"There is nothing for it, Ewan, you must be there." Sylvia sighed. Both she and Ewan had changed out of the formal wear of attending the ball into more of their usual attire. Its comfort assisted in the discussion this late night at the Water's Edge Tavern. "If for nothing else but the sighting of you might make others thinks twice on making a similar attack."

"My lady," Ewan countered, "it is unlikely others will try anything remotely the same, and I do not think Yransea has that many enemies at the moment."

Gaerwyn had to chuckle at his cousin's addition. "At the moment, is it? Politics and court intrigues, and that is why I do not want to be part of these negotiations. I am a simple merchant."

"With vast holdings improved by the assistance of the barony," Sylvia scowled. "You will attend because you and I are proof that the landed nobles, gentry, and merchants can work together for mutual benefit."

A lift of his hand to keep the baroness's rising temper at bay. "I have agreed to be there, my lady. I am just saying, I do not like it."

"As I used to say to my men of the freelancers, 'Pity to be you'." Sylvia turned her attention to Ewan. "I cannot understand why you do not want to make a visible sign of your awareness of the situation."

Ewan grumbled something not meant to be clearly heard. "Because no matter what His Highness says, I do not think this is done. Nor do I think others that worked with the Baron will try a similar tactic, but I do think they will go to ground and plan again. I have to root them out. I cannot do that while being paraded about the negotiating table like a dog on a leash."

"Far from my thought, Ewan, I assure you. Though I did think you would want to be near your mother, and this was the opportunity to do just that." Sylvia shook her head and closed her eyes against a nearing headache. When she opened them again, she spoke in a less pressing tone. "Very well, Ewan keep to your ways, but I want some few at least to see you are in town."

He gave a nod, "Aye, I know exactly who you mean." So he did, without a doubt. Some few merchants had dealings with less than worthy fellows and might take it in mind to cut down their competition if not the nobility.

"You said Sianna spoke of knowing some remedies for your mother."

Ewan gave a nod, "She did mention the possibility, but I have not had opportunity to speak with her further."

"Do so. As much as I do not like drawing in the advancements of other cultures, I think of all those we have met Sianna's might be the least cause for alarm." A slow sigh raised and lowered her shoulders. "Still, keep cautious about it. The King has no need to send assassins if he feels I have broken faith with Palendies."

"I would not let that happen." Ewan stated soberly.

"No," she gave a smile, "of course not." Turning her attention to Gaerwyn once more, she asked, "And have you seen to the exchange? I do not like leaving matters in others hands, but it is becoming a new habit of late."

"A wise habit in most cases," Gaerwyn smiled. "Aye, that I have. It should not be a problem at all."

"Well then, gentlemen, it seems we are able to see to our evenings and feel as prepared as can be for the coming weeks."

"Days," Ewan interjected.

"Whatever it takes, Ewan," Sylvia countered.

A round of nods all about.