#anywhere

Nadeen bows before the Countess, "I Have news of the resolution of my father's fate"

"Most welcome. Will you sit and have refreshment?"

"I'd be delighted" She says

The shaded lady orders a nice tea and they retire to the Solarium.

"I hope all thrives here?"

"Oh, yes, yes. Imbloc approaches, there are festivals to patronize and champions to recognize, a travel schedule to review.... Now..." she settles and smoothes her skirt "....when you are ready. There is no rush. I imagine it is... quite a bit to take in."

"Yes, and congratulations on your heir's togail. Gerd tells me it was lovely" A sip

"Yes." Softly.

Adelaide's Togial was lovely, but her little shining star of a childling seems more reserved as a wilder, temproary as she adjusts? or a true change?

"I hope the gift sent on behalf of rivervale pleased her," Confidentially "Sir Vali jested about several Judy Bloom books"

"He would." Not without warmth. "She seemed most touched."

"I'm glad," She says, "my father's arrival was..rather dramatic. The short version was he is a childling..formerly autistic to such an extreme degreee to be almost comatose. I trust that mortal soul has more freedom now. I will not have you short changed upon your favor, so .. I thought you might be interested in the details of the events. It involved magics, and aat least one dream of fate maniefest."

She nods. "I would like to hear the story... and the childling aspect does not disturb me." A soft pause. "Childlings grow."

A tilt of her head "Yes, Spring must yield to summer, " and she relates the tale.

Tea arrives, a minor interruption, and then she can resume. The Countess listens.

The news of a WOUND in the Dreaming... and the healing... there of is exciting stuff if one is interested in action, but far more is the academic knowledge involved. The Oracle after left strands that transformed ortals into changeling? Interesting!

The plan almost worked, all of Gardens transformed into Kithain that would have been sworn to the Newly arrived Count?

She nods slowly, thoughtfully.

"Father has already, sadly, forgotten much, but when he is sained some more will return. I know he owes you, but the payment may have to be forestalled until he comes into his power again."

She waves that away.

"Currently he is at Caer Falken, but that may not be his final fostering ground depending who else steps forward or is deemed best. There in doubt he will not be seen as the Count's heir. The Seeelie biases are too strong"

A sigh. "I do wish him the best, then."

"If you did not have your own Heir, I might inquire of your interest" she says "It occurs to me that father was not above marrying me for greater advancement for our family, I would not be against advancing him if the place were suitable. Have you suggestions?"

A puff of amusement. "I could consider options for you. Well, him."

Her eyes dance with.. amusement as well? "I would certainly appreciate it"

"Very well."

"Might we discuss politics? My choices have been between an All Seelie Noble hold , or a troll lodge. Both fine, but as you can probably imagine, how does one word this..." She looks for a polite term

"Limiting?"

"Yes, I suppose so. And perhaps even linear. " And the young woman and Countess discusss matters political. If Thea focuses, she may even read in some useful information ... the Chieftain's Daughter is to become a Countess? Liam ascends in Baja?

Oh, not as easy as all that to let little details like that past one of the House of Secrets, no......

And, yet the young Varich certainly makes a good attempt to glean what she can from the Countess. With some admirable skill if not necessarily success.

The Countess is likely aware of what she gives away.

All in all, an enjoyable exchange between two noble women in a world that cannot truly understand elevated discourse and the power in simple conversation.

(End scene)