#anywhere

"Now," the Duchess says "What about this matter now? And would you care for a drink of somewhat while you talk? Wets the throat"

"My thanks, your grace. I prefer coffee, but if there is none available, water is welcome." She pauses a moment, then begins. "Your grace, I have been hearing good things about your Duchy and its people. I hear, among other things, that some of the people of your Duchy go out of their way to support Dreamers and the dreams of other mortals. You must be very pleased about this, as it serves to support all fae."

Someone brings the Lady coffee....

"I am right proud" The Duchess agrees, "But then what liege would say otherwise? " She seems a practical woman

Brekke allows a bit of a grin. "I am glad to hear of it. Just now I had some introduction to the story telling that is so vibrant on the main street of Jonesborough ((OOC: forgive me if I got the name wrong!)). But a member of my Lodge has told me of another location, a horse farm, that does excellent work with mortals in need. You are familiar with this?" She sips her coffee and makes a noise of approval (even if it is less than Rivervale-quality).

At that, the Daireann in the audience stiffens

The Duchess of House Fiona nods, "I have not visited in some time, and don't traffic with Liams often. For all their good deeds, Fiona tend to dislike oathbroken, but yes, I've heard. She's decent enough and does help out some mortals as you say. "

Brekke nods. "Yes. I am concerned, though, that this Liam seems to be about to lose her holding, and I am concerned that her good works may be undone." Another sip of coffee. She's aware of the Daireann, but doesn't spare a glance her way.

"Well, it may not be used the same but rare is the hold in these hard times that goes to waste under anyone" THe Fiona says "Long as the Escheat is upheld and good common folk can enjoy the fire as needed in these chill times"

Brekke pauses. "Then...you are aware of the claim? I have heard there is a dispute that underlies it...but then again, I have only heard from one source. Perhaps someone here can tell me more?" She looks about the group...and is simultaneously gauging the response of the crowd.

"Actually, I wasn't aware of the claim at all," the Duchess says "I was speaking in general like. Maybe you can tell me more?"

An eyebrow. "Indeed? I was under the impression that a Baroness was challenging for possession of that holding, and planned to cease all the good works being done there."

"Your Grace" The Daireann says "If I may"

"It's our guest you're interrupting" THe Duchess says then looks to Brekke "I had heard there was an altercation, but no one came forward to me with the specifics. WOuld aappear our Daireann guest would like to speak, may she?"

Brekke now looks at the Baroness and considers this for a moment. "Now I am concerned. I had thought the dispute a matter of record of which you were aware. If it is to be argued here before you, then I think it would be only right to hear both sides...and I do not know the entirety of either side. Perhaps the current holder could be called to join us?"

OOC: Countess?

((Did it again))

"Your Grace, please" The Baroness Dehuene ap Daireann says

An eyebrow again at the further interruption.

THe Duchess says "With all due respect, Baroness Brekke. I am not going to pause court to have someone haul off a holder from her hold to come here... otherwise nothing will get done. And Baroness Dehuene, your house is known for manners when it granting hospitality. I am sure you would see how you border on reflecting poorly. THat said, I do need to hear from SOMEONE so , Baroness Brekke, tell me what you'e heard before I grow frustrated if you please."

Brekke bows. "My apologies, your grace, I do not mean to frustrate. My understanding is that the Baroness Dehuene was dissatisfied with the speed of her recent medical treatment and as a result is retaliating by claiming the hold by means of a pennon she holds. As I say, I do not know all the details. I would like to hear the Baroness's position." A nod to Dehuene, granting her space to speak.

"Well, you may now speak, Baroness Dehuene. what's your beef with lady Ereen?" OOC: Not sure if that's the Liam's name

((That makes two of us. 😉 ))

BIC: The Daireann says "I was injured as was a mortal, the mortal was put first... my title, my very kith, meant nothing to the woman... and she did put me behind a mere mortal. Such insult is not born by any Daireann, and I will have my due. I have the Pennons to make challenge."

The Fiona Duchess shakes her head "YOu would seize an entire hold for being second in line? Insult I understand, but does that not strike you as a bit extravagent?"

"It is my right. The Dreaming will decide by trial at arms who shall rule. Her or her champion, should they suceed, will cement their rule, and may take arms or armor besides or even horse. If I win.. I take what I feel is fitting. Besides, better a true silver tree grow there and i DO Know horses"

Brekke....frowns. But as she has relinquished her turn to speak, she waits for the Duchess to acknowledge her again.

"I see." THen the Duchess looks at the Baroness of Rivervale, "It does appear legal, if incredibly petty. I cannot say I much care for a count I do not know granting pennons to a house sister to seize a hold, but that is real politik for you. You have taken a personal interest in a matter that most would not see as your affair as you are neither Liam nor of the Kingdom of Willows, let alone the Duchy. Why is that?"

"A young member of my Barony learned of the matter, your grace, and took it to heart. I promised her I would look into it. Your grace, part of what I hoped to determine in coming here is...why was the pennon granted to begin with?"

"I didn't grant it" The Duchess says "Some Count did. But we can find out..." She looks to Dehaune, "Who granted this?"

"It matters not from where the pennons comes from for it to be legitimate" The Daireann says "But if you insist?"

"I think we can now move onto when I'm speaking, I'm insisting" The Fiona flares a touch at the Daireann, "I may not like Liam, but this Duchy has been largely free of outsiders coming in here and getting their fingers all over things. Suddenly it seems one corner of it has not just you, but some Count not even of my Duchy at it? ANd drawn the eye of Hemlock's Good hand to boot."

Brekke keeps her expression carefully neutral and listens closely.

So far, all have been truthful. The DUchess is not lying when she said she did not know of the details that is for certain.

"Count Muir ap Daireann, of the County of the wheel and water. And It was a private matter before now. I came here to make my official duel known so respect would be paid. "

That County is in Massachusetts! Brekke, as a re sident of Apples, knows of it

An eyebrow at the timing.

And she clears her throat, but does not interrupt.

"Go on, Baroness Grimhand, I would hear it" The Duchess says

"That county, your grace, is within the Kingdom of Apples. I am...curious about the chain of interest and Count Muir's motivations in granting pennons. I imagine that the Baroness has done admirable service to earn such a honor...perhaps she would tell us the tale? This is a land of storytelling, is it not?"

"I ken your point" The Fiona says then looks at the Daireann "Did you make some bargain for this? What reason does he have PERSONAL and not just for the good of his house?"

"For the good of our House only, your grace" The Daireann sounds polished and sincere..to most. her lie...howeer, is shrill on Gwydion ears. "He is an honorable man and honor alone motivates him."

He maybe honorable, but that 'alone' part jarred!

A deep frown...but again, she waits to be addressed.

"Baroness, seems to me I'll move this along allowing both of you to speak freely until I rescind. Say what you'll say" TO Brekke and to her new rival

"My thanks, your grace. The boon of my House reveals much to me. Perhaps Count Muir is honorable, but his honor alone is not what motivated him to grant this pennon."

"Are you calling the Baroness of House Daireann a liar?" The Duchess asks

"No, your grace," Brekke responds calmly. "I am making no statement against her overall character. I am saying that in this instance the Baroness has not told the entirety of the truth as she knows it."

And she gives the Duchess a curious glance.

"The Baroness is a troll, and may not be a ware of the delicacies..." The Daireann starts to say