#anywhere

He rises, his bow still not quite in keeping with proper courtly style. Still, not bad for an iowan farm boy, "Good morning, Countess. Thank you again for helping the rescuees so graciously."

"My duty and my honor." She agrees. "Will you take breakfast before you depart?"

"Would you be insulted or offended if I declined?" He asks

A Mona-Lisa-smile. "Interested in why."

"Other obligations, loved ones waiting for me , they know I was in danger and while I might have texted them and so on, they still worry." he answers

He's on guard around her, a life time of courtly training, interactions and so forth have taught the Eiluned lady that much, but he does not see her as an enemy. He recognizes she's a being of power, and a potential threat to him if she wants to be. But is it because of her rank, or.. no, more than that. He's been in the shadow of power beyond politics before.

That curious head-tilt he saw the night before.

"Surely, expiring from hunger on the trods and in the Dreaming would not serve your purposes."

A bit of a smile at that, "I can afford to lose a pound or two if need be, your excellency. I'm slim for my kith but hardly starving. "

"At the least, in acknowledgment of your work for the Fae here, allow me to have something prepared to take with you."

"You're too kind. Of course if you wish. I don't want to insult you"

"As I said, Sir Earl, it is the least I could do." She motions to the servants, who do it.

"Please, take some coffee and be seated while we wait." She watches him closely.

The young man seems to realize that now it is coffee that keeps him here, but he does not protest, rather taking the seat "Thank you again, your excellency."

"Unless you would rather something else? Milk, Water, Juice, Tea?"

"Tea would be welcome. I'm actually not a very big coffee drinker, thank you"

Oh he's definitely not of Rivervale

She nods, and makes the change, taking a cup of darjeeling for herself.

When served, he says "To your health" and then drinks

"To yours." Sip. "Davrollo." She gets the attention of one of the servants. "Be so good as to ask Baron Rotislav to attend us?"

Darvollo bows and goes promptly

A sip from Earl "if you and your Baron have business, then I really should go, your excellency. I've imposed enough"

Sip.

"Oh, no such thing, Sir; no business really, but you understand how it is."

"I'm afraid the nuances of courts are probably beyond my ken. " He admits

An elegant eyebrow lifts. "A knight unschooled in the arts of court? Pardon my question but it's... unusual, in my experience."

"I've had some basic education, of course, so I don't completely offend my hosts ..or so I Hope. But I don't partake of the day to day operations of same."

Baron Rostislav arrives

She nods. "Not having a liege, and presumably not a court. Ah, Baron. Will you take refreshment?"

"Honored , my liege" He also has a tea, but glances at Sir Earl

"Ah, forgive me, this is Sir Earl. He and our Thane Tiffany brought refugees to our doors, with my gratitude."

"Then we have a hero among us" The Varich says "I am Baron Rostislav ap Varich, in service to the Countess and thus to Charm. It is good to meet you, Sir Earl." He raises a brow "An interesting name and title combination that"

"I thought so myself. One wonders... have you ever had your Da'an read, Sir?"

"Well, there's a Sir King out there that tops me so," Earl says with a touch of humor "But yes, it's been remarked upon. Good to meet you, ah Baron"

"I have in fact, yes, your excellency." Earl says.

"Ah.... of course you know Sir King." A faint smile. "Do give him my best when you see him."

A small smile.

"If you like, of course" Earl takes another drink.

"Your accent, Sir, midwestern Concordia? grass? I am thinking? " The Varich inquires "Languages and linguistics are a hobby of mine."

"Your ear is very good, sir. Yes." Earl does not elaborate

Earl takes another drink as it grows quiet.

Sip. "Sir Earl is just departing, once we get him a breakfast to go. Oh, I see here it is." A white paper bag, full; breakfast sandwiches, fruit, a bottled juice and in the other hand, a hot-cup of tea to go.

"A pity he could not linger. " the Baron nods

"Indeed, but his loved ones wait to see him."

"you're all very kind. Thank you. " He rises finishing off the cup. Then.. "Oh I may have made a mess.." he wipes at the empty cups edge and sets it down.

She chuckles and stands, offering her hand to him. "A pleasure to meet you, Sir Earl. I thank you again."

He takes the hand and while hee does not kiss it ,gives it a courtly squeeze and bow. Ah, political politics evade him, but he has bee n taught victorian manners? Then he takes the bag, "Your excellency. Baron. It was nice meeting you both. This hold is most generous, but it has those in need far more than I am now. I wish you both well"

She squeezes his hand back. "Travel safely, and feel free to return to visit."

"If I am fortunate, I shall" He says and out he goes.

As Earl is leaving. "And do give my best to the Raven."