#anywhere

"The banner house tried to counter the offer, you said....." She takes the notes to look through them.

"Well, depending on which, the Truthbranch one went through, the Paler house, not so much. Truthfully I think it's dead in the water, but what's interesting is how apparently it has ties to a deceased Balor. It's all in the notes"

She reads, nodding. "Disgusting." Academically.

"But intriguing. I see now what you mean by the smaller the stakes, the more vicious the politics," Adelaide says eyes shining, "Of personal interest to you might be what happened to House Gwydion."

Indeed, Duke Ewan showing? Not that unlikely... but notes here that Baroness Brekke helped sway their divided vote? Since when does the 'Chieftess' indulge in politics?

An eyebrow, indeed.

"Would you like me to ask Gerd about it, your excellency?"

"Hmm.. yes. Thank you."

"Most welcome, Parliament was fun. May I ask why you don't go more often yourself? Does it lose allure that quickly?"

A pause.

"Yes. I find it tedious."

"As a countess myself, if you wish me to endure it a few more times I would not object to speaking on your behalf." She says "It might spread your influence?"

Another thinking pause. "No. Not mine.... but do use it to build your own."

A blush "that was a secondary ambition and now I feel a touch chagrined but thank you."

A simple shrug. "Your reputation is more important than mine, at this time. "

"I suspect, beloved mentor, you sometimes enjoy your reputation," She ventures

"Sometimes." A faint smile. Adelaide is correct.

a smile back, "If I may venture, the wicked fairies were always more interesting than the princess anyway in the stories"

"Of course."

"of course" the young woman looks about to make sure there is no one indiscrete watching, and gives a soft hug to her mentor, "Well, I may find tedious in time, but thank you for giving me this chance. I will do you proud."

Akanthea hugs her back. "You already have. Now you must work on making yourself proud."

BOW your heads, Peasants!

The girl feels a rush of pleasure at that, then "I'll try.. no.. I will succeed" Firmer

"Good."

No sooner do they part, when news comes in on behalf of the Greater House, a messanger with a scroll. The scroll speaks of a new freehold at Rome New York... seized by trolls. This is interesting, bold... but one can see why they would confuse heritage with efficiency. House Eiluned is looking for a few good trolls of the House of Secrets to send there for obvious reasons. What really catches her attention though? A squire acts as regent... but he was installed by one Chieftain Brekke ap Gwydion!

An eyebrow.

A house brother in Vassaar sent the agent who witnessed this, she could not deny the trolls, thus the idea to put some Eiluned Trolls at the place. A good fallback.

But Adelaide also looks, perplexed, and in her less experienced view, says what the Countess thinks "I did not realize she was so political. Is.. this new?"

"I believe it is." She purses her lips. Then she sighs. "I may need to look further. I will wait for your information. "

"Yes, I think I need to call Gerd for a 'playdate' sooner than later" Adelaide says and curtsies "By your leave?"

"Certainly." A nod.

Adelaide has learned to prioritize correctly it seems. She is genuinely fond of Gerd ,they are friends, but she also knows when it's time not to let a secret fester too long unexplored.

As for Akanthea, the news in hand, she has only conjecture.

BOW your heads, Peasants!

and few Eiluned enjoy 'only conjecture'

(End Scene)