#anywhere

"Duty? Yes, I suppose so."

"Or for that matter, dignity" Then "Against all odds I might even enjoy myself. Am I allowed to dictum the carekeeper to place the skeeballs I throw into the winning slots or would that be gauche?"

Her ward has developed something of a deadpan delivery complete with innocent expression. Who is to blame for that is another subject for another time.

"I think you know the answer already." Dryly.

"Pity" She bends up to kiss Akanthea's cheek, then "By your leave then?"

BOW your heads, Peasants!

"Certainly." She exchanges pecks with Adelaide; a few of her attendants are remaining close by. Not hovering, exactly, but ready to step in should she need it.

The girl cheers up at the affection, and joins the childlings.

As for Thea, her guests from Rivervale are arriving... and Vali pays her homage first as he enters. How very odd, he's a grump now, a graybeard, yet when he chuckles, she can almost hear the echo of a childling's laugh. Where does Time go anyway?

(And back to PBEM)

((That works!))

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After the Countess makes her offer of a second Togail...

"Aunt Thea, are you sure? I'm..well covered, and I'm not sure what to ask for" he says

"I am sure, of course. You can keep it for another time, if you wish."

"I don't suppose you have a dragon bane weapon do you? Or a shield that protects from same? Great wyrm, really nasty?" He says in a low voice.

"Hm." She thinks. "Safe to say not here, but why don't you make time to go by New Agengard and go through the library there?"

"Then the lore you have on a particular dragon would be the largest part of my boon" He says with a smile, "And.. thank you. I have one more minor request before you bestow that small token, so feel free to nix if you think me greedy?"

"Nonsense, Vali." She pats his hand. "What can I do for you?"

"I would like your permission, that should I ever have a daughter, that I may name her Thea.. first, middle.. somewhere in there" he almost blushes like a boy she knew

"Oh my goodness, Vali...... "The grandame actually colors. "Yes. You have my permission."

"Then I am very glad, thank you" He says gratefully, "And if I ever have a kid up there, it will probably be a daughter. I think there's something in the soil." He says mentally counting the wilders.

The Countess pats his arm.

He's glad she understands.

They dance a bit, a private discussion continues regarding the 'small token' but... well, time unwinds then he says "I'm afraid the others must go home. With your permission, Tiffany and I would like to stay here tonight. Ah..couple time"

"Of course. It will be good to have you here, again."

(Although.... Vali's time in Charm was from before she took the County; Young Vali never spent time at Talon's Rest.... perhaps she meant 'here' in Charm?)

(Perhaps)

He notices, but does not comment save to say "Thank you. Tiffany and I have a lot to talk about now." And they part as the dance ends, "And thank you for a lovely dance."

She stretches up and kisses his cheek.

A purple blush and a still boyish smile on the grump's face. He is older, but he knows some part of her will always see him as a childling- and he's okay with that.

......................................