Madeleine's Arrival.

You watch on with the others as a convoy of about a half dozen carriages winds its way towards the castle town. The banners they fly depict the red mountains of Sinnabarrow. Two trails of men follow on either side of the wagons, Sinnabarrovian Reds on the left, warriors unfamiliar to you on the right. Dark of complexion, just as Solla, they wear cloaks fastened with gleaming golden clasps, and armour of the sort that is rarely seen on the continent.

Making their way into the castle's courtyard, a familiar figure emerges from one of the frontmost carriages.

Princess Madeleine approaches you and Donald, an ecstatic smile on her painted lips. She is flanked by a small cadre of followers, including an older woman, a foreigner of regal bearing.

“Donald, Edward, Kara, it's a delight as ever!” Madeleine beams. The Red princess has swapped out her palace silks for luxuriant furs. There's snow on the ground to be sure, but the way Madeleine is dressed, you imagine she expected barely survivable temperatures.

“The pleasure's mine, your excellency, and let me welcome you back to Beatha.” Donald says, attempting to negate his surprise at her sudden and unannounced arrival. “We weren't expecting to see you.”

“Nonsense. When I heard what was occurring between you and the Deanians, I just had to come and offer my assistance.” Madeleine says smarmily. “Besides, why should King Edward have all the fun?”

“There's been precious little fun to be had so far.” Kara interjects.

“Well, I'm sure that'll change, now I'm here.” Madeleine remarks. Kara is clearly not best pleased, but the Sinnabarrovian remains oblivious.

“When you say assistance, what do you mean exactly?” Donald asks. “The... generous payments your father made for military aid have been lifesavers already.”

“I didn't come all this way to offer something as pedestrian as mere coin, Dear Donald.” Madeleine enthuses. “Though there's plenty of that, should you need it.”

“What I've come to contribute is my mind.” Madeleine tells everyone. “You know full well invention, innovation, the sciences are all hobbies of mine. Just think what you can accomplish with the power of my brain behind you! This Einar character will make for the sea before spring comes!”

Donald seems less than convinced. Kara seems openly hostile to Madeleine, and her presence in Beatha.

“With all respect, your excellency, inventions are all well and good, but they won't win this war.” Donald explains. “Men will. Bloodshed. ****.”

“Hence Madeleine sought me out.” The woman travelling alongside the young princess steps forward.

“I am Seki, regent of the Oro Elide. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” the woman announces herself. Her speech is accented, refined. She dresses well, in silks and jewels not unlike Sinnabarrovian fashion. Her skin is dark, but a shade or two lighter than Solla's, her hair an imposing sphere of curls.

“The Oro Elide?” Donald asks, only for Solla to step forward.

“Grace, you knew I left my homelands, to find work as a sellsword, yes?” the warmistress asks. “The Oro Elide are the reason I had to come as far as Beatha to ply my trade. Think of them as something between a large mercenary guild and a kingdom in their own right.”

“We are a kingdom.” Seki insists. “And once my son's ready to take his father's place, we'll have a king again. For now, Madeleine has purchased our time. We are pledged to her, blade and bow, tooth and claw.”

“The Elide are formidable.” Solla informs her king. “We'll do much better with them on our side.”

“Well, Edward hired any mercenary worth a damn on this continent for his campaign, according to my advisors, anyway.” Madeleine remarks. “So I thought... why not look further afield? And luckily, our realm has her hands in every part of the known world.”

“Are the men beyond the town the rest of your forces?” Donald asks. “They weren't too great a number.”

“An advance honour guard. The rest of our complement travel with the Sinnabarrovian forces and their aid supplies.” Seki clarifies. “Under the command of my departed mate's daughters.”

“These aren't supplies? Or arms?” Donald asks, looking to the convoy of wagons going out of the courtyard.

“These are my personal effects, Donald.” Madeleine scoffs. “Scientific equipment, tools, books. My winter wardrobe. A few... creature comforts.” She sniffs.

“Can't get homesick if you bring most a' your home wi' you.” Kara remarks. “Very wise.”

“Thank you, Kara.” Madeleine says sincerely.

“We should be able ta find a place for all this. If we move a few things around.” Donald remarks, rubbing his beard. “Shall we move this discussion inside?”

“I thought you'd never ask! Five minutes out of doors and I'm freezing my nose off!” Madeleine announces. “I really don't know how anyone could ever make a life here!”

“Our mother and uncle certainly found a way.” Kara reminds her.

“Good for them. Now can we please get into the warm?” Madeleine says, making for the castle's front door.

As she passes you, the Sinnabarrovian gives you a little smile. You reciprocate, before you remember Madeleine was more or less convinced you wanted to marry her. When she finds out about your recent wedding, there could be... diplomatic difficulties.