#anywhere

And eventually, the secluded country manor of Talon's Rest. Bright sunshine and green rolling fields.....

"It's very seelie" She finds herself saying aloud

"Yes." The Countess agrees, having come out to meet her. "One reason I keep it, seasonally.

"Yes," She is taller now, almost a wilder, and she kisses the Countess on both cheeks in the style , "My variance in etiquette classes proceed apace." Her eyes sparkle

The older woman seems amused. "As does your vocabulary."

"Thank you," She dimples "I have learned many things...." Thea might notice the pause "under your tutelage"

"And without it, one hopes. Come inside." The Countess leads the way. A sitting chamber has been set up and.... hm. It looks like a conspiracy theory den; newspaper clippings, notes, maps, connecting bits of yarn....

"Mind the mess." She cautions.

"I shall" She tries to piece together the common thread... yarn puns aside... that all these might have in common

Her eyes fall on the map in particular.

Events tied to the county... specific points in Baltimore, Ellicot City, Bethesda, Columbia....

She has taken a seat and is watching the girl.

The girl is now caught up a bit in the House... blessing of curiosity. It's not really a curse when it reaps so many rewards , she tries to place if the locations have specific trods she knows of... or are places certain nobles call home.

That's it. All locations identified are brain's residencies.

*baron's

"Is there rumor of a baron growing... too independent?" A finger running along the lines "or incompetent?"

"Not until I decide who to move." Still amused.

A glance at her, "You are pondering a place for Baron Rostislav? He was the one interested in the troll farm before you redirected his energies at Sir Vali's behest yes?"

This was not all apparent to her at once, but Adelaide has had a long time to sort that particular puzzle together. And her friend Gerd has talked.

Well, more like an in frequent playmate than a friend at times...

She nods, fingertips steepled at her lips.

a look over "At the risk of sounding...terribly Fiona ish, is there perhaps a Baroness that would be a good match at one of these locations? Two sworn to you, twice the resources for you, half the power for them for you to cultivate?"

Despite her increased vocabulary, yes 'Fiona ish' does escape her lips.

"Are you suggesting matchmaking?"

"Not officially, merely wondering if that avenue works. Varich are forbidden to swear truehearts and seem very cold, but a marriage of convenience might suit if that option is sensible. He has proven innovative where allowed without outstretching his boundaries. It shows he might 'play well' with yet others if required"

The Countess nods approvingly. "Very good. Insightful. Yes, matchmaking is absolutely a useful tool."

"Thank you" She says graciously, happy she has indeed been learning "I have found even the commoners have their own takes on such alliances, though they'd probably console themselves by claiming it was merely a perk that romances happened to aid them thus"

"Commoners, by definition, have less to offer in such a way, but less to risk and lose, as well."

"A rare few have a great deal to lose"

A head tilt. "Such as?"

"It goes back to Baron Rostislav, that farm? " A deep breath "It is more potent than even he suspected, and I speak not just of it's rather sizable balefire and troll numbers."

An elegant eyebrow lift. "We'll come back to how you know that. For now, I will ask, how do you mean, potent?"

She ponders, pride tells her to keep her secrets but it is too late for that, and besides, this is more important, she straightens her back and says "They have a namer in their midst. A troll namer. I suspect he is powerful beyond just that. I thought about holding onto this secret, but.." Don't fidget, you know how poor fidgeting makes one look she tells herself "It seems that there is a greater duty at play here and this I should tell you: Emmit of the DeBuke Clan is a namer and I suspect a sorcerer. Not one troll among that farm has his or her name known by any noble. And it is possible he has taught more of his family"

Akanthea goes very still and grave.

Ack, Flee the Dread Sovereign

"Hm."

"It is not unheard of. But.... discouraged."

"Where is this?"

"I am not sure of the latter, and I know the dangers of guesswork, but..." A deep breath "I thought it best one more senior in the House than I be made aware of it. " She answers "Iowa, the Duchy of the Hawk? Though it is far from the Ducal seat of power I gather... outside of Ottumwa. The DeBuke farmhold."

She nods, thinking. Then a sigh. "Grass. Let me guess.... there's a trod at Firnost?"

"Yes, in the gardens" She fights the urge to say it sheepishly. "The place is a nexus of trodwork I've learned. I've read then Sir Almond's treastie on why it is 'best' it is in commoner hands. I'm not sure I agree with his conclusions"

"Count Almond." Dryly. "And you would not be alone."

"Hm. Have you visited RowanOak yet?"

"Briefly, the Baywood area. Young Baron Piotr ap Varich the heir gave me a tour." She says "Baron Celeste was most kind... and Baroness Dar'nall is the first Gwydion I've ever met who seemed reasonable"

"I meant the Count's court; the Count himself."

"I saw the Count's hall but never the Count himself, and not for very long." indeed, "The tour was quite rushed in that part."

"Hm." Short. "I recommend a meeting. The Count served here; you should not be at a disadvantage in familiarity with his holding."

"I will make time," She says

Then, another sigh. "I will be in touch with others, see what is known of this troll and holding."

At that she asks, "If I have done a service for the House in this, perhaps I might one day be entrusted with Naming lessons?"