A/N: I have some extra time on my hands so maybe I'll finish up this fic. I had to spend the whole afternoon reading the previous chapters to remember what I had written and where I left off. I haven't written in forever, so hopefully I'm not TOO rusty. I also went back and did some minor editing to previous chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or places, except for a couple of lousy servants. Sherwood Smith owns them and is nice enough to let us all use them.

Two things of note happened all in one morning after length of calm at Court. One was that Lady Elenet, heir to Grumareth arrived. She had been absent for almost four years, requested away by order of Galdran. She ruled Grumareth in her Uncle's stead with a quiet hand but now would serve as a quiet threat to the Merindar family. Vidanric's unique way of saying he knew what that family was up to. The second was that a gift arrived for my cousin from his not so secret admirer.

"What do you make of that Russav?" Vidanric had asked me as we prepared our horses for lady Trishe's weekly morning ride. He tossed a small wooden box in my direction.

"It's a nice box?"

"Open it."

Inside was an ekirth stone, set in a gold band etched with laurel leaves. "Well Danric, I've known you a long time and I love you as a brother. But no, I will not marry you," I said with the most innocent expression that I could muster.

From the look on Vidanric's face, he didn't know if he should laugh or smack me. It was a reaction I often solicited from him.

"I received it as a gift this morning, from a certain lady. No note."

I tossed the ring back to him and he tucked it in his saddlebag. "Well what are you going to do about it?"

"So far I've not done a thing. And I'm still not sure what I will do. Wearing the ring will identify me, but I do not think she is ready to know who her Unknown truly is. It's too soon."

"This situation is a quandary dear cousin."

"Russav, it's disheartening to hear you have no advice for me. I thought you had written the book on courtship."

"I'm only an expert at courting ladies in person, not by letter. How could I? Half the court thinks me to be illiterate."

"No Russav, only a third of the Court. Let's go before we are late."

Arriving at the meeting place for our riding party, many of our friends were there, including the newly arrived Elenet. She had arrived the evening before and had only had a private audience with Vidanric and his parents as of yet. Elenet had always been well liked, but before had not been worth much socially. Now an heir to a Duchy and personal friend of the King to be, she was at the center of attention.

Much like Nee, her best friend, Elenet was understated and kind to all. I tried to recall what she had looked like before she left all those years ago. She looked much the same, grey-blue eyes and light hair. She had grown a few more inches. It was her demeanor that was the most different. She seemed more at peace with herself.

As we waited for a few others to arrive, Vidanric and I greeted out old friend.

"Lady Elenet, welcome back to Court," I said. "It has been far too long since you grace us with your good humor and beauty. Though I trust you find the atmosphere much improved."

She bowed to me as much s one could on horseback, giving me a faint smile. "My Lord Savona, thank you. I do indeed find the atmosphere as well as the company much improved."

"You'll ride alongside us Elenet?" asked Vidanric.

"Of course Your Grace. I look forward to being reacquainted with old friends."

It that, Trishe raised the hue and we were off. We cantered at an easy pace along the trails, taking our time to reach the meadow that was our destination for brunch. Here and there our peers made light wagers for jumping logs and brooks. Up ahead I heard a familiar voice.

"Bran! You're up already. What a surprise to find you here!" Meliara was making an unexpected appearance. Glancing at my cousin, I saw his eyes flit to Meliara and quickly back to Elenet. A second later Meliara's eyes left her brother for the briefest second in search of Vidanric. It took everything I had not to roll off my horse laughing at them.

"Not as surprising as finding you here, Mel," Bran replied. "We take a morning ride once a week, unless it rains. Trishe puts up a breakfast spread in some nice grassy spot-"

His sister quickly cut him off. "'Tis true I haven't seen much of anyone these mornings, but I've been locked up studying for a special project. But I'm nearly done, so I find myself free." Trishe then rode up and Mel fell in quickly by her side. All in all it wasn't a bad performance on her part. '

Arriving at our destination, we dismounted and tended to our mounts. Meliara caught Vidanric's eye on her. He needed to be more subtle.

"I have to honor to introduce to you Lady Elenet Kheraev of Grumareth."

"How do you do," Meliara politely replied. Somehow she looking curious, confused, and wary all at once.

As hot chocolate as pan breads were served, our company broke off into small groups. Elenet stayed by my and Danric side and Tamara deigned to grace us with her presence.

"Good morning your graces," she said sweeping a lovely curtsey. I wondered how long she practiced those in the mirror every day. "And Lady Elenet. You are looking well. How long had it been since you last visited? We have all missed you a great deal."

Elenet returned Tamara's curtsy, only not a low. Elenet now ranked above her. "Thank you Lady Tamar. Everyone has been so kind on my return."

"I hope Russav and Vidanric have been hospitable this morning. And we must have a celebration soon to mark your return. That is unless one is not already being planned."

"Nothing as of yet Tamara," I replied. "Lady Elenet only arrived last night. She has hardly had time to unpack her trunks."

Leave it to Tamara to assess positions as early as possible. She had been much subdued since her incident with Meliara, but she was nevertheless the uncontested queen of the Court. She wanted to know what sort of competition she faced from Elenet. Luckily for Tamara, Elenet had not grown any ambition during her time away.

Tamara continued engaging with Elenet, telling her about this or that party, outing or concert. Elenet politely listened and only on occasion did the ladies ask for mine or Danric opinion. I was content enough to watch Tamara talk and laugh. She had changed a bit since that night with Meliara. She was a little more relaxed. Every now and then she glanced up and gave me a dazzling smile. I made my heart stop.

What was it about her? She had fire running through her veins. The hatred she showed belied the passion underneath and I felt it too. We had been doing this dance since childhood. We fought but we always made up. This current fight happened to be lasting a long time. I could hardly remember the last time I had been in a room alone with her.

On second thought I did remember. She had called a number of names after I taunted her making eyes at Galdran. I had called her shameless in her pursuit for a crown and she had called me a lout. I wished I could forget that again.

The arrival of Meliara pulled me from my reverie. She greeted Vidanric first. "Good morning. How much I wish to thank you for putting my in the way of finding the proper books for my project."

Vidanric bowed. "If you have any further questions, it's be my pleasure to accommodate you."

"I'd be honored," she replied, curtseying while her hands made the fan gesture of Unalloyed Gratitude.

I shot her a grin and motioned the fencer's salute for a good hit. I wondered why we had ever thought this woman couldn't hold her own at Court. Plus she'd been civil to Danric all morning. I wasn't sure what had precipitated this change, but I knew Vidanric would accept it with open arms.

"You'll be in the race tomorrow?" asked Tamara.

"Of course," replied Meliara. "I have to prove whether my wins last time were luck, skill – or the kindness of well-wishers."

"And once you've proved which it is?"

"Why then either I celebrate, commiserate – or fulminate!"

We all laughed at that. This morning was too bizarre. First Meliara seeking my cousin out and being civil then Tamara being polite to Meliara.

Meliara turned to Vidanric once more. "Will you be there?"

"I hope to be."

"Riding your grey?"

"Is that a challenge," he volleyed back, his edge of his mouth curving into a smile. Stars, their bet! I would chide him later but if I was in his shoes I would have brought it up to.

I feigned disinterest and ignorance as Meliara's face went red. She had not forgotten their wager as well. She bent over her gown to adjust a ribbon, retying the bow.

"I think I'd better find out if my luck is due to skill or kindness before I make any pledges."

"Very well. A friendly race will suffice." Thank goodness for that. If his first wager with the woman was for a kiss, his second might be for marriage.

Tamara watched the exchange like a hawk. Elenet merely looked uncomfortable. What had Danric told her about Meliara already?

We talked more of the races, who was betting on who, and somehow Danric and I wound up in a wager. Winner got to choose the other's dance partner at the next ball. After talk of the races came to a close, Meliara retreated back to her family's side.

I suppressed a laugh as I watched her go. She had done well today. Maybe even well enough to dispel some of the gossip that never spent any time in the Marquis of Shevraeth's company.

A/N: It is ok after such a long break? Review's make me sparkle with joy.