#anywhere

"his own? My House could use such a one then..." Irpa says.

Earl, perhaps feeling a bit hunted at having inquiry made into his service twice in the same night, simply says "Very kind but, well, I am illsuited to truly focused service to any liege, forgive. You deserve better"

"mmph" Irpa sips the drink served her "So be it. THane Tiffany, my thanks. How can I repay either of you?"

Earl ponders asking the woman if she has property in the North East she'd like to hand over, or maybe enough money for a year rent, but instead says "For my part, please, in the future, leave the bones of my great great ancestors undisturbed. Any troll you want would remember their oaths anyway I'm sure"

"mmph" Irpa says again, "And Thane Tiffany, as you are the arm of your liege I am yet further grateful to her, but if there is something else?"

"Love your accent, but I don't have time for Swedish lessons, Baroness," The Thane says humbly "The countess provides to me everything a cat pooka could want' her tail wag "And my liege knows better what might be ah, appropriate for the County of Charming."

Irpa looks impressed with that response, and says to Thea "She is as loyal as her affinity, your excellency"

"Thane Tiffany has proved an unexpected boon in more ways than one, and is a valued member of this household." Akanthea confirms.

Once you go Skunk, all other women are junk

Tiffany's tail flies furiously even as the rest of her holds professionally still

"She will need rest, my liege" The healer advises

Adelaide says "If you'd like, I could escort her to a suite of honor, Countess. SHe is of title, and while a servant would do ,she deserves a grander escort perhaps?"

"Thank you, yes. Baroness, my ward and heir, Adelaide of my own House. She'll see to your quarters."

"What a charming childling." With aid, the Aesin is on her feet, and escorted to a suite. Already the ward is playing the oh so curious because you are so worth curiousity card on the Aesin. Eiluned are not as skilled at manipulation as Ailil, but the girl is quite social and knows how to ingratiate. Now if only she'd study her languages iwth a bit more diligence.

Earl says "Your excellency, for those that aren't staying, and have been healed and bathed, I think I'll take them to other opportunities, if they want, of course. Thank you again for your aid"

"Nonsense, Sir, I insist you stay and be tended to as well." She glances around at the remaining rescuers, her gaze lingering on the little redcap for a moment.

Dirk has some scraps, grazes and cuts. He's kept very quiet for a redcap. And clearly respects either her or the fact there are guards that coudl crush him

despite being a sizable tough looking wilder himself

"This one.... is he a rescue, or rescuer?"

"You're too kind, thank you. I'll try not to be any trouble while here" He says

Earl that is

"And a rescuer, this is Dirk. He's of Rivervale" Earl says

The redcap shrugs

"Another one? Hm. Well, let's get you both tended to." She signals. "Thane Tiffany, I think you may need healing as well. Please show them the way?"

She bows, then "This way, gents. Hup..hup..." And off the three go

A troll who walks in the shadow of power... a redcap of Rivervale aiding? An interesting thing when an Aesin Baroness re scued from a white slavery is the least interesting thing in the evening

To the secretary standing nearby, Thea murmurs "You have the details? Let's get them researched please. I'd like to know who I'm dealing with."

A soft nod. It will be done.

(end scene)

---------

Thea has accumulated much knowledge , of course, her notes and assistants who were there last night fill her in on some basics. But the matter of Sir Earl? Ah..well

The study of the glamour on him has proven most interesting. A girl, a sluagh, zara...

The troll fellow himself mentioned he was an artist. While Pooka re not the most reliable sources, more is the pity, Thane Tiffany has a smart phone and ....well, Earl DeBuke has a website with his art on it, samples you know? Further research on this morbid but promising artist clicks more into place. Iowa? He's originally from Iowa. Something about trolls and Iowa. What was it dear vali had said? Oh yes,, it it involved Rostislav's ambitions, and trolls. THe Varich has been redirected, and to the County's advantage.

"Mmmm...." No Varich she, but she does love a puzzle. She has a warm glow when she rises from bed, her companions dozing a bit more. A dressing gown, a changing of the (alert) guards, and a cup of coffee and croissant. There. That's more civilized. She listens to a morning briefing as she showers and dresses.

The reports on the rescued guests confirm much of what she already knew. While kithain are remarkably resistant, they have been through great abuse and trauma , and may need time to heal mentally and otherwise fully, but they are on the way. "While Sir Earl seems tight lipped, some of those rescued talked more freely once isolated from him. They are grateful to him, and Thane Tiffany and Redcap Dirk... and so on. Of Sir Earl, many didn't know he was a knight untl last night indicating he does not adverstise his title. He is a 'DeBuke' and had offered some of them haven on a Farm of his family. The boy, Dirk, slipped out mere hours later after he was given a bed to rest in. He took trods to Firnost, and from there, Rivervale."

"Pity he left without saying anything, we might have given him a more direct route...."

"Sir Earl is still here?"

"Well, redcaps and rudeness." A soft shrug "Nothing seemed damaged in his room or stolen."

"Mm." She pauses. "How does the chandalier in the Great Hall look?"

"Yes, he's actually been quite attentive to the rescuees this morning, checking on each one. We suspect he has their contact information and has given them his. He is showing all signs of preparing to go, but whether he will come to wish you thanks once more, or just pass on his thanks vicariously we're not sure." At mention of the chandelier "Seems untouched since last night, your excellency"

She nods. "Hm. I'll see Sir Earl in the Solarium. Please have a breakfast sent. Let me know when he's in place."

"It'll be arranged, of course. " They nod "As for other matters regarding the balor plans that were the cause of this rescue? We're still working on names involved on just what noble or nobles in that house were behind it. As you know, the Balor fancy themselves the 'bad boys' of the noblity one way, and yet an army in another way but the truth is we suspect factions at cross purpsoses within the house are prime. Favors could be asked, contacts made, 'friends' put to work... but it would risk attention if overplayed"

The Countess shakes her head. "More than maimed, it's the insane ones that hobble that House. That, and the dedication to dark masters."

"I can contact Dame Layna if you wish a survey of charm? " Her reputation as a spy who uncovers Balor pretending to be Eiluned is well respected "But the Balor have not tried that in this county in years."

"Best to be safe, let's do a sweep. Yes."

A nod, word will be sent "Anything else before the breakfast, your excellency?"

"I don't think so. I'll join him in the Solarium."

Friends depart, and soon Akanthea-ap-Eiluned is making her way towards the Solarium

Ack, Flee the Dread Sovereign

The tap-click of her walking stick precedes her, and a servant in livery opens the door as she sweeps in. "Sir Earl." in greeting. "Good morning." A few more servants filter in to set up breakfast among other things.