((rerouted from the 1223.2 thread))
After Fiona returns from...wherever it was that Alexei dragged her off to (and thank God the grogs knew how to get back to the covenant!), Fiona will see to it that the groom removes and puts away Svardalfari's stuff, brushes him down and all the other stuff you're supposed to do with horses when you're done with them.
She heads back to her cottage, Creos a tub full of hot water, and takes a relaxing bath to ease the aches of muscles not used to such ill treatment.
When she feels clean and relaxed enough, she dries herself off, puts on one of her nicer gowns, has Moire help with her hair, gets a bottle of good wine, and heads over to Alexei's cottage. (Yes, she's dressing up...don't laugh, you've never seen Fiona when she does herself up nice...rowr!)
She knocks on his door, firmly but not loudly or angrily. [color=blue]"Alexei, may I come in? I'd like to talk to ye, if ye have the time."