#anywhere

"That was... Complicated."

"Lass, no one should be forced to pretend to be ..." Hewitt says "Truth, its all right. My ego was not damaged once I knew" A finger snap

"I just..a .. pardon me, Sir Colton, Sir Bachdion. COuld I have a word with the Baroness?"

Her wings fidget.

Colton frowns suspicoously at him, then shakes his head and bows, to both "Of course" And with draws

Sir Bachion says "I'll be nearby if you need me"

And they depart.

Hewitt looks at the Baroness, "You realize, while there is hard work to be done here, and difficulties, you've pretty much handed me a small barony and a lodge to rule it from. I am in your debt."

She nods. "I can see that. In that case, my request is simple... you know my house, yes?"

"Liam will be welcome here ,if that's what you ask, but I hardly think granting them the haven I would anyone is a true repayment. Or is it something else?"

"That is what I ask. We have few enough safe places in this world. You will find them well-suited to this land, I think."

"Aye, they can help muse it, show folks the seeds worth tending. I was thinking that very thing. A forge rarely feeds hungry people direct." He says "May I offer you something more in return beyond that?"

"I... I really don't know what to ask."

He reaches into his vest and pulls out a sealed letter, Chimerical, and official, the marks of both their graces and their excellencies "How about this?"

She raises an eyebrow.

"Take a look, it unseals at the word 'trustgiven'" And so it does

Assuming she looks, she realizes this is a letter of permission to find and claim a hold within the Duchy.

...in Missouri?

"I... I suppose you will have little use of this, in the future..."

"You helped direct me to a hold that is, I can at least give you more right to one that might be. you'd still have to find and prep it, IF you wish." He says

"Aye." He nods "And I have left the Count and Countess short a baron"

She bites on her lip. "Indeed."

"I've complicated your life, haven't I?" He says

Hewitt looks apologietc, "Would I were comfortable being female. I'd get magic done and make that offer all over again" A smile "But you were brave enough to be who you are, I dcould nae do less. So this instead."

"Maybe my life needs complication."

"This will wait if you need it to, if you've more schooling or the like?"

"Another year."

"Then if I might suggest? Firnost is your fix if you need trods. It takes to them unnatural quick. And... if you're tempted by it, that Ha Ha Tonk Park might be ...well, it might just be alive enough to try"

"But.. do not feel you are obligated. That is yours, to even trade if you wish. Notice I said trade. Would make me nuts if you handed it out for nothing"

"I mean, if it is the right person..."

"If it's the right person they'll understand its' worth and strive to pay you rightly. Repay all Debts and all, as I have"

"Our way, yes."

"Aye." A nod "I hope you don't mind me sending the good knights off while I did that, but I thought you'd be uncomfortable enough at the news without feeling an audience. Tell who you will or won't on that. No one's business but your own"

"I do appreciate it. I may have released Colton... but..."

He nods

"I hope he finds a path that makes him happy. You could have few better at your side, here."

"You realize he may want to head back with you? He said he MIGHT be Storm, he's yet to commit to it"

"True. But I want him to make his own decisions."

"Could be he'll also be chasing after whatever lady put that favor around his wrist. She a good one, or toying with the boy?" Brow knit, troll brother concern

"She's a good one. Troll, of Rivervale."

"Mmm well then, good." A chuckle, "You know the fun part of this is going to be when Brekke the Bloody Shacklebreaker comes to check me out herself. Thaat's going to be a grand knee knocking experience I can tell you. Shame you'll be too busy to hold my hand during it"

She laughs. "Well, no promises. The Mountain there was my mentor."

"Aye, I'll suck it up and be the bravest buttercup I can be" A laugh

"Thank you, Sparrow. I think, maybe this is where I was meant to be all this time"

"Da'an is a funny thing."

"It is." he nods "now, come on. I know you've sacrified enough to get me here.. I won't cost you dessert too"

"THAT would be a bridge too far!"

"And think of the chef?"

Indeed, at that moment, "Do people in Missouri not LIKE Ice cream?" Marsellies