#anywhere

"No, they are content. I would defend them from any threat." Sip. "Tell me, you say your staff is mostly out - so is this normally a busier place? Many sidhe about? Or... selkies, so close to the sea?"

His own eyes twinkle at something

"Selkie Rock is practically part of the hold...or at least the grounds. As you might already know, Pacifica likes to boast of that kiths' population by virtue of our oceanic shores. Though I know folks in Apples are right wise proud of their many harbors. As for busy, like the tide, it changes. For a time there was quite a lot of sidhe, but that was during the arrival of the lost houses as they were called. Daireann aplenty in this duchy. I am co sworn to one now. She tolerates me. The Duke, a Gwydion and I, get on better still. BUt I respect them both. Thanks to my marraige to a Fiona, more non Liams pay homage to me than in the past. Is there a particular sidhe you're looking for?"

Satyrs behind a building 🍆 Update required?

(No. Keep moving)

"A particular one? No. Curiosity. I am something of a cat."

"No doubt of the 'but satisfaction brought it back' school of thought I'm sure" Amused "I ask because you seem to be taking a census, particularly of nobles. "

"A census? No. But this is... an odd hold. Very much of its lord, I think. You have been here long."

"And... are something of a magician, I think, though you wear blue with your silver."

"Let us say that I have had time to satisfy my own curiosities, in the area of magic as well. You seem to know more about me than I do about you, Esther. Not atypical for sluagh, your kith are right wise proud of their information gathering skills.. may I ask where you are traveling to after this? "

"To the sea, and then, mayhaps, through the plains once more. It is the swiftest way back home."

_Hall of mirrors, so many fae caught. All types. Guards here. Glass stronger than steel. SO much glamour. _

"Firnost is handy like that" he admits

"So many paths to explore! Why, I am no Knight of the Way, but I see the appeal. I have followed new paths a'times, just to see where they lead..."

"An indulgence I envy" He smiles "Yes. Not all friendly, but many to be sure. "

"No, not all friendly. But I have been fortunate, as a whole."

"I'm glad to hear it. Have you any other questions for me?"

"With so few Liam holds, do you see many visitors from your house?"

A tilt of his head "Define many"

(Be wary. Observe outside, do not enter alone.)

"Well, only Liam from Pacifica, or from other parts of Concordia?"

"Oh, well, most are from the Duchy itself..though Duke Ewan frowns on them being shunned by any hold. For which we're grateful but we have some from further afield. Why, once I met a sluagh from apples"

"There are many sluagh in apples, aye."

"As for Liam house brothers and sisters, I dare say almost every kingdom in Concordia has had at least one visit here over my time here. It's no mecca of the house, but as you say, it's a known Liam hold . Why, we even have a Liam Duke, though he will never inherit here"

"I imagine it is difficult for a Liam Duke to find a holding. Truly, the tribulations of title, the burden of nobility..."

"Why to live and not rule? Unmatched suffering."

"Now you sound like young Baron Quinlann, 'sidhe world problems' he jokingly calls it" A tilt of his head "Though his Grace spoke kindly of Firnost as he was on the run there for a time"

"Aye - I know something of Quinlann."

"Proud people, the Daireann."

"yes, yes they are. How do you know him? I can give you directions to his hold after your time here if you wish to visit an old friend?"

Oh dear. her spy has found a popccorn machine? He could be trapped for hours

A smile at something.

"As you said, many go to Firnost. Is it a close hold? I would care to see him, aye."

"Close enough by trod, first hill holding, under their graces greater hold. He's been ideal for it, a natural gift for hospitality that one. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the Dairean, for blazon theft if nothing else" A wink "But he's one of the 'good ones'. "

"Well, the Liam crest is not well known outside of scholarly circles, nu? But yes, he is one of the 'good ones." Somehow, it doesn't feel like she means Daireann.

"I had wondered if you much liked sidhe, or perhaps nobles. Still, you've been more respectful to me with 'sirs' than some are with a sneering your excellency. So I can hardly complain. Don't worry, reformers and even modernists have their right of haven recognized here. How did you come to know Quinn? I know he spent time at Firnost often years ago."

"I encountered him there, aye. But he has been busy since his elevation."

childlings... one of them a redcap. LEAVING popcorn 😭

Another of those fugitive smiles.

"Indeed." He ponders, "Esther, I can't help but shake the feeling you aren't telling me everything. Then I realized this is akin to griping about a pooka not telling the truth. " A chuckle and a sip "We all, of any kith, have our secrets and your kind, forgive the typecasting, more than most. I'll try to respect that. What can I do to make your stay more enjoyable?"

(Describe and follow!)

"Well, the tea is lovely... the room, more so. Mayhaps there are places worth exploring that.. ah... offer different secrets from that oh so tempting fun house?"

(Drat.)

"Most of my secrets are well secured, but I am proud of my hold. The Carousel may look run down but the horses there can both heal and fight. The Dutchman is tricky, be wary of that. Could end up in the sea of the Dreaming. You might find some vendors. Fairy floss is a hit for many. A lot of what appears to be run down or broken holds a magic still, but then, I imagine that's no surprise to you"

(I know.)