#anywhere

"Used a baby wipe on it not five minutes ago" The boggan assures, "Cleaner than me. I'm Drummond. Get on in here you too, we can hand over the Jackson when you reach your destination"

Brekke, still grinning, nods. "Thank you, Drummond. And again, Derry. May our paths cross again." She climbs into the van, carefully.

The van sways only a little as the two trolls settle in, the vehicle seems even larger on the inside than the out, knick knacks and trinkets dangle from colorful strings but do not fly in the face. /"That'd be nice," Derry says and waves them off./ Once they start to drive Drummond says "Don't mind my cousin, he works for a living and that always make a man sour to us less carreer oriented types. Swear it's why ants eat grasshoppers, but he's kin so if anyone's got to bury me in these hills at least it'll be family. I'd say you two aren't from around here, but that's about as obvious as a wart on a swimsut model's backside. You got business with the duchess?"

"I hope to speak with her, yes. Drummond, what do you do when you are not ferrying travelers?"

"Well, shoot... I like to netflix and chill.... know a little satyr girl who gives me a good scruff and a tickle between epsiodes of stranger things when Mama's out and about... being a boggan I like to chatter up about nuthing and see what something is made of it.... go out for a drive now and then...so that earns me some folding money"

"I...see." Brekke nods as neutrally as possible, then glances at Olgar.

Now it's OLGAR's turn to look amused

"What about yourself? You two a couple looking to settle in on the Story maagnet of Concordia? My cousin will go on about price, but you can make it work . I did. It ain't what you know, it's who you know"

A blink. "Ah. No. We are not a couple, and we are here on other business. But having seen this place, I think I must return when I can take the time to listen to stories."

"Hey now, good on you" He says as they enter the country side "They got all kinds... and some folks work for their tickets..." Though the boggan shudders at the mention of work "Lowers the price down"

"Work for their tickets? I am not sure I understand."

"You help folks park their cars, you sweeep up.. it's how poorer folks can sometimes afford to attend. "

"And you... a boggan, dislike sweeping?" Olgar smirks.

"It's just gonna pile up again..." Drummond says as they approach their destination

Brekke puzzles over this. "I hope I do not offend, Drummond...but I have not met a boggan like you before."

"Oh.. I might be a wee bit unseelie..." He smiles and winks

"Why work when I can let those what enjoy it do a few things for me? Passion fore Duty I always say"

Olgar whispers to the Chief "This is just jangling your nerves hard right now isn't it?"

"Ah." A nod. "Understood." A careful neutrality once again, and she turns her attention to the countryside.

A huff at Olgar...mildly annoyed, but not entirely unamused.

Olgar is amused at the chief yes, but he's also got other sources "Love to see what Kerri thought of him" The hills grow wilder, the roads bumpier... and the green... so much green... it's a lush wet warm summer and shows. Then finally they turn through a shaded road to find...

What mortals see as an old shack built beneath a silver birch tree in a small glade is far different to kithain eyes. Castle Orchard is a tiny gray marble palace (Looks almost more like a large dollhouse than a castle) with miniature red slate turrets, a Fiona banner flies from the top of the central tower. Two reclining silver lions, animate chimera, guard the red oak door. Today the glade is in use, pillows, blankets and tables are set under the many trees.

"And we are here..." The Boggan says "Looks like Court is in session... judging by some of the sidhe about and so on"

Brekke regards the decor and asks, "Drummond...just how Fiona is this Fiona duchess?"

"She's rather hands off telling folks what to do, lets us common folk manage ourselves till we need her or start infighting. If you mean hanky panky, well.." A sly look then a sigh "She's been a dissappointment folks hoping to have a little talk around the clothes lines. Some think she'd wish the Count would make a play, but I'd not say that out loud to either one of them if I was you."

Then the boggan coughs "Not to be all tawdry about filthy lucre?"

"Of course." Brekke nods and hands Drummond a twenty and a five as well. "The trip was smooth and quick. We appreciate your service."

"Well ya'll definitely come back, it's nice to see folks what know quality" He tucks it in, scratches himself, and opens the doors

Brekke disembarks the van and, once Olgar is out as well, she approaches the door (or whoever seems to be serving as steward).

Well, to be fair, the people she wants to see are already outside.. as she closes she can see the woman who must only be the Duchess... talking to a group of folks on the grass.

A glance to Olgar, and then she approaches, making sure none of the detritus from the van is clinging to her clothing.

Mortal appearance, 5 foot four inches, hair cut short, clothes, comfortable but clean and matching... her fae self is far lovelier, of course, and here she looks more like a noble.. her blue eyes gleam like sapphires in moonlight and her hair is a golden cloud with downy haze floating within it.

Servants move back and forth in the background.

To the Duchess Dianan ap Fiona's side is Count Bjorno, a troll with white blonde hair, easily 220 pounds of mortal muscle (not counting his seeming) and garments that don't just fit at court but are meant for wood walking.. his fae self has even whiter hair and his skin is the same color as his blue eyes. The way he stands is by the Duchess side , it is obvious while a 'count' he is no less ready to move to her will than any knight guardian. Though Brekke may notice sword work callousses on the hands of the Duchess.

ANother sidhe bears the colors of House Daireann, she is clearly not OF the Court, but she is there... and her description matches that that Dagmar gave Brekke... this is Baroness Deheune, the very lady who seeks to take the holding in question.

Brekke approaches the gathering respectfully, waiting at the periphery for the moment to be acknowledged.

Currently a pooka is talking to the Duchess, rambling "Ifn't it please the court we'd like to tend to the matter of trucks and clucks aplenty again..."

Troll patience. She listens curiously.

The Duchess smiles a bit "Pranksgiving soon is it? I see... well, the chickens at the monster truck rally were funny. But I'll ask you folks to keep it to something that won't endanger drivers"

A hint of a grin at the notion, and at the Duchess's response.

The pooka sighs "Cadswollop and bull durum?" the pooka brightens with another idea

"Well, all right, but if any one gets hurt the pranker will be providing dross for the heatherbalm" The Duchess nods.

The pooka smiles , bows, and whirls around.

"Pardon me," The Count says to Brekke, "What is your business at the court, stranger?"

Brekke bows formally, then approaches. "I am Brekke ap Gwydion, called Shacklebreaker and Grimhand, Baroness of Rivervale in Apples. If the Duchess would be so kind, I would like to speak with her to gather information about a matter that has been brought to my attention. However, I do not wish to interrupt other petitioners." She looks to the others gathered around.

Quick, Make a statue!

There are mutters through the crowd... and Brekke realizes her reputation has positive benefits when one sidhe lord, she is not sure of the house, inclines his head, "If I may?" A nod given his way "I yield my place the petitions to the Baroness Grimhanded."

"Well now, that's willows hosptiality," The Duchess says "First, welcome to you, Baroness. I'm Duchess Dinan, this is Count Bjorno. Your name is known even in these parts. Your Gryphon lIege doing well I hope?"

"Yes, your grace, he is well, and I thank you for the inquiry on his behalf. And my thanks to you, my lord...?" Brekke asks for the name of the lord who gave his place.

"Durrant" He gives no House, "And you are most welcome"