#anywhere

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At New Agengard, Adelaide slips in triumphantly but hopefully discretely. Her eyes dance with the knowledge that she has taken in.

The dark castle seems quiet. After Beltaine, it becomes a secondary home, however much the Countess may love it. She requires herself to keep a summer and winter court in a geographic as well as symbolic way. Adelaide is of course welcome at and familiar with both Talon's Rest and New Agengard.

Adelaide goes to change her clothes here, after a brief shower, of course. She rather likes both holds; for an Eiluned she is a social creature and Talon's rest does have that, but she cannot help but feel New Agengard is truer to the spirit of her house.

The staff is much reduced, of course, but she is recognized as the heir and treated accordingly.

She is gracious, and smiles accordingly. she will be under going her Togail , if not this year surely the next. Transitioning from childling to wilder will be dififuclt, but she finds she's curious (always) about how it will go. I suppose I shall be quite alluring. I'll have to be, the older one gets, the less one can rely on mere adorableness "Forgive me," She asks the staff as she comes out in a more summer suited garb, "Do you know if there is anything official at Talon court today?"

The acting major-domo checks the schedule. "It appears not, Miss."

"Thank you so much," she says and inclines her head, "I shall make way there then to pay my respects to my mentor"

"I'll call the car around." It's about a three hour drive.

"Of course," She sighs. She is sure, SURE mind you, that there is a trod that the Countess knows about and does not tell. One to cut that time, but she has yet to find it. Searching for it is how she uncovered Firnost among other locations, but nothing near Talon... again, that she's found.

It is done, and soon she is on the way. She is well supplied with books for passing the time, although on previous trips the Countess has encouraged her to observe the world outside her window. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the land you will rule over. The land, and the people.

So she looks. Baltimore itself has had hard years. Urban blight, crime rising, racial tensions... and yet it would be worse, she suspects, if not for the countess keeping certain elements from getting out of control in the fae world. Redcap corbies and ravaging traggos are allowed to go only so far.

Patience can be the hard part, patience required for that balance. She has learned to be still, yes, but that was out of surivivor's fear. Not ruler's strength She lifts her head stubbornly I will master the last of this fear. I went to a commoner run hold of giants today. I learned their secrets. I faced my fear, used it to get away. I am no feckless Fiona, no rash Gwydion, I know fear, and I use it as a tool to achieve what must be. With patience, with control, I can find that balance. A soft inhale But it is hard to find it, and patience is the hard part, but ONLY a part.

Focusing, she makes sure that while her thoughts might drift on lessons past, her eyes stay aware of what is going on outside now

A highway lined with forests, or at least trees, that take her deeper and deeper into the Maryland countryside. Away from cities, into farmland and woods.

The glances at the farmland make her feel..well , smug, given her recent triumph. And it was a triumph, she is sure.