#anywhere

A slight stiffening, a shift of gait..and... yes, he pretends not to hear. He tries not to acknowledge.

without offending and is gone.

"He held up very well until that last part, tense, but polite. He does not trust you, my liege" The baron says

She chuckles again, clapping her hands softly. "No, I imagine he does not. "

"his patterns... more subtle than I'd give credit to most trolls but still not up to par in some ways. he wiped his cup. " Amused

She nods. "But had no real choice but to take my hand." She strokes her right-hand finger tips together.

"And unless he sleeps with a cap, by now if any hairs came loose while he slept, your servant has gathered them... I woudl suspect"

She nods. "Care is being taken in the room he used. However, I suspect I don't need too much."

"Not likely" he says "I am glad your excellency is entertained. While not of your House, I am curious as to who Raven is?"

"A missed opportunity." Absently. "A pity."

"Forgive it sounds too much like flattery for its own sake, but in my experience, your excellency misses little when she takes aim. Is this Raven then beyond reach?"

"At the moment. Forever is a long time."

"Your excellency plays a long game," He nods "In the here and now? I have taken the liberty of discussing the guests, and have my opinions on which might serve you best, opinions for you to take into account or disregard as suits. A few might even be thane material"

She nods, sipping her tea. "I will hear you now, if you have time?"

"Of course' He says "Harrow, the boy, seems tractable if damaged. I think there is an excellent chance to restore him to specifications suited to the need of the county. Perhaps allow him to serve your ward? And see how she can manage him? Her distrust of commoners is better masked, but giving her a project of helping one mgiht allow her to learn not just to direct and sway one in the short term, but to mold a follower in the long term"

She nods. "Not a bad idea; I wouldn't ask Adelaide to manage him entirely, but to be part of it.... yes."

A nod. And he moves on, "Evi, the witchtel? Her kith is rare here, and that is intriguing. They have a dowsing ablity. I do not know if she would ever make a good thane or not, but she would make a good warrior. My reccomendation is not only to offer her a weapon, but training. Make her further indebted to you so that her kiths' rare ablity maybe called on at a later time if need be. It is possible she might be a suitable thane IF her desire for Revenge can be directed. I do not think it could ever be blocked"

She nods. "A Thane-in-Training?"

"In this, I would defer to a thane of your choosing as having a better read on if she is suitable. yes. Mostly, increase her sense of debt with graciousness and aplomb."

"Let us see what Tiffany thinks, then."

"The troll fellow , definitely unseelie, but fit, and strong. He's a survivor. WIth your permission, I might take him into MY Service and see if I can make something of him. I find Unseelie trolls have versatlity"

She nods. "So ordered. And thank you."

"The nocker? Charna? She's a beauty. I don't know if one can make a nocker court worthy, but it's a shame if not. The sheer novelty of it means she would be a draw attentions, and then could report to you. As it stands, she wants work. And that alone makes her worth your time. My lady, she works in tapestry."

An eyebrow. "I'd like to keep her; she was interested. Let's make it so."

"Then it will be. Should she be trained in the arts of charm or is such a fool's dream when it applies to nockers?"

"Let's see where her talents lie. No sense in pushing a rock uphill."

A nod "It willall be done' He bows

Eventually, Thea is left to her thoughts and her plans. The world sometimes throws her interesting bits. Good. She would hate to be bored

(end scene)

******************

A text on Bertand's phone: *bzzt* Hey. I'm so sorry. Come to RV if you want to talk. Kourtney is visiting with us. I don't want to crowd you, but let me know if I can do anything. Thinking of you.

No response for a while

In fact, for a long while.

She decides not to push unless three days pass. But then she has a thought and texts Clem: *bzzzt* Clem, was Bertand on the quest?

TXT: No, sweet boy, but no warrior

*bzzt* Seen him since?

TXT: Yes. We had to give word.

*bzzt* Okay. Checking.

*bzzt* And sorry again. I was wrong.

bzzt* No. it's okay. we're all hurting. Bert too

*bzzt* He hasn't texted me back, but I don't want to push.

txt He might be in his shop.

*bzzt* Firnost?

Bzzt That's where he does most of his work. Guess it's not HIS but yes. Unnder there

*bzzt* I might check on him. Thanks.

Bzzt Welcome

....