[Quiet Man Cometh]

Outside, Godiva practically marched to the stables with Elgron in tow.

"Your brother has questionable taste." She lifted a saddle from a rack and set in on a wood mount, then leaned over it to examine seams and leather condition.

"Does it run in the family?" Godiva glared at him, and he smirked. "Your choice of words."

She scoffed and flipped her hair over her other shoulder to look at the other side of the saddle. "He's making informed decisions of state while admiring the view?"

"Come now, you've hardly seen either of them and nothing of the rest of the company. Whatever my brother's method of diplomacy, our situation has improved. Just how much, I assume you will judge for yourself."

Godiva looked back at Elgron and smiled. "Of course."

"How much time to we have before dinner? I would go over the details on the fortress again."

"Plenty. The papers are in my room."