#anywhere

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Baroness Nadeen Dancingsnow's arrival at the County of Charm is not touted loudly or with fanfare. Indeed, for one so newly sained and still a wilder, the young woman shows poise and restraint. Sometimes it is more impressive when one acts as if one has nothing to prove. Her dress is lovely, black and gold, and the white fur trimmed cloak definitely adds that 'Slavic queen' vibe

A certain Charming Baron of the same House is her guide.

Rostislav says "You wear the house colors very well, but, then I state the obvious" he says.

"Thank you, Baron." She answers, "You also. Does the gold ever clash with the silver for you?"

"I play my part and I flatter myself I play it well. The Countess is a woman of rare sensibility and knows something of patterns herself. Besides, it is hardly only Eiluned here. Unseelie and Seelie houses alike have benefits to offer and she is not blind to this."

Once the Baroness's needs are met, she should be shown into the Solarium.

Of course, Adelaide would want to be there but would understand if her mentor wanted a more private meeting with this baroness.

Private, for the moment.

Rostislav enters with her, only to make introductions "Countess Akanthea , Ruler of Charm. Before you, I bring the Baroness Nadeen Dancingsnow of Varich, Liason of Rivervale to the County of Bergen."

Ack, Flee the Dread Sovereign

The Countess is rises gracefully and glides over; clearly, the walking stick she carries is not necessary. It makes quiet time on the carpet as she approaches. "Baroness. Thank you for coming."

The younger woman gives a gracious curtsy, the right mix of pride and deference, "A great honor, your excellency. Thank you for lending me such a capable escort."

Rostislav inclines his head and bows, "Unless you have need of me, your excellency? I should attend to those other matters"

The Lady nods permission, then turns to the young Varich. "Will you take refreshment?"

"Yes, and thank you," Once they are alone, she says "I confess, your excellency, I was surprised at the invitation"

"What would you prefer?" She asks about food and drink, and then.... "I can understand why."

"I understand moon tea is your preference. I shall try that blend if you please," She says, "And yes. Sir Vali is Liaison between the two holds if anyone is or so I was led to believe, and Sylvi the official emissary of the lodge in general. So I can only assume I have, if it is not vain to say so, somehow personally stirred your interest. I am unsure of the why." She looks about "Though whatever the reason, I benefit. This hold is lovely."

"Thank you." Quietly as she makes the tea, pouring scalding water carefully. "It is the work of many years." The Baroness may notice that servants and/or guards are present in the room.

The Countess does not seem to notice them.

if she notices, she pays them little heed, or covers it well, "Baron Rostislav tells me that Charm is rich in history and heritage, yet often overlooked. Do you have many of my House in your retinue?"

"Just Baron Rostislav. At the moment."

She serves.

"Bergen as a whole leans towards Gwydions. A fine house in its way, but they are at times a bit rigid in my view. "

"Mmmm....." Quietly amused. "Do sit down, here.... our chef is rightfully proud of these." She offers a plate of petite fours, and the tea. "Congratulations. I understand you are newly Sained?"

She takes her seat, "I am sure I shall like them then. I have noticed chefs turn pride into a virtue, as it should be," and she takes a sampling, and tastes, "Oh this is excellent indeed. And yes, it hasn't even been a full moon yet since my saining. I must give credit, Count Hemlock was gracious in the ritual and the Chieftain and her lodge made it a sentimental after party."

"It sounds as though you enjoyed it; I'm glad to hear that."

"You're very kind to say considering I am but a stranger to you," A nod but she appraises the countess a bit. Oh part of it is that searching for patterns that her House does to be sure, but any noble woman knows to gauge, to seek for what is true feeling and what is well crafted face.

Nadeen may begin to realize how difficult that can be, even for an expert, when one is in a dim room and cannot see the eyes of the other.

Something causes her to smile, just a bit, an escape

An eyebrow. "You find it remarkably kind that one is pleased to hear of the enjoyment of a relative stranger? Albeit, a stranger that shares in Kith and nobility?"

"Not remarkably kind, but yes, I do find it a kindness when one is pleased at my enjoyment when they gain little from it and have only met me. Perhaps I am more cynical than I should be," A delicate shift of shoulders, "Do you find it so common that it should not be remarked upon?"

"I meant only that it was a kindness that you remarked on. I think you are cynical, yes, but more than you should be? Time will tell. As to the commonality of kindness....." A graceful, telling shrug.

"Ah, perhaps by the end of the season my heart will grow as large as ten grinches" A pause "Plus two" A smile though, elegant, "is it kindness then that moved you to invite me?"

"Baroness, I am Eiluned. Not kindness, but curiosity." Sip.

"I had suspected that. I am flattered I'm interest. I'd hate to be drab."

"You are far from it." A head tilt, and perhaps there's one-sided direct eye contact? "You are a lovely young woman, poised, graceful, and I suspect no small amount cunning. You have forged yourself a place despite... challenges. I think there is every chance you could be ... formidable."

"That is my goal," She confesses, "My House tends to believe that one must master a challenge or risk being mastered by it. This does not, however, make some of those challenges any less vexing. You do not strike me as an idle flatterer, so I can only guess you have investigated me on levels that I might find alarming were I not a noble myself. Sir Vali says you are a woman of great resources, though he was evasive when I pressed for detail."

(Pause)