and return home.

The day had just dawned as Ulric stepped out of his chambers, dressed in his noble's garb. He adjusted the emerald on the chain around his neck gently, then made his way toward the stables. It was time to visit House Demha, and an early morning visit would be sufficient. That way he could consider visiting another house in the evening. Lala’s comments had been in jest, but the man had a point - he would have to make a decision sooner or later.

He walked out into the cool morning air and headers to the stables where his horse was saddled and ready for travel. Fishing an apple out of his pocket, he fed her the apple, before mounting up and setting off along the streets toward the Demha estate.

As he arrived, he noted there was a distinctly heavier guard presence around the manor than normal. Not surprising considering what happened to poor Lady Lina, he thought silently. He rode up to the gate and dismounted as the guards faced him with readied spears.

“I am Sir Ulric Treny,” He said, announcing himself clearly. “I am here to meet with Lady Sammi Demha.”

“I guess you’ve not heard,” One of the guards replied. Ulric noted this man displayed the rank of a sergeant at arms.

“Heard what?” Ulric asked calmly, regarding the sergeant at arms who was just doing his duty - defending the house.

“House Demha is closed to all outsiders until the culprit that assaulted Lady Lima is found and brought to Justice.” The guards did not raise their spears, nor did they threaten Ulric more than they were. Ulric nodded.

“Very well,” he replied. “Then I ask that one of you inform Lady Sammi Demha that I am here to see her. If she chooses not to, then I will take that as her answer regarding the marriage proposal.” Ulric kept his hands at his sides, clear and visible while the guards looked at each other. Finally the sergeant at arms nodded and directed one of the other guards to deliver Ulric’s message inside to Lady Sammi. Ulric waited calmly, hands at his sides, while the rest of the guards kept their spears trained on him.

Finally, the guard returned at a jog, passed through the gates, closing them behind them and saluted the sergeant at arms. Ulric waited patiently as the guard turned to face him.

“Lady Sammi told me to tell you it will be a cold day in hell before she consents to marry any friend of Lawrence Ferency,” he said, “as he would be a bad influence on any children that she might have.” The sergeant at arms nodded.

“Alright Sir Treny, you’ve got your answer. Now I advise you leave,” he said crisply. Ulric nodded respectfully and mounted his horse, turning and riding back toward the Treny estate. One less to worry about, he thought.

When she heard about that, Vanessa crossed another name off the list of the marriage proposals she was keeping. Other names had also been struck out and a few had question marks against them.

"Stuck up little (( bleep ))" she muttered as she did so. "Guess she's not involved in any of the Demha charity endeavors either with an attitude like that"

She also went to inform the rest of the House, via Baele and Denado of House Demha's lockdown status.

It was the late afternoon before Ulric was able to complete his tasks and training. He contemplated changing but decided against it - the bath would take too long to draw and he was pressed for time to meet Lady Yvonne Golika. She would have to accept him as he was - armoured and in traveller's garb. Whether her father thought anything else was another matter. He chuckled as he made his way to the stables and mounted his horse that had been prepared for him.

As he rode out and headed toward the Golika Grand House, he idly wondered if he would receive the same reception as he had at the Demha house. Probably not, he thought. No-one has assaulted a Golika lady at this time. He reined his horse in as they approached the front door and he dismounted, approaching the two guards there.

“I am Sir Ulric Treny, Here to see Lady Yvonne Golika if she is free,” he announced calmly to the guard. If nothing else, I’m going to be well known to the guards of Duirt at this rate… he added mentally. The guard nodded and walked inside, opening the door a few minutes later to motion Ulric inside. There a female servant curtseyed to him and motioned him to follow her. He walked after her down the corridor for a short distance and was shown into a drawing room.

The room was comfortably apportioned with tapestries and paintings on the walls similar to the Winford Drawing room, though where the Winford drawing room had been more heavily influenced by the church with saints and monsters being slain, these were scenes of pastoral landscapes and settings.

A short, slender blond haired woman was seated with a servant behind her, clearly waiting, dressed in a red and yellow dress, her long hair braided down her back. She stood as Ulric entered and curtseyed to him and Ulric bowed to her.

“Sir Ulric,” she said in a delicate soprano voice. “I was beginning to think you had abandoned all hope of seeing me.” the tone of her voice bore a teasing note to it and Ulric smiled.

“Lady Yvonne,” he replied, waiting for her to be seated once more, “that could hardly be further from the truth. My duties and training keep me busy and this was the second chance I had today to depart and visit one of the ladies on my list.” Yvonne laughed.

“Yes, the entire house has heard about Lady Sammi’s opinion of your friendship with Captain Lala Ferency,” she replied. “Quite disappointing. He is a fascinating man and, should I be chosen, I look forward to knowing him better than I do. You have an inside track to his mind, due to your gender.” Ulric smiled widely.

“You are skilled at reading people indeed,” Ulric replied with warmth. Yvonne shook her head with a laugh.

“No, I just listen to rumours and seek to divine the truth from them,” She answered. Ulric nodded, feeling more relaxed already.

“Whatever the case may be,” he said, “You have already answered my initial concern of could you accept him being my close friend?” Yvonne spread her hands with a smile.

“Of course,” she said. “Just as I would expect you to at least accept my close friends.” Ulric nodded in reply and she regarded him levelly. “But I must say, I did not expect you to come as attired as you are.” It was Ulric’s turn to laugh now.

“I had the choice of cleaning myself up to a ‘Noble standard’ and being quite late, or being on time and letting you see me as I am.” Yvonne nodded and sat back in her chair.

“Better that you arrive on time than keep me waiting longer, for such would have been in poor form indeed,” she said. Ulric nodded in reply.

“And with that, Lady Yvonne, I must take my leave,” He said gently. “I have kept all of my visits short and to the point so as to not give any lady an advantage over the others.” Yvonne nodded and stood gracefully and Ulric likewise stood from his chair.

“Farewell Sir Ulric,” she said. “I hope that I will continue to find favour in your eyes and I look forward to watching you advance in life.” Ulric bowed to her once more with a smile, then turned and walked out toward the front entrance once more, pleased with how well that meeting had gone.

Another day dawned and another lady was to be met. He dressed in his travelling clothes with his armour, and strapped his rapier to his hip before he checked his reflection in the mirror. Nodding in satisfaction, Ulric made his way down to the stables. Lady Bethany Merout was a sailor and he did not expect she would be impressed with a peacock show, although with her being the only non-human whose family was making a play for his hand, he still had to but a good showing on.

Once in the stables, he mounted his horse and set off in the direction of the southern quarter with a quiet hummed tune. He had heard that the Demha house was still on lockdown for the time being, and that Lady Sammi Demha was unmoved by the pleas and the missives sent to her not just from her own house but from other nobles as well. He wondered if she would change her mind in the end.

The fresh smell of spices wafted over him as he crossed the bridge to the Southern Quarter from the central quarter and he made his way down toward the eastern docks. Again he would have a small challenge in finding the ship that Bethany berthed on, and yet at the same time, he suspected the elven ships would stand out among their human counterparts.

He rode along, looking at the names of the ships, some in Silver, others in Hodgepot. He finally found the one he was looking for - the Silver Seal - and he dismounted and walked to the elven guard at the bottom of the gangplank to the ship. A good sign Ulric thought to himself.

“I am Sir Ulric Treny,” he said to the guard, “here to speak with Lady Bethany Merout.” The guard looked him up and down for a moment then nodded and turned to face the ship.

“Oi Beth!” he yelled. “Your suitor is here!” A blond haired elven woman looked over the rail of the ship and grinned widely.

“It's about time!” she said with a laugh. She pulled back and was soon descending the gangplank. She was dressed in a sea green shirt and dark blue pants, both trimmed with black and silver. She looked up at Ulric and grinned. “And here I was starting to wonder if I was going to be forgotten about! Although with the reported temper tantrum from Miss Sammi Demha, I’m guessing I’m still in the running!” Ulric bowed formally to her and regarded her with an easy smile.

“No one is being overlooked,” he said pleasantly. “Eliminated maybe, but not until they have had a chance to clarify something with me first.” Beth grinned widely.

“Always a detail isn’t there?” she asked pleasantly. “And following that temper tantrum of Miss Demha, I bet I know what it is. Your Friendship with Lala. Ferency. Right?” Ulric nodded and Beth pumped her fist in excitement. “Yes! I knew it! Well, I take the long view of things… and will definitely outlive you two so if you do choose me, your happiness in the years we have together will be important to me.”

“It seems that the question is preceding me now,” Ulric replied with a smile. Beth laughed easily.

“Miss Demha made it apparent what it would be, and people talk, you know? You’ve not been keeping it a secret. Especially after Ginger Atianna confronted you.” Seeing Ulric’s look of confusion, she clarified. “Evelyn. She earned the nickname Ginger because of her hair and temper.” Ulric nodded in understanding.

“Well, Lady Bethany...”

“Drop the lady and call me Beth, please.”

“Very well, Beth, it has been a pleasure meeting you and you have answered my question so far. I will be in touch as things progress,” Ulric said with a smile. Beth nodded with a grin and walked back up the gangplank to the ship as Ulric mounted up and rode back toward the Eastern Quarter, satisfied once more with the outcome.

"Well .... she's not being very charitable for a Demha" was Rani's only comment when she heard about Lady Sammi's reaction. She also decided she's better stay well clear of the current situation in case a neutral party was required.

Ulric focused on Alin Bardye, his rapier drawn and ready even as she regarded him - her stance mirroring his. Hers was more refined and more polished even as he tightened his own. There was a swift exchange of blows then the pair parted once more, regarding each other again. They had been training for the last hour and Uklric could feel it in his muscles. There was a knock on the door of the training hall by one of the servants and they cleared their throat. Ulric did not take his eyes of Alin Bardye however.

“What is it?” he asked. The servant bowed.

“Forgive the intrusion, Sir Ulric,” the servant said, “but there is a lady here to see you. A Lady Herrita Xeuris. She says she is expected.” Alin Bardye nodded and stepped back.

“If she is one of your brides-to-be, you’d best not keep her waiting,” she said. Ulric nodded and saluted Alin Bardye as she returned the salute to him. They sheathed their rapiers and Ulric followed the servant who made their way to the drawing room of the Treny Estate. Once they arrived, Ulric was handed a towel to mop his face by another servant. He did so, nodding his thanks to the pair, then walked into the room. A woman with flowing black hair, tanned skin, and wearing a sea green dress with a yellow and white sash around her waist was seated in one of the chairs. Behind her was a single guard dressed in the yellow and white of house Xeuris. She stood and Ulric noted she was almost as tall as him.

“Sir Ulric,” she said with a curtsy. “Please forgive me for interrupting your day, but I was in the area and felt that a visit to see what your thoughts were on my father’s offer of my hand in marriage was warranted.” Ulrioc bowed to her curtsy, then gestured for her to take a seat once more, even as he made his way to sit down opposite her.

“I thank you for your visit, Lady Herrita,” Ulric replied once they were seated, “and it is no trouble. I had meant to visit you myself this evening so your presence is quite timely.” SHe smiled pleasantly.

“That is good to hear, I had worried I would be causing a disturbance Like Lady Demha has.” Ulric shakes his head.

“She made her opinions a little too publicly known,” he said, “as well as disparaging my friendship with Lala Ferency. Which brings me to my question. I have asked all that have been presented by their families as potentials - what are your thoughts on the man and would you be able to accept him as my close friend?” Herrita tapped her chin thoughtfully.

“Would I be able to accept Lala as a fixture in our lives? Yes. Would I accept him in our bedroom? No. I’m a little too possessive of my things there, despite our own reputation.” Ulric laughs easily at the last statement and Herrita laughs with him.

“He knows that the bedroom is not going to be shared, despite what rumours might suggest to the contrary,” Ulric said warmly. Herrita nodded in reply, then stood. Ulric followed suit.

“I have business to conduct with various East Quarter merchants,” she said, “ and I do hope that I will see you again. I understand you wish to keep these initial meetings brief and as such will not seek too much of your time.” Ulric bowed once more to her.

“Thank you for your understanding, Lady Herrita,” Ulric said cordially. Herrita curtseyed once more, then made her way out with the guard. Ulric watched her leave then collapsed back into his chair once the door was closed. That’s the last one… he thought Now to plan how to winnow them down further…