Gideon uttered a noncommittal "Hm," and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. It wasn't the resounding commitment he'd been hoping for, but it was better than nothing. "I will have my valet draft up a proposal for a contract. In the meantime, I will gratify your request for permission to administer healthcare, and I will give you access to the maps in the Eisenhorn Library... as a sign of good will," he said while he returned Cicely's gaze pointedly.

He strode over to his desk and sat down in the large, leatherclad chair that served as the effective throne of his domain. Dipping his quill (a rather large, colorful example) in a pot of ink, he wrote (in elegant, large strokes) the permission slip to access the aforementioned maps. Gideon reached over and grabbed a document from the far corner of the desk, which he signed swiftly and with a note of finality. Scraping back his chair, he returned to Cicely and handed her the two promised documents.

"Now then," he began, "if you wish to stay and mingle, feel free to return to the great hall. If you'd prefer to return to the inn, ask one of the footmen -- they will escort you to a carriage. Alternatively, a room can be prepared for you in the castle. You would be my honored guest," he said and graced his face with the most inviting smile he could muster. "Somewhere on the second floor, perhaps, away from all the bustle."