#anywhere

The night of Vali's Togail.... Talon's Rest....

Of course, everything is prepared, and the Countess and Adelaide find themselves arriving before their guests do. They must make sure all is set.

Adelaide says "Is it just me? Or are they expecting something like a game of thrones wedding?" She says with almost adult dryness, "Well, not Gerd and Sir Vali, of course, but the others?"

Akanthea considers the question. "Perhaps. Should we disappoint them?"

Ack, Flee the Dread Sovereign

She smiles a bit, "Does seem less taxing and has the benefit of proving them wrong."

"Hmmmm."

Oh dear. Adelaide has seen the Countess like this before; one of her 'bad' days. The attentiveness of her closer court members makes sense now. The reason they took the SUVs instead of using a trod. Her attitude isn't distant; it's detached.

"I am sorry Sir Vali won't be moving close to us," She takes the Countess hand, "But he shall visit often. "

"I'm sure he will."

"I will miss Thane Tiffany though," She sighs.

"Thane.... Tiffany."

"Yes" Adelaide acts like her mentor's memory is perfect, "I admit, a Thane Pooka was novel, but she truly is efficient on her own right. And.. she's kind. But she must have her damsel so to Bergan she goes."

"Of course."

"I hope you forgive my prying into the notes of Vali's childling adventure? Gerd put herself at risk to restore the flag of the Dawntreader"

"Not at all. I'm glad he's back, though."

Adelaide makes a note on how best to aid her mentor's court in protecting Thea. I will not let them gloat over her condition if it becomes obvious to even trolls "Concordia is better for his return. Yes. He has taught me to trust his kith more than any other. Why he almost has Eiluned sense of the need to portion out truth in amounts others can handle. How odd"

"I think Anne has been a good influence on him."

"I would give your own influence some due credit as well" Adelaide says.

"I try."

Baron Rostislav approaches, "Your excellencies" He bows, "I am to understand that most of the Rivervale companions are ladies? We have gathered at least five fine young bachelors of wilder age to pay court to them for just the night. Do you wish to review them or focus on other matters?"

"Oh, I'm sure that will be fine." Casually. "Some may bring their own, still good to be ready."

"As you will, any other instruction before they make it here? Carriages wait by the bay"

Akanthea looks at Adelaide "Can you think of anything else?"

BOW your heads, Peasants!

Adelaide says "There is black coffee and Northern style mead available?"

"The Steward assures me yes," The Baron responds.

"And party games like the hedge maze?" Adelaide says.

"Also done" He says "Though it is unsure if it will be of use."

"An option, Baron, " the girl says with a serious look

"Blue kool-aid." Thea murmurs absently.

Adelaide raises a brow, "Blue Kool-Aid?"

The Baron however merely bows "I'll make sure the staff knows to have it chilled and ready."

"Thank you."

"Eager to serve" He clicks his head and with draws.

Adelaide looks to the Countess "We may have to marry him off before he becomes too indispensable" SHe MIGHT be joking

A sigh. "Too young for me, too old for you, I fear."

"Agreed. When I am older, will it be difficult to find me a man who is the right mix of tractable and ambitious? I am a childling yet and do not understand the fuss per se, but it seems like men are very imprecise creatures and often difficult to get to act at their most efficient and desirable"

"I'm hardly the best person to give advice on the matter; I've had no luck in that regard, myself."

She ponders "Perhaps a harem would be easier but that seems so very, Fiona."

The Countess's distaste for that House is well known. "It seems that would simply multiply the problem."

"Yes. I suppose. " she says "No wonder they never seem to get much done"

"Mmm." Agreement.

A skeeball set up for the childlings is being put up.

With plenty of stuffed animals.

Thea nods approvingly.

And yes, a group of childlings, mostly commoners are there. Adelaide is a bit aloof to most of them. She is better at hiding her distrust, and and has warmed somewhat, but a part of her trauma still lingers.

Akanthea strokes her hair gently, the back of her head and not disturbing her bangs. "Remember, they will be your people."

Once you go Skunk, all other women are junk

Adelaide seems to ease , when others would not even know she was slightly tense, "Well, I suppose I should be a good hostess to them, for you will be quite busy. Duty? yes?"