After getting rid of the infestation of rats in the larder (they were shocked to discover that that was the reason Siren raided the place), Elissa set off with Ser Gilmore and Siren to find her brother. She suspected he might be in his room, spending his last moments before battle with his wife and son.
As they turned the corner, heading to the bed chambers, Elissa noticed a group of people blocking the path. It seemed Landra, Dairren and Iona made it to the estate safely. Elissa's mother, Eleanor, seemed to be in a deep conversation with them.
Elissa tried to surreptitiously move past the group, but her mother caught sight of her.
"Ah, Elissa, darling!" Eleanor pronounced.
Elissa groaned.
"Do say hello to our guests, dear."
"Hello, Lady Landra," Elissa smiled, weakly.
"Good afternoon, my dear. The last time we met- ah, it's still a bit fuzzy," Landra replied.
Elissa laughed. "That was because you nearly drank our entire stock of wine."
"Yes, I was quite drunk. If I remember correctly, I attempted to engage you and Dairren."
"And made a poor case of it, if I might add," Dairren butted in.
"Hello Dairren," said Elissa, pleasantly. They certainly had a history, but that was long ago.
Dairren bowed his head.
"The offer is still open, my dear," said Landra, hopefully. "I may have been drunk, but I was serious."
Elissa stole a glance at Ser Gilmore. He had a huge smile on his face.
"As lovely as your son is, my Lady, I have no interest in arranged marriage."
She looked guiltily at Dairren, but he just nodded in understanding.
"Well, I won't give up until I've found her someone," said Eleanor.
Elissa rolled her eyes again. Twice in one day she had to shake off marriage proposals.
"Iona and I will be off. We'll be in the study if you need us." And with that Dairren and Iona were off.
"Goodbye," said Landra and she too went off.
"Off to see your brother, I suppose?" Eleanor questioned.
"Yes. Father wished me to inform him to leave as soon as possible with the army," Elissa replied.
A look of concern crossed Eleanor's face.
"He'll be fine," Elissa consoled.
"I know. But, the thought of losing him. And your father is leaving tomorrow. At least I'll have you," she replied.
Elissa shifted and glanced at Ser Gilmore. He beckoned her to go on.
"You know there is a Warden here?" Elissa asked.
"Of course. If I'm not mistaken, he has taken great interest in you, Ser Gilmore," Eleanor said, looking at Ser Gilmore.
"Indeed he does, but I'm sure he has greater interest in your daughter," Ser Gilmore replied.
Eleanor's face hardened. "He has expressed interest but I've made it very clear that she is not to be recruited."
"But-" Elissa started.
"But nothing. Your father and brother are both leaving, and I will go with Landra when she departs. You're the only one who will be able to take care of the castle when we've all left."
Elissa sighed, She knew there was no use. The Teyrna turned on her heel and marched away.
"I thought I might be able to convince her," Elissa said, sadly.
Ser Gilmore pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head.
"I might have to leave with the Warden tomorrow. This could very well be our last night together for a long time," he said.
She withdrew. "Meet me in my room tonight. If what you say is true, I want our last night together to be memorable."
Ser Gilmore kissed her softly. "As you wish, my lady."
Then, he too, left.
Elissa made for Fergus' room.