The Burning Flame

[The Flint]

Taking the offered arm, Lady Varner follows Garlan towards the carriage.

[melon]

As they ride through Oldtown in the carriage Garlan looks up at Lady Varner, "Ilisebeth I must tell you something."

[The Flint]

"Yes Garlan, what is it you must tell me?" She asked, smiling.

[melon]

"Ever since you have arrived in this city and I have had time to talk with you I have began to have feelings for you that I have never had for any other woman." Garlans voice is low and he looks at the floor.

[The Flint]

She chuckled, "Oh.. Garlan..." When she sees he is serious, she stops laughing. "I apologize for laughing Garlan, but let us be practical. I am 42, you are 50. What right do we have for feelings we have never felt before. That is for younger pups than us. Even if you were sure about your feelings, and it wasn't just the wine, I'm much to old to give you children, and I know you said you wished some."

[melon]

Garlan looked up, "But I do not care I wish to hold you as my wife and kiss you on the forehead and do everything for you. I am 50 but that doesn't matter I do not feel and I'm sure I know a few things to make you feel younger." Garlan has a sly wink for Ilisebeth.

[The Flint]

She laughs and slaps his hand gently. "You old codger," she says, all smiles. "I admit Garlan that you are a sweethearted man, and things have been ever so lonely since Marcus passed. If there were not other issues to consider, I would be inclined to agree. It would be nice to feel young again." Than she frowned. "But my son has just inherited the Varner lands, and as yet has no sons. He is in a tenuous position, and war darkens the horizon. He will be suspicious and against such a match, even if it is just for the idle entertainment of two old hearts."

[melon]

"Then have him get married. I will give him all the money he could ever need to help get a wife I will do anything to have you as my wife Ilisebeth." There are tears now in Garlans eyes.

[The Flint]

Lady Varner gives the man a hug. "Oh Garlan you sweet silly man. I can promise to speak to my son, but that is all I can promise. But I would so love for him to agree, so if he is at all reasonable, please agree to his requests."

[melon]

"I would agree to anything for you to be my wife." Garlan sits down next to her and looks into her eyes.

[The Flint]

She smiles. "Than you are a very poor bargainer, and I do not know how you ever got as wealthy and comfortable in this city as you have. Perhaps I shall find out on the morrow." The carriage came to a stop. "I suppose this is the end of our evening. Do write to Lord Varner, and if you are as convincing as you were with me, I am sure he will be in agreement."

[melon]

"Good Bye Ilisebeth I will see you on the morrow." Garlan walks off into another part of the Hightower to his apartments.

[The Flint]

Lady Varner heads to her own apartment, where she sits down to write a letter, before sleep