That does not actually make Scyelen any less nervous about the idea!

But she just leans on Raafi as the carriage trundles along.

And he can tell her about the time he got lost in the mountains and stumbled onto an unusually friendly kobold mine, which he stayed at for a few days until they tried to let their dragon protector eat him, at which point he teleported out, unharmed and with a few rare trinkets and an interesting story to tell.

Scyelen isn't sure if that story was meant to be allegorical or just entertaining, but it is entertaining so she doesn't ask.

Shortly, the carriage arrives once more at Mott's manor.

Raafi pauses to send a message to Siesta when they're about twenty minutes out, letting her know that they're almost there, and when they reach the manor, but before the carriage comes to a stop, he offers Scyelen the same spell that was in the potion yesterday - "it's called Eagle's Splendor, if you ever want to ask me for it, and it'll last fifteen minutes or half an hour when I cast it; half an hour, today."

"...maybe just in case. Unless you think you'll need it for something else?"

"I don't expect to, but I have a spare, just in case." And he casts it and offers her the glowing spell in his hand.

She takes it.

They get out of the carriage and march up to the manor. She tells the guard on the door who they are and that they're expected.

This time they're brought directly up to Mott's study.

Mott himself seems a little skeptical.

"Back so soon? I hope you aren't foolish enough to think my tolerance extends further than it already has..."

"Oh, no, we've got it." He holds up the case. "How's Siesta doing?"

Mott tries and fails to not seem too eager. "Fine she's fine let's see it!"

He glances at Scyelen, she can pipe up anytime - "How about we get her started packing before you get too distracted with your new reading material."

Mott starts to scowl.

"I dearly hope you are not stupid enough to set foot on my lands with intent to swindle me. The Book. Either hand it over now, or I'll know you for a liar."

He rolls his eyes and hands it over.

Mott's scowl vanishes as he snatches the leather case and eagerly unlocks it.

He pulls out The Book of Erotic Fantasy reverently, then flips it open. He gasps in delight, flipping through it page by page.

"Oh by the Founder's Fortune, it's exquisite!"

"Of course. Siesta?"

"Hm hm," he makes a dismissive noise. He snaps and gestures at one of the guards.

That guard goes over to the writing desk and pulls a roll of parchment out of a drawer, then brings it over to Scyelen.

Scyelen unrolls it where Raafi can see, and it does indeed appear to be Siesta's contract.

The guard opens a connecting door and calls out into the adjoining room, and a few moments later, Siesta herself pokes her head in, spots Scyelen and Raafi with her contract, and breaks out in a smile as she rushes over to them.

He's not going to hug her right here in front of everybody but it should be pretty clear to her that he'd like to. "Ready to go, sweetheart?"

Siesta also would like to hug him but is hesitating.

"Oh, I'll be just a minute." She bows deeply to both of them. "I'll get my things!"

She rushes off the way she came.

"That seems to be everything in order, then."

"Indeed. Guards, show them out."

Siesta meets them in the hallway on the way out of the north wing and walks with them down to the carriage.

Once they're outside she glomps onto Raafi with a beaming smile. "Thank you so much! And you too Miss Scyelen!"

He returns the hug gladly. "You're entirely welcome."

Siesta stows her luggage and sits across from them in the carriage.

Once they're moving, she sighs happily. "Thank you both again. To think you'd trouble yourself so for my sake, it's a little embarrassing, but it warms my heart."

"Of course we would, sweetheart."

"Have either of you thought about what you want to do next? Unless I've misunderstood something, the contract is Scyelen's now."

Siesta nods at this.

"Miss Scyelen," she says, injecting a little formality into her tone. "Though my contract was intended for general custodial service, as the legal holder I would be happy to place myself exclusively at your and at Raafi's complete disposal."