#anywhere

"You are mentor of soothsay, and further, I pushed you to do so if I recall. It is not fit for me to push you this direction, then yank you down when I disagree later. And I do see your point. If and when thistle asks for this boon whoever, I DO ask that for my sake, and the sake of the good Arthur has done, you restrain ire and offense? And, I ask that Arthur's saining not be delayed further than ths full year and a day? If he is to be a fool, another week will not make him less so. The Fior might, as you hope.'

"She may ask, and I will not be wroth of the question. Though if it is asked of me, I tell you now, I will decline. If it is asked of you, I hope that you may choose the same, though your word is the equal of mine own, and if you would..." He sighs, and gives her a small smile. "I can not, in good faith, be wroth with you either, my love, though I may disagree."

"If she asks I may have to decline for the reason you say. I will not try to bend your back, and it is best we are unified"

He reaches for her hand, and presses it between his own. "She may surprise us yet. Who knows what a Nocker in an emergency may think to request, on a day when little might be denied?"

"Ha. yes, I am fond of Thistle. I will be enchanting her family as guests. It will be a celebration worthy of noble"

"Good, good." He muses. "Marigold has been in deep conversation with Julius and Bluebell. They will see that it is a fete to rival any other, despite the quickened time table."

"Other than Family, have we a proper number of guests? Seat fillers will not please her, but surely there are those friends she has made in town. Nocker or no, even burrs will find people who they can stick onto."

"Well, she wants Al and Zelda. I think Al will refuse given his... known dislike of the nobles'

A snort. "Dislike, you are gracious."

"One must try. " A sigh "He might surprise us"

"Still, let the invitation be given. If you can extend the olive branch to the sluagh girl, I can scarcely begrudge Thistle her 'friend', even as noxious a personality as he."

"Apparently good burgers forgive much" Dryly

"Countess Elsinore earlier expressed interest in attending the saining, when it was for both Fledges. She may wish to come to this one as well. Though she is busy with the duties of the county seat, it may be that the mystery of the stolen child might intrigue her interest. It may be wise to extend an invitation, even if she choses to decline. She is, after all, our Liege."

He sighs a bit at the necessity to admit this, as much as he enjoys being in his own seat of power.

"You mean this?" She holds up the letter she wrote, elegant and polite "I had not yet deciced to send it. not without you"

"My clever queen. I am sorry that I may have doubted you. You see the patterns as easily as I see the political threads." He nods. "Let us not risk any insult by not inviting her. Perhaps invite the lord of Dark Gate as well. As a Nocker, she may have Dougal ties."

He considers, "A representative from the Bes Din may have been advised... mmm. I doubt she will have the time, or be of the mind, to properly consider introductions and opportunities. Perhaps have Julius draft an 'Announcement of Saining' that includes that she has set henceforth on a quest, and may entertain invitations to meet any such interested at their convenience on return? Such and such, he knows the language." A hand wave.

"That sounds sensible. " A nod

"Now, let's talk the fire works" She takes his hand

And so they sit together, planning, and plotting, into the night.
(Scene!)