Ulric looked over the four scrolls, contemplating his choices carefully. Naemin had given a good suggestion, he thought but call me old fashioned. I want to evaluate them myself and see how we fit. If they resort to obfuscation or careful wording, then that will eliminate them outright. Nodding to himself, he began the careful drafting of the first letter, selecting Lady Florence Winford as the first to be contacted.

Draft after draft was worked upon, and discarded as not being clear enough with regard to his intention to meet. As he wrote, he realised that only Lady Beth had been without an obvious Chaperone. Technically, the guard had been there, but he had other duties. The others all had a dedicated chaperone. Darla and Evelyn had also been without one, but their hatred of each other had removed them from contention.

Finally, he looked at the completed letter and nodded in satisfaction. He rang a small bell and a minute later a servant appeared with a wordless bow. He sealed the letter with his signet ring and looked at the servant.

“Please ensure this is delivered to Lady Florence Winford,” he instructed. The servant bowed once more and then departed. Ulric sat back in his chair and studied the ceiling. It was a simple invitation to lunch, but the added implication was clear - this would be a meeting of minds and a test of compatibility between them.

Ulric checked himself in the mirror one last time, satisfied that his noble garbed appearance was worthy of a formal lunch. For once, his rapier was left in its case - he did not feel that he would need it for impressions. It was, after all, a physical weapon, even though it had become a part of him. The weapons he would need would be his mind and his wits. And Lady Florence was well schooled in those already. He smiled once more. It will prove to be an interesting lunch, he thought. He took one last look at himself, then walked out of his chambers and headed toward the stairs to await Lady Florence Winford in the drawing room.

He arrived at the drawing room, knowing that Lady Florence would be a little early, if not right on time. Diplomats had that reputation, even low ranked ones who were with the Church of Ecclesia. He took a seat and waited, pondering the words of Naemin, that it was rare indeed to find a female diplomat within the church. At the same time, he suspected that she worked for the house more than the church, in an unofficial capacity.

As he waited, two servants set about preparing a table for two with two chairs opposite each other. Ulric had requested a cold lunch to facilitate pleasant discussion without the need to race their eating. As such, their plates were covered, but that was to ensure that a wandering fly did not take an interest in their meals while he waited.

There was a formal knock on the door and Ulric stood, one hand reflexively reaching to rest on the pommel of his absent rapier. He put his hands behind his back and nodded to one of the servants. The servant walked to the door and opened it and a footman stepped in.

“Announcing Lady Florence Winford and Chaperone,” the footman said formally. He stepped to one side, allowing Lady Florence entry, along with the winford house guard who was clearly her chaperone. Lady Florence had her hair hidden by a veil and headdress and she wore an elegant gold and green hued dress with a golden sash about her waist. She smiled at Ulric warmly, the chaperone looked around the room, evaluating it for threat and heresy.

“Thank you for the invitation to Lunch with you, Sir Ulric,” Lady Florence said with a curtsey. Ulric bowed in reply and gestured for her to take a seat.

“You are quite welcome, Lady Florence,” he replied warmly. "I hope that the light lunch that has been prepared will meet your approval.” Lady Florence smiled as a servant pulled out a seat for her before she sat down. Ulric took his own seat moments later at the table.

“I fully expect that your house will be done proud with this, Sir Ulric,” she said as the chaperone took a position behind her, continuing to watch around. “I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised to receive your invitation to lunch. I had thought my faith would preclude me from any serious consideration.” Ulric smiled as juice was served to the pair of them.

“It may become a factor, but for now, I wish to better understand the lady seated opposite me,” he replied, as he sipped his juice. “I know you are respected as a diplomat within your house, and from what you told me in our last meeting, but precious little else.” Lady Florence smiled as the servants lifted the covers from the plates, revealing a simple chicken salad consisting of lettuce, grilled chicken, eggs and winter carrots. Lady Florence looked delighted at the offering then regarded Ulric.

“There is precious little else to tell,” she said, picking up a fork. “I am an only child, hence my standing within the house as a diplomat. My mother died in childbirth and my father raised me alone and did not remarry. I have followed in the path of Lady Elora who has taken me on as a student of hers. It is this usefulness that has kept me from becoming a nun and now, with the interest from your house in my standing, I have become valuable once more." She took a dainty bite of the winter greens. Ulric nodded.

“As you are no doubt aware, I am the eldest of five,” he said, taking a bite of chicken and swallowing. “And my lack of magical ability has depressed my parents no end, though they have found consolation in the fact I am skilled with the rapier.” Lady Florence smiled.

“I noticed you chose not to wear it today… I thank you for the trust and consideration you have shown.” She took a bite of the chicken and nodded appreciatively. “This has been well prepared. The chef’s should be commended on their effort for making a simple meal delicious without vice.”

“I will ensure they are told of your compliment,” Ulric said with a smile. “And now, I need ask you. You mentioned your faith as a possible impediment… what pray tell did you mean exactly?” He took a bite of his meal, watching here with a relaxed gaze. Lady florence took a sip of her juice and contemplated the question before replying.

“The One True God is a cornerstone of the Ecclesian way of life, as you would no double be aware.” Ulric nodded and she continued. “As such, it would be expected of me to continue such faith, and make sure any children I had were raised in the faith as well… and yes, it would be expected that you would convert to the faith as well.” She sighed gently and took another bite and swallowed. “I am aware that this might well take me out of contention, but if I was anything less than honest with you, I would be doing you a grave disservice. Myself as well.” Ulric nodded slowly.

“I thank you for your honesty,” he said, finishing his salad and resting his hands on the table. “It may be that something else arises, and the others are removed from contention, but yes. I would also be lying if I said you were at the top of the short list I have. But for now, you are not eliminated. I value honesty and integrity.” Lady Florence finished her salad and drank the last of her juice, then rested her hands on the table as well.

“If we are not true to ourselves, Sir Ulric, what are we but shadows of darkness and corruption?” She smiled. “I would like to thank you for a delightful lunch and the company that you have given me, and I look forward to hearing your decision when you make it.” She rose smoothly and Ulric stood as well with a bow. Lady Florence walked to the door which was opened by a servant, then she and the chaperone guard were gone. Ulric sat down in the chair once more and motioned for a goblet of wine. That went better than expected, he thought, but it does set a top three. Now how to order them?

It was a pleasant evening to be inside, Ulric thought, what with a light rain coming down and a pleasant fire in the hearth. He turned back to his task at hand, the drafting of the next letter, this one to Lady Herrita Xueris. As before, he took his time with the careful choosing of the words in the letter, ensuring that it was not promising anything more than a pleasant lunch and a discussion of mutual interests over it.

Draft after draft was written and discarded. He wondered absently how diplomatic folk did it - knowing just the right words to use and what turns of phrase to use to convey their point effortlessly. He had reported to Alin Bardye after the caravan expedition and she simply nodded when she heard about the incident. She listened impassively to his report of the archery and there was a ghost of a smile on her face as he talked about the dual swordsman.

“Keep up your practice, and eventually you will be almost too hard to hit,” was her only comment. She had let him off practice for the rest of the day, advising she would expect improvement over the next day. And so, Ulric had returned to the writing of reports, reviewing of details, and then to this, the writing of the letter.

Finally he was finished with the letter and he sealed it with wax and his signet ring before he rang the bell to summon a servant. When they arrived and bowed silently, he handed them the letter.

“Go to the Foreign Bazaar in the South Quarter and deliver this letter to Lady Herrita Xueris,” he said calmly to the servant handing him the letter. “If she advises she will reply immediately, remain until she has given the reply, then return here. Otherwise return once your duty is complete.” The servant bowed once more, and headed out with the letter and Ulric looked at the ceiling with his hands behind his head, and waited calmly.

The response had been received and Ulric had taken the time once more to ensure he was well dressed in his noble clothes once more. The light rain had not let up overnight and he fully expected Lady Herrita Xueris to arrive by carriage due to the distance travelled. Her response of acceptance had arrived with the messenger he had sent in a sealed letter. Ulric wondered offhandedly if she had pre-written the letter due to the speed with which the messenger had effectively returned, but that was neither here nor there. The offer of lunch had been accepted and now it was a meeting of minds.

Leaving his rapier once more in its case, he made his way to the drawing room once he was satisfied that his appearance was up to standard and sat down in one of the chairs to await the arrival of his guest. He watched the servants set the table once more for two and brought out the covered plates from the kitchen. He had recommended wine this time as a drink; the only reason the juice had been served was he was not sure if the Ecclesian faith forbade it.

Finally, there was a knock on the door to the drawing room and Ulric nodded to a servant to open the door. Ulric stood and stepped away from his chair as the door was opened. The house footman stepped in and cleared his throat formally.

“Announcing, Lady Herrita Xueris and chaperone,” he said. Ulric bowed to Lady Herrita as she walked in and she curtseyed in reply. Lady Herrita was dressed in the same silver and gold trimmed yellow dress she had worn when she came visiting previously, though this time she had a sea green wrap around her shoulders as well. Her long black hair was braided in a complex pattern down her back and she walked with a delicate grace that was in direct contrast to her height. The chaperone was a short, lean woman dressed in travellers clothing, but carrying a staff that Ulric could see had little nicks here and there - it was clearly not just for show.

“Sir Ulric Treny,” Lady Herrita said with a smile. “It was a delight to receive your message, despite being in the middle of a trade. Your servant was most diplomatic in waiting but I will confess I interrupted the trade to receive it.” Ulric looked a little surprised.

“You should have conducted your business first,” he said, “after all, it is your livelihood. Matters of marriage can always wait until it is convenient.”

“But when is it ever convenient to discuss marriage?” she countered deftly. “ Especially with winter coming and people seeking to stock up on spices and other goods for the winter.” Ulric nods with a smile.

“Well said,” he replied and gestured for her to take a seat. A servant pulled out the chair for her before she sat down carefully, smoothing her dress. Ulric took his own seat and the chaperone stood behind Lady Herrita. The servants lifted the lids from the plates to reveal a small salad of potatoes, winter greens and eggs in a creamy sauce next to a thin fillet of smoked mackerel. Lady Herrita smiled and sniffed the food appreciatively.

“It looks delicious,” she said as the servants poured her a glass of the white wine to go with it. She picked up her fork, but before she could take a bite, the chaperone moved over and gently took the fork from her hand and sampled the fish and potato salad with a small bite from each. Ulric watched silently and Lady Herrita looked highly embarrassed. The chaperone nodded and returned the fork to her charge and then returned to her place behind the chair.

“I am so sorry about that,” Lady Herrita said, her cheeks bright pink. “Ever since the Demha temper tantrum and the spat between the Atianna and Kraken all over you, Mother thought it best to have not just a chaperone but a protractor as well when seeing you until and if things became more formal.” Ulric smiled in reply.

“It is alright,” he said reassuringly. “No offence was taken.” Lady Herrita looked visibly relieved at that, then set down to eat as did Ulric. The clink of tableware filled the gentle silence between the two for a few minutes, then Ulric cleared his throat.

“As you have no doubt guessed, this was not a simple luncheon, but a chance for each of us to know a little more about the other,” he said. “I will be dining with the other two ladies in subsequent days, but this time is set aside to know more of you.” Lady Herrita nodded as she swallowed a mouthful of potato salad.

“This could use a little pepper…” she remarked and Ulric passed the small shaker of the spice to her. “Thank you. Now… to answer your question, I have three siblings, one sister and two brothers. My brothers are merchants as well and my sister is a housewife but sailed before she settled down. I myself trade in spices and rare herbs that are sourced from the islands and around Urt. House Elwyn does their very best to limit our trade, but we have still been able to gather what we need to manage a going concern.” She took a bite of the lightly peppered potato salad and nodded in satisfaction. “Now… in your case, your sister studies at the tower and you are the oldest of three brothers. You are a house guard Captain and a reasonably skilled duelist. Did I miss anything?” Ulric chuckled and shook his head.

“Clearly you have done your homework,” he said warmly.

“I do not like surprises,” she replied. “I already knew of your friendship with Lala Ferency, and despite the rumours, I was sure you two were not lovers. As I said, I can be a little possessive and whom I sleep with is a matter of personal pride. I do not like sharing there.” Ulric nodded in agreement.

“I agree that the bedroom is to be kept special,” he said, finishing off his fish, “and should not be shared unless that is agreed on by all parties. It is not, however, my intention to seek someone to share it with outside of whom I choose to marry.” Lady Herrita nodded and was about to reply when the chaperone stuck her staff on the ground twice and cleared her throat pointedly. Lady Herrita sighed and her shoulders drooped slightly.

“I am afraid, Sir Ulric, our time is up for now.” She dabbed her lips with the napkin, then set it down and stood gracefully. Ulric rose as well, setting his cutlery down. “I wish to thank you for an exceptional lunch and wonderful company.” Ulric bowed slightly and she walked to the door, followed by the chaperone who, Ulric noticed, kept between the pair of them as Lady Herrita walked out. Once they had left, Ulric sat down once more and sipped his wine, thinking over how that encounter had gone.

Ulric looked out the window at the sunny morning and smiled. It was not a day that he wanted to spend inside, but his training, and the luncheon with Lady Beth Merout was something that needed to be well rehearsed and addressed, in a manner similar to the other two noble ladies he had entertained.

He walked to his table and had just sat down when there was a polite knock at the door. He rose and strode over, opening the door to reveal a servant from House Merout standing there, a Treny guard behind him. The messenger bowed to Ulric and handed him a letter with the Merout seal on it. Intriguing, Ulric thought as he accepted the letter and cracked the seal, opening it. Inside, was a short letter from Lady Beth.

Ulric looked at the letter and read it several times to make sure he was understanding correctly, then looked at the messenger servant.

“Wait a minute while I draft a reply for your mistress,” Ulric said. The servant bowed respectfully and waited calmly in the doorway as ulric wrote out his acceptance of Lady Beth's offer. Once finished, he sealed the letter and handed it to the servant who bowed and headed off. Ulric smiled. It seemed the game was afoot indeed.

It also looks that things are getting more convoluted. Vanessa Kraken has been seen keeping company with Darla Kraken, one of the contenders for Sir Ulric Treny's hand in marriage. Is she just being a friend? Or given Vanessa's reputation, is she trying for more.

Ulric looked at his appearance in the mirror. He was feeling a little more comfortable today as he was in his travelling clothes and leather armour, and his sword was at his hip. The only concession to formatily he had was a red diagonal sash with the Treny crest in the middle, over his heart. Nodding in satisfaction, he walked to the door and headed out, making his way to the kitchen where a packed lunch was being prepared.

He waited outside of the kitchen as the final touches were being prepared and then accepted the basket of goods that also contained a bottle of wine and two sturdy goblets. He nodded his thanks to the cooks before making his way to the stables and mounting his horse easily, carrying the basket one handed. He rode out of the estate, easily guiding the horse with his knees, one hand holding the reins.

He rode through the streets of the East Quarter and headed across the bridge to the Central Quarter and from there, to the Abalone Beach. He dismounted and let his horse graze at the grass while he set the basket down and stood with his hands behind his back, watching the water flowing and waited. He did not have to wait long.

Beth soon arrived, on foot, and alone. She wore the same sea green shirt and dark blue pants, both trimmed with black and silver, that she had worn before, and had black boots with her short blond hair held back by a green handkerchief. She grinned easily and moved over to Ulric.

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long, Ulric,” she said with a smile. Ulric shook his head.

“Not at all Beth, I had only just arrived a short time ago,” he replied with his own smile, remembering her request to not worry about any title. “Shall we enjoy lunch?” Beth nodded and gracefully sat on the grass as Ulric unpacked the basket. Sandwiches had been prepared, with cold meats, salads and cheese as the filling. Beth smiled happily and rubbed her hands when she saw the wine.

“Oh good, I was worried you would be too formal and bring something like berry juice,” she remarked. Ulric chuckled. At her comment.

“No, that was Lady Florence. I figured that would be more respectful to her faith and her situation than wine.” Beth nodded in understanding. She picked one of the goblets out and wiggled it slightly, silently requesting that bit be filled. Ulric wasted no time in uncorking the bottle and pouring her a measure of the dark red wine. Beth smiled and waited for ultic to sit and pour himself a measure in his own goblet, before she picked up a sandwich and took a bite, sighing in delight.

“You have NO idea,” she said, swallowing, “how quickly salted fish becomes boring.”

“I can only imagine,” Ulric replied, as he picked up a sandwich of his own and took a bite.

“And it’s not just salted fish… pickled octopus, fresh fish, grilled fish… any more and I’ll grow gills.” She rolled her eyes, but it was clearly in jest. Ulric chuckled gently at that and took a sip of his wine. He was about to speak when Beth shook her head. “Forget the marriage for a moment Ulric, let’s just enjoy this time, alright? You keep yourself more tightly wound than some of the elders of my house, and that’s saying something. Relax. Let your guard down. Let Lala be the jealous one for a while.” Ulric laughed at that.

“Well then, you’ll be pleased to know he is firmly in your camp and rooting for you to be selected by me,” he remarked. Beth’s eyes widened in surprise and delight.

“How did I manage such a feat?”

“By mentioning you would place my happiness first.”

“Well I meant every word of that. I’ll still feel the call of the sea, but we will see how things unfold. Speaking of the sea, you will never guess who I saw arm in arm with someone else.” She wore a mischievous grin with the gossip. Ulric tilted his head, holding his wine in one hand and a half eaten sandwich in the other.

“Do tell,” he said. Beth giggled easily and downed her goblet, then wiggled it for a refill. Ulric topped it up once more.

“Darla and Vanessa Kraken, arm in arm,” she said, “walking along the docks without a care in the world.” Ulric laughs at that, his voice rich and warm.

“I see that Vanessa is consoling Darla already,” he replied, still laughing easily. “I wish them all the best, and I hope Darla didn’t test Vanessa’s reflexes the way she did with me by throwing a punch at her stomach…”

“She didn’t!” Beth said in mock shock. Apparently, this was not an uncommon thing, Ulric thought. He nodded.

“She did and seemed quite smug about it as well, despite missing. I am guessing she would have called it off if she had hit me.” Beth nodded.

“Oh she’s a choosy one, Darla is. She uses the punch test to weed out the unworthy, apparently.” Beth shook her head and sipped her wine as Ulric finished his sandwich and finished his own wine. He poured himself another measure. Beth motioned to the light warhorse grazing. “Is she your horse or the house’s horse?” she enquired.

“Mine,” Ulric replied. “She’s cared for by the house, by people who are trained to care for horses a lot better than I am, but we understand each other. But if we ever go to combat, I will not be using her to fight. If anything, I’ll be keeping her out of the fight if possible and using my own skills for the battle.” Beth nodded, listening, her legs stretched out on the grass in front of her.

“Never had the chance to ride myself,” she said, “I was more interested in sailing than horsing around.” Ulric shook his head at the bad pun and Beth grinned, finishing her wine. She stood and set the goblet down. “Ulric, it has been a pleasure, but I had best return to the ship.” Ulric rose as well and nodded.

“Thank you for meeting with me as well, Beth,” Ulric replied with a bow. “I appreciate getting to know you that little bit better.” Beth bowed in return, then headed off back toward the Southern Quarter with an easy step. Ulric recorked the wine and packed the basket once more, before he returned to his horse and mounted smoothly, heading to the Eastern Quarter once more.

Ulric was down to writing the final letter, to Lady Yvonne Golika. He had been working diligently at this for some time now, knowing that of the four, She was the only Voran left and that expectations would be high for him to marry within his own culture. At the same time, he would choose whom he felt the best connection with. There was no other option in his mind.

He paused in his writing to look over the letter. As he did so, his mind turned to Alicia Ferency and her marriage. How easily he thought could have my own nuptials ended up like hers? he shook his head slightly. Their cases were quite different - hers was a marriage more of politics and unity, what with her being a cleric of Ecclesia and a Voran. His was simply politics.

He turned back to his writing and finally finished. He read and re-read the letter, satisfied with the invitation for lunch at the estate. He sealed the letter and rang the bell. The servant entered with a bow and Ulric handed him the letter.

“This is to be delivered to Lady Yvonne Golika,” he said. “If she has a reply or gives you a reply, wait, otherwise return home.” The servant nodded and slipped the letter into a message pouch, then headed off, raising his hood as he did so. Ulric exhaled once the door was closed. The last of the ladies was being courted now. Only the Gods knew what the day would bring.

The final lunch awaited him. Once more, Ulric was dressed in his noble finery, and his rapier was placed in its case. His boots were polished to perfection and his emerald necklace hung just so. He nodded in satisfaction and made his way out of the room down to the drawing room to await the arrival of Lady Yvonne Golika. The news from Lady Alicia had intrigued him, and he was curious to see how the play out would happen with the house potentially becoming Ecclesian. It would be a long game however and he fully expected his own life would have passed before anything specific would have happened.

He made his way to the drawing room and took a seat, observing the servants preparing the table for the lunch that was to shortly take place. The fire was lit and was keeping the room warm. There was a bottle of red wine on the table with two goblets, but for once no covered plates. Before he could enquire, there is a formal knock on the door and Ulric rose. Showtime.

“Introducing Lady Yvonne Golika and Chaperone,” The footman said, once the door was opened for him. He stepped to one side to reveal Lady Yvonne’s short slender frame, with her long blond hair in several braids down her back. She wore a green and red skirt, trimmed with blue and silver, done in such a way that the colours complimented each other without clashing. She walked straight to Ulric and curtseyed to him.

“Sir Ulric,” She said warmly, holding out two delicate white gloved hands, palms up. “Thank you for your offer of Lunch, I am pleased that my acceptance was well received.” Ulric nodded and placed his own white gloved hands lightly atop of hers.

“Lady Yvonne,” he replied, “it is my pleasure that you have accepted my humble invitation. I hope that I have not taken you too far out from your diplomatic work.” She shook her head with a smile and withdrew her hands, resting them one atop another in front of her. Ulric gestured to the seats at the table. “Please, take a seat,” he said pleasantly. Lady Yvonne walked to one of the seats and a servant pulled the seat out and she sat carefully, arranging her dress to allow for comfort. Once she was seated, Ulric sat in his own chair and picked up the bottle of wine, to which Lady Yvonne nodded. He poured a small glass for her, and the same for himself.

He had just poured his own glass and recorked the bottle when the doors were opened by the servants to admit the chef herself who was pushing a trolley with two sizzling plates on it. On the plates were slices of steak that had been marinated and seared. There were two small bowls of salad as well - the winter greens and some carrots along with some of the herbs purchased from Rufus. The chef placed the dishes in front of Lady Yvonne and Ulric with a smile, then the salads which had been dressed with oil and vinegar, before walking off once more. Lady Yvonne smiled in delight at the meal.

“It has been too long since I last had steak,” she says, clapping her hands in delight. “So this is most definitely a special treat for me.” Ulric motions for her to start and she collects a fork and knife and daintily cuts the tender meat. Ulric followed after her, and the pair ate in silence for a few moments, savouring the lightly spiced meat before it became cold.

Once the meat was finished, Ulric picked up his wine glass and extended it to her, and Lady Yvonne did the same with hers, the rims clinking together in a toast. They sipped their wine before setting it down and then lady Yvonne took a bite of her salad before coming straight to the point.

“Sir Ulric,” She said once she had swallowed her mouthful, “while I am appreciative of this, your asking me here today must surely have some other purpose.” Ulric smiled and nodded.

“You are most astute in your observation, Lady Yvonne,” He replied. “As you are no doubt aware, I have winnowed the list of ten down to four and am using these lunches to see who stands out above the rest.” Lady Yvonne lightly speared a piece of winter green with her fork and lifted it out of the bowl.

“And where do I come into this grand equation of yours?” she asked before taking a bite of the salad and chewing. Ulric took a sip of wine before he replied.

“So far, you are on par with Lady Herrita Xueris and Lady Beth Merout,” he said.

“Which means Lady Florence Winford is unlikely to progress?” She asked. Ulric nodded. “Let me guess - she needed you to convert?” Ulric nodded again.

“Not something I am willing to do, as that goes against who I am and my own beliefs,” He replied. Lady Yvonne nodded and sipped her own wine as Ulric took a bite of salad.

“Yes, you need to be true to yourself,” she said. “And with that… while it might not be … proper… I have a little information about Lady Herrita Xeuris you might be interested to know.” She smiled and sipped her wine as Ulric raised an eyebrow.

“Oh?” he asked before taking a bite of his own salad. “Do tell.” Lady Yvonne smiled.

“Well, my contacts tell me that she is not above cutting her products that she sells with inferior product when selling to the less informed,” Lady Yvonne said quietly, “and she has the habit of sleeping around. She is skilled enough in herbology that she has no children yet, but it is just a matter of time.” Ulric raised an eyebrow when the news was confided to him and he nodded.

“Rest assured,” he replied. “This stays between the two of us. I will find a way to verify it, somehow, and see how that affects the outcomes.” Lady Yvonne nods.

“I would expect nothing less of you,” she says with a coy smile. “As you can imagine, I will seek to place myself most favourably among my …. Rivals…. Without outright handicapping them.”

Noble intrigue Ulric thinks as he takes a bite of his salad, finishing it off. She’s clearly well schooled in it. The question is, is this a pro or a con? Lady Yvonne studied him as he ate, her own thoughts well concealed… though there were cracks in the facade that he could read. She was evaluating him herself, seeing what might be his ultimate decision. Ulric smiled at the silent evaluation of both sides. He had never taken part in it too much when he was young, but he had learned quickly the parry and thrust under Alin Bardye. While not the fine art of diplomacy itself, the sensing of others motives and intent had come with sword training. Lady Yvonne smiled in reply, then daubed her lips with her napkin and rose. Ulric followed suit.

“Sir Ulric, I wish to thank you for a most excellent lunch,” she said. “I will await your reply while I attend to my regular duties.” Ulric bowed formally to her and she curtseyed to him, before she and her chaperone exited. Once the doors closed, Ulric took his seat once more and poured another glass of the red wine. Now that was interesting… willing to undercut a rival to advance herself. Not something I expected, but something that should be expected. he sipped the wine as he contemplated his next decision.

Ulric sat at his desk, carefully writing a letter to Lady Florence Winford, explaining and outlining his reasoning for releasing her from the line of those being considered for their hand in marriage. He worked carefully and diligently, read what he had written, then set it aside and began a new letter. It was not easy to write such a letter to a diplomat, but he would not give up.

Finally, after the eleventh draft, he was satisfied with the letter. It was couched in phrases of respect, understanding of positions and his own positions as they stood. It was the best he felt he could manage and he sealed the letter in an envelope and called for a servant. The servant arrived and bowed.

“Please deliver this to Lady Florence Winford,” he said. “If she asks for you to await a reply, wait. Otherwise return to the estate.” The servant bowed to him and departed. Ulric exhaled slowly and looked at the ceiling. Ten originally, now three. How to winnow it to one? This will take a lot of skill to see how best to do it in such a way that no offence is caused. He thought.

Ulric closed the book he had been working on and sighed. The last of the reports were documented and ready to be filed and he had time to himself once more. Delegate Lala had said…. But one could not delegate the reviewing of reports. That was his duty - to ensure they were reviewed and prepared to be filed properly. The actual filing was handled by others, but he still needed to verify each and every one. Thankfully, it was never a huge load as he kept on top of it at all times. There was a knock at the door and Ulric looked toward it, curiously. He wasn’t expecting anyone.

“Yes?” he called.

“Sir, you have a visitor. Lady Bethany Merout.” The voice of the servant who attended the guard replied.

“I said Beth is fine,” Beth’s voice came back in an amused tone.

“Understood, Lady Beth.” The servant replied and Ulric smiled, hearing Beth’s sigh. He stood and walked to the door to his small office, and opened it. Beth was there in her green shirt and black pants and boots, a braided leather cord around her head. She grinned warmly.

“Good afternoon Ulric,” she said pleasantly. “I hope I’m not interrupting?” Ulric shook his head.

“Far from it. I was just about to break for a light meal and a drink,” he said. The servant immediately turned and walked off to see that the request was fulfilled before Ulric could say another word. Ulric smiled, shaking his head slightly, then looked at Beth. “What brings you to the Treny estate?”

“You, to be quite honest,” Beth replied, as she leant against the doorframe with a relaxed air. “I heard that there are now just three ladies to choose from and that I was one of them.” Ulric nodded and she continued. “Thank you for keeping me in contention, and I must say, I’m impressed how you are playing the long game here. Looking for ways to justify the removal of those who are not a good fit for you.”

“You are welcome,” Ulric replied with a smile. “And I will confess, it is becoming slowly harder and harder to winnow the three of you down to just one.”

“Keep playing the long game, is my advice to you,” Beth stated sagely. “The last thing you want to have happen is a divorce… those kind of relationships never end well.” Ulric nodded with a small smile.

“I will keep that in mind, Beth,” he replied. As he spoke, the servant returned with a tray of food and set it on the table. Ulric motioned. “Care to join me for a bite to eat?” Beth shook her head.

“Nah, I’d better not. Might get tongues wagging before they have a right to wag.” She grinned and turned with a wave. “See ya around Ulric!” she called as she walked off, the servant closing the door after the two of them. Ulric watched her depart until the door was closed then settled down to lunch. Definitely an intriguing woman… he thought. Most intriguing indeed.

Ulric considered his next actions very carefully as he looked out the window at the rain swept streets of Duirt. Hands behind his back, he contemplated reviewing the information that Lady Yvonne had given him about Lady Herrita. The watering down of spices was one thing. He was no merchant, that was possibly how some did business. Not ethical, but he was no expert in those fields. It was the large number of bedpartners that weighed more heavily on his mind. Sleeping around was something that might be hard to give up, especially if the sailing bug caught her and she was a-sea for an extended period of time. He came to a decision and donned his warm weather gear, strapped his sword to his side and headed to the door.

Forgoing the horse, knowing that she would not appreciate the rain, he walked down through the streets of Duirt to the docks and through to the Bazaar. There, he lowered his hood and looked around at the various wares being offered as he walked through the stalls; different merchants called to him, extolling the virtues of their goods, the quality of their wares, the rarity of their products. He walked on past them all.

He found Herrita’s stall and waited to one side as she concluded a deal, watching silently how the handling went. Clearly this was a regular client as the terms that were settled upon were reasonable and the pair shook on the deal. Coin was exchanged and the buyer departed. She looked over her shoulder and her face split into a broad grin when she saw Ulric standing patiently.

“Well well, Sir Ulric!” She said in delight. “How can I help you?” Ulric smiled warmly and easily.

“I was wondering if we could have a talk somewhere private,” he said, “as there are some matters I wish to discuss with you that I would rather not air in public.” Herrita nodded, catching the inflection in his voice and walks from around the stall, looking at a young woman that was there with her.

“Mind the stall, Chelsea,” she instructed. “I shouldn’t be long.” The young woman nodded and turned to face the next customer. Herrita faced Ulric and motioned him to follow her. She led him to the office of the Port Authority and paid to use an interrogation room for a private conversation with Ulric. Ulric followed her into the room and she shut the door behind them, before sitting down opposite him. “Alright Ulric,” she said. “Clearly you’ve something serious on your mind, so… you have my attention.”

“Thank you, Lady Herrita…” Ulric began but Herrita shook her head.

“Do me a favour, and drop the title,” she said with a smile. “Just for now at least. Makes me think I’m in trouble for something.” Ulric chuckled at that and nodded.

“Very well Herrita,” he said. “I needed to talk to you about your past and possibly the present as well.” Herrita sat forward, immediately interested.

“Let me guess…” she said. “It is to do with a rumour that I ‘water down’ my products to the unsuspecting, or of my frequent bedmates.” Ulric nodded and Herrita sighed with exasperation. “Lady Yvonne, it has to be. She’s been researching me ever since it became known that I was a possibility for your hand in marriage. Did you know that she has been researching all of your potential wives?”

“I am not surprised in the least,” Ulric replied. “She is quite focused on making sure that the information is made available when it is suitable.”

“Well Ulric,” Herrita said, “Let me be quite upfront with you. The first is a rumour started by other merchants who were jealous of the quality of my goods. AS for the second, marrying you would be the single most important thing for me and I would work to make you as happy as possible, without any compromise or dallyance that could ruin it.” Ulric nodded and Herrita reached into a pouch and handed him a scroll. “Here… a contract for you to keep… where I foreswear all others if I am chosen.” Ulric took it and nodded solemnly.

“I thank you for this,” he said respectfully and honestly. “I will read it and weigh it into my final decision. Now, we had best return to your shop so that you are not accused of deserting your duties.” Herrita nodded and stood, as did Ulric. He opened the door for her and the pair headed back out into the rain. He escorted her back to the bazaar then made his way back to the East quarter and the Golden Lion. He had a lot to think about.

"Maybe I should do some research into Lady Yvonne" Vanessa told Ulric at their next meeting. "It sounds like to me she's trying to increase her chances by devaluing the others. Make sure you get independent evidence ... or I could do it for you. I have my means."

"But to admit though, I'm sort of leaning towards Beth as the best option."

Ulric paced slowly back and forth in the training hall of the Treny estate, the fingers of one hand drumming lightly on the pommel of his rapier. The training at the arena had been good, but the power of Ven Atianna had left him humbled and thoughtful in ways he had not expected. He was not so foolish as to challenge her to a duel, he knew he would not even last a round. She was called Beluvial’s axe for a reason, and it showed in her power. Then there was the matter of the marriage; he would need to come up with a way to choose between the three, although Lady Yvonne’s actions had left a bit of a sour taste in his mouth now that he thought about it.

Alin Bardye watched as her pupil paced, his very frame belying his restlessness. She didn’t interrupt him, knowing that some things need to be worked through in the mind, but at the same time too much distraction would be a bad thing for him.

Finally Ulric turned and faced his mentor and bowed to her, then drew his rapier in a single fluid motion - a movement echoed by Alin Bardye. There were no words exchanged as the blades flicked at each other - the more experienced duelist nodding now and then at the novice as he parried more of her attacks then he had in the past. She continued to work him hard, pointing out holes in his defence with her blade, but smiling when the same in her own defence was found.

Eventually, after a good hour of back and forth, the crossing of blades, and the maneuvering for better positions, Alin Bardye stepped back and raised her rapier in a salute. Ulric followed and the master Duelist smiled as they sheathed their blades.

“Have you come to any resolution to your conundrums Ulric?” she asked pleasantly. Ulric nodded in reply. “Do tell then, I’m curious to know.”

“The first was seeing the power and skill wielded by front line fighters,” he remarked. “It was a sobering reminder that my skill will always be as a flanker and that I should not try to take on major threats alone.” Alin Bardye nodded, satisfied and Ulric continued. “The second is that I now have two women to choose from, and that I need to sort out how I can express the passing over to the third.”

“Sounds like you have both learned an important lesson about our craft and that you should approach your conundrum like you do your dueling,” Alin Bardye replied. “Go carefully and studiously… and make sure that you are aware of your actions before you commit to them.” Ulric nodded with a slight smile.

“I understand,” he said before making his way to the door of the training hall and heading back to his rooms to pen the letter to Lady Yvonne.

Ulric rode to the Golden Lion, having returned home from the Ferency Estate and changed, before making his way to the tavern on horseback. His mind was racing as he digested what had transpired a good hour earlier. It seemed that the fragrance was all it had been promised to be, and then some - and now Sarantha expected bath oils...shampoos...lotions...the works - and had given the sanction of the royal house as well.

He was curious as to what Lala would make of this; the apparent eagerness of Ashryn to request a larger laboratory and more of a flower that was reportedly very rare that had combined the elements together with the perfume. It was a request that apparently, Sarantha was prepared to put the royal household to take to provide the elements. But he had given his word that he would keep his peace to Lala, and he was nothing if not a man of his word. Besides, despite all of her claims of simply being Lady Ferency, she had placed a lot of authority behind her requests.

He was so lost in thought that he missed the entrance to the Lion completely and when he became more aware of his surroundings, his horse had stopped in the street - thankfully with no-one following him. In front of him however were several figures wrapped in rags, shivering against the cold… and with hoods and masks covering their faces.

Ulric looked around at the figures and sighed. He knew he was not in the maze, but he was close enough that it seemed that some of the less reputable elements were willing to take a chance on a lone rider. Even one who was clearly armed.

“You don’t want to do this,” He warned the individuals, keeping his voice casual as he leaned on the pommel of his saddle. His eyes flicked over them and he noted a few of them looking at each other. One, the leader Ulric guessed, stepped forward.

“We got a message for ya, Ulric Treny.” he said in a rough voice.

Ok, so they know who I am. Ulric thought. The individual continued speaking.

“Don’t defile the elf. Human scum like you don’t deserve elves. We’re everywhere an’ we’ll be watchin’ ya to make sure you make the right choice.” He gestured and the group faded back into the alleys they had come from. Ulric watched them silently and shook his head with a quiet sigh. Politics. It came in many forms and stations - from the royalty to the street dwellers themselves. He turned his horse and started riding back the way he had come, heading for the Lion. At least he had something different to talk to Lala about now.

“Old Washer women eh?” He said to himself with a chuckle. “That’s one for the books.” Still, the comment steeled his resolve not to return to the Ferency Estate unless on official business. Sarantha might only be Lady Ferency, but the Royal guard still followed her instructions. And she had been issuing edicts as though Queen already. She had countered his comment, but his view remained unchanged. He tied up his horse outside the Golden Lion and walked inside, enjoying the warmth of the tavern as it washed over him.

Ulric walked with an even pace back toward the Treny estate through the market streets, fully aware that he was being shadowed, and badly at that, by the elf who had been watching him in the tavern. His perception wasn’t the best, he knew, no good against those who were actually trained in stealth, but it was enough for the time being. Especially against those not trained in the art of shadowing. This had been going on for a few days now, and, while it meant Ulric knew where they were, it was still a mild irritation that he had to have someone watching his moves any time he left the premises of the estate.

He turned down an alleyway and quickly climbed up the wall, using a drainpipe to aid him, and crouched, watching the alley below, waiting for the elf to walk past. His speed had been timely as the elf came from a different direction and looked around, puzzled. The puzzlement ended as Ulric dropped lightly behind him from the roof and walked up to him, his grey eyes cold and hard. The Elf pulled a knife on Ulric and waved it at him.

“I’ll cut ya, ya human scum, if ya get any closer,” the elf hissed. Ulric’s eyes simply became as cold as the steel of his rapier.

“You will do nothing of the sort. You will go back to your master and tell him this game is over. I will choose whom I choose and there will be no outside threat or influence that makes me sway my decision. Is that clear?” His voice carried the warning and the threat of pain…. Or worse. The elf trembled…. Then turned and ran. Ulric removed his hand from the hilt of his rapier and walked out of the alley way and resumed walking through the streets once more.

He had been walking for barely five minutes when there was an official voice behind him.

“Halt, Sir Treny… we want to have a word with you.” Ulric stopped and turned to see two central watchmen looking at him with stern expressions, and the elf behind them, barely hiding a smirk.

Great, Ulric thought some people do not take a hint. Still, we should be able to reason this out. He relaxed and folded his hands in front of him. “What seems to be the trouble?” he asked calmly.

“This citizen claims you threatened him with your blade, and that you extorted money from him.” The watchman replied officiously. “How do you plead?”

“Not guilty,” Ulric replied calmly. “He threatened me with a blade, and he among others have been following me for nearly a week now, trying to influence a decision I am making with implied violence.” The guardsman looks at Ulric weighing his words, then looks at the elf who tried to school his face into an innocent expression.

“Is this true? Are you harassing him?” The guardsman asks bluntly.

“No! The elf protests a little too quickly. “He threatened me and my family if I gave him no money! I demand he be arrested and tried!” The two guards look at each other, then Ulric, then the elf, before shaking their heads.

“We’re sorry to bother you Sir Treny, You may go about your business. And you…” They look at the elf. “Any more false charges and you’ll be fined.” With that, they walked off, resuming their patrol. The elf watched them leave, then looked at Ulric with hatred. Ulric regarded him with a calm expression.

“You mark our words, Ulric Treny… choose the elf and things will go bad for you. We promise.” And with that, he slunk away toward the Maze. Ulric watched him leave and shook his head slightly. Some people really never learn, he thought, before resuming his walk to the Treny estate.