"Well, we've enough, I suppose," the Chancellor continued. He referred to his notes as he recounted the events which took place in the ballroom. A few details were interjected by other Council members then an earnest discussion began, trying to find out precisely what happened and why. It had been discovered that the minister who'd been the primary target did indeed have enemies in his own province. They'd taken the opportunity of his travel to strike at him, since he was without his usual protective guard. After all, on his home ground he was at the center of attention, but in a ballroom full of dignitaries, he was not so special nor watched so closely.

Incidental injuries were discussed, at which point Wenndolyne saw Lord Wolf glancing over his shoulder to find her in the gallery. To the other relayed accounts, Wolf added Wenndolyne's notice of the jeweled dagger. She lowered her head and found a sudden interest in a fold of her skirts. Thankfully she was not asked for any details herself. Lord Wolf covered them well enough.

Before Wenn knew it, the meeting was adjourned and the gathering began to filter out of the dining hall. She was leaving the building as the Chancellor caught her. He was very gracious and smiling, as usual. He apologized for her first official experience ending so poorly. He'd heard good reports of her performance of duty and thanked her again for accepting the post. The brief exchange still wandered in her thoughts as she proceeded down the colonnade.

"May I walk with you, M'Lady?"

Thoughts abruptly shifted as Wenndolyne looked aside to see Lord Wolf there. She hadn't time to consider and just reacted with a shake of her head. "No. I think that would not be wise." Her face flushed. She felt a bit disrespectful but it was said. Her steps quickened. She wanted to get away. For several steps her heart pounded in her ears. She had no idea if he was pacing her. She didn't want to look. She just concentrated on the light and shadow of the arches and columns as she continued on.

With uncustomary hesitation in his voice, Lord Wolf persisted. "Please, M'Lady Wenndolyne... I've wish to speak with you and it has naught to do with the Admiral or Sir Poet or any such things."

Wenn didn't stop, but she slowed her walk to a more reasonable pace. She stepped from the end of the colonnade into full sunshine and couldn't think where to go from there. Her feet carried her onward. She was headed to the fountain in the gardens, though hardly aware of it. Quietly she acquiesced, "Very well," still without looking at her shadower.

Wolf was a little exasperated that she wouldn't stop to let him speak. He was at least grateful that she began to walk more casually. "Thank you. I only wanted to express my concerns over your injury."

"It's healing well enough. Likely gone in a day or two with no hint remaining." Mercy, she was being so cold and crisp with him. It felt terrible. It was not her usual way, yet she wanted to make a point of keeping him at a distance, or perhaps keeping herself separated from him, figuratively if not literally.

"Tis not only this particular incident, M'Lady, but the potential in future as well."

"I can't imagine that all state occasions end in such a way, else they would surely stop having them." Her sharp manner was growing even more disturbing to her than Lord Wolf's nearness.

As they passed beneath the cool shade of trees welcoming them into the gardens near the castle, Wolf stopped and asked her to please do the same so he might speak with her on this topic.

Wenn finally came to a halt a couple of paces ahead of him. She clasped her hands tightly at her waist, set her jaw and turned to face him. "Please sir, I am well. I shall have no lasting effects from Saturday eve's adventure. I do not expect that there shall oft be a repeat of such things." She lost her edge and her nerve as she looked into Wolf's face. He was not playing the predator. He didn't seem to be playing at all. In fact, she saw deep concern in his eyes. It was more disturbing than the feeling of being tracked by him.

Her voice softened, "I appreciate your concern, truly, but I think you may be overwrought. The wound was slight and accidental."

He approached slowly, lest she turn and walk away from him again. He stopped just within arm's length of her and paused to search her face before continuing in a somewhat tight voice, "Wenn... That accidental wound was barely a hand's breadth from the flow of your life's blood. Can you not see that just being in the company of such dignitaries, you are in danger. Despite the Guard and their exemplary watchfulness, without personal defense, you are at risk."

She could not deny the logic of this. She considered herself safe and immune to such violence because she knew herself to be no one of consequence, but Lord Wolf spoke truth. She currently bore a thin line upon her shoulder to prove it.

"Well, I have... I have..." She had nothing. What good was her pouch of stones in the events that transpired in the ballroom? She could have been dead before her hand would have a chance to sift for protection or solution. "I don't know what purpose it serves to frighten me. I have accepted a post and shall perform my duties. I shall have to trust that this sort of thing is not a real threat to my person." Brave words, but she was still a bit scared over his revelation.

Wolf actually smiled. "Dear lady, it was not my intent to frighten you and certainly not without offering solution which is why I have been so adamant in pursuing you this day." He presented his closed hand between them, which Wenn had not previously noticed. He opened his fingers to reveal within his palm a medallion on a chain. The pendant was a flat disk except for the relief of the howling head of a wolf.

Thoughts flew. Jewelry? What was he doing? Even Wenn, in her usually innocent motives, could see potential subterfuge here. Was all of this just a ploy to give her a gift, to perhaps buy some measure of her affection? On the other hand, he seemed sincere and his words rang true.

"Lord Wolf, pardon me for being slow-witted, but I fail to see the connection between this item and your premise and what at all this may have to do with me. If you'll excuse me--"

"Wenndolyne, please hear me out. Firstly, there is nothing slow-witted about you." He nearly laughed. Wenn was not as amused. "Secondly, this is not an item of adornment. It is a talisman of sorts. It bears my symbol, for I created it. I imbued it with... with certain properties, one of which is protection and thusly I thought upon it yesterday when considering the possible dangers to you as you perform your duties on Camelot's behalf."

She had been ready to turn and leave him with his bauble but again his words seemed truthful and sincere. "Still, I think it is not appropriate for me to accept such a gift. I do thank you again for your concern, but--"

He knew precisely where her thoughts had led. "Then think not on it as a gift from one who seeks your hand, but from a member of the Council who is concerned that the Amitress has insufficient personal protection. I merely seek to remedy a potentially dangerous situation."

Wenn looked down at the pendant again then up into Wolf's eyes. Reluctantly and after some moments of silent consideration, she nodded. "I do see your point. Perhaps I could wear it only on such occasions as it might be needed."

"I'm afraid that would not be practical. Firstly, there is always the potential of danger. Secondly, if you allow me to place it about your neck, then only I may remove it." Wenn frowned at this until Wolf explained further, "This is merely part of the protection. If any other could remove it, then you could easily be rendered vulnerable again. As it is, you only need trust me not to bring harm upon you and surely, despite all, you do."

"Yes. Yes, I can't see that you intend me harm. After all, you've proven your protectiveness already." She sighed and again nodded. "Very well. I accept your talisman, but... I think it will take some explaining to others." Particularly Poet, she thought. She didn't have to say it, Wolf knew her concern, "If he truly loves you, m'lady, how can he object to something that is meant to keep you from harm?" With that, he slipped the fine chain over Wenn's head. He took great pleasure in helping her draw her long hair from it, then stepped back. He felt he'd pressed her enough.

"I am relieved that you have accepted this token of my concern and its protection. All you need do to invoke it is give it thought. The pendant itself is merely a focal point. If you have thoughts of self-defense or focus fear of danger into ... a wish... then the medallion will set a ward around you, preventing or deflecting attack. It will help your concentration to grasp the pendant itself in your hand."

He could tell by the furrow of her brow that this procedure was not entirely clear, at least, she couldn't see the connecting action in it. But then, she was obviously not trained in the use of magical energies. "Worry not. We shall discuss it more at length and even practice, if you desire, but for now, I have a pressing matter and I must leave your gracious company, my lady." He extended his hand, requesting hers. Wenn offered it so he might kiss her hand with his parting bow.

Wenn was quite relieved to see Lord Wolf walk away then she finally looked at the wolf pendant more closely. It was a fine piece of metalwork. She was sure it would also catch entirely too much attention, especially from a certain poet. She decided then to slip the pendant beneath her bodice, out of sight.