#anywhere

(resuming)

Adam notices, yes, but is cautious about saying anything; either to the lady herself, or his own companions. He continues to observe, to learn.

It's hard not to stare at some of them, and at other times, hard to meet their gazes. They're like acts of nature in elf like form. One protesting noble like a thunderstorm, any moment to gaze at him you might feel you could be struck down, another noble lady flows like moonlight over a forest.

"Why does the Chieftain not come here herself?" Someone asks , not the Count but another Baroness , "It seems to show a disregard, Lady Dancingsnow"

Nadeen raises a brow "Alas, the Chieftain suffers from a great affliction- she prioritizes. She currently is set on tasks protecting her barony and seeing to her liege's will while entrusting those under her to act in accordance with her wishes. Blessed must be your hold, lady, not to suffer similar stresses."

"You seem so sure of how a landed noble thinks, Baroness," The unnamed baroness says, "pity you have only conjecture"

"Your sympathy is appreciated, Baroness," Nadeen replies, "Know that you are an inspiration to me, for if a woman of your quality can claim a fief, well, truly, anyone has a chance. Why it's uplifting"

for a moment, Adam can almost visualize the very light around the two Shining Hosts surging against each other, as if behind those smiles and flashing eyes, like two borealis in an all too small sky fighting for dominion over the dark blue..

And there are chuckles.

Soft chuckles that seem to slip into glasses and weave behind backs.

Adam is in awe, and can't help but look at Nadeen in a new light. An obvious one that shines from his face. (Edited to clarify)

Indeed, Nadeen presses back against sleights to Rivervale with the style of something akin to an judo master with access to spike traps. Not only does she redirect, but as she verbally sends people forward with the force of their own words against them... she chooses to drop them on yet more barbs. There are two hierarchies here. One is set in stone. Title and authority granted by the Count or his barons. The other is far more fluid, constantly shifting in incremental ways that still become beautiful.

Yes, all the beauty of an orchestra , and all the danger of forest with far too many predators circling each other in elegant fashion. There are wolves that have less dangerous flashes of teeth, eagles claws that do less damage than the brief brushes of hands.

And there are styles. At times, the Graybeards and Grandames seem almost tranquil, resting... while the wilders dart to and fro. Yet once pressed, those of an older seeming can move with abrupt action and words that cut deeper and hit even harder.

Adam is almost breathless, watching. It's like combat, very much; more elegant, but he can sense it's nonetheless deadly.

"Sir Octavius..." One fellow says "You are retired. Have you an opinion?"

"At my age, Sir, I can afford more than one," Otto replies.

"ha. I mean on the interplay between the two young baronesses?"

"Oh, I would not have gone as far as the bold Baroness Dancingsnow" He shrugs

"Oh? how so?"

"I am not an adverserial man.. had someone told me I thought i knew how a landed noble thinks, I believe my response at such an assumption would be agree to disagree. "

"you would doubt your own judgement openly?"

"No, I would say such parts like 'thinking' for every landed noble must be proven before details can be debated" Otto says into his glass

The satyr knight he was talking to laughs heartedly

A close observer of the boy (not that there are any) might notice him whispering to himself as he watches avidly.

No one but the boggans, and surely they pay him no mind either?

He doesn't actually vocalize, but his lips move.

The commoner nobles might at first seem socially clumsy and politically lurching compare to their sidhe peers, and yet, they turn the lowered expectations into an advantage. No one is surprised at Satyr over reactions, so they get away with it. Trolls are not expected to be charming, so it is that much more effective when they are. One boggan woman, a baroness by her voile but with no retainers in sight is easily overlooked but seems to see beyond the swirling colors and know a ilttle bit about EVERYONE.

This means a great number of sidhe come to her for information... and , if Adam is canny, he can see that baroness always seems to get more information than she gives.

Oh, but the Sidhe......

Ah yes... it is their world is it not?

His eyes follow on the sidhe, and he notices a kinian woman of such strong sidhe blood that she seems to reflect their beauty in proximity to them. She wears garments of storm gray.

His eyes widen. More.

She's like him.

"Careful" A voice almost disrupts his world, "You're oggling one of Baron Kealan's daughters"

It's Vali, softly said, a warning.

Adam tears his gaze away. "But..." Mumbled "She's like me."

"She is" He says "As is one of her sisters... though that one took a more warrior like route. And there are other Kinian here too on the edges."

"But.... you mean they... like.... they live like he does? I mean, they are treated like Sidhe?"

"No, no they're not. All their respect, all their power, comes from their father and mother.. they're behind glass, Thane. They can see everything, they can walk in a maze of glass walls, but ..they can't really be part of it. Watch, see. Listen If you must stare, be discreet and don't just use your eyes."

And he notices.. few seem to pay her mind, and when they do, it's kind of pitying... or like she's a childling in a big girl's dress... and many of them "My regards to your father" "I see your father is using your eyes" etc. Like she's an extension

"Stare without my eyes?" before he is distracted by those comments to the Lady.

Sir Vali smiles and leaves him be... Sir Vali himself is incredibly adept. Light humor and charm from a troll is not expected and he uses it well. His House seems to cause more caution than his kith. Someone adresses him as 'Thallianbane'... but Adam might focus instead on the lady who moves and flows and says "No, my lord. I'm merely a decoy today" With good humor

Adam gets enough possession of himself to discretely (or so he thinks) tug at Vali's sleeve.

Vali says "Yes?"

"Sorry, uh, Sir, to interrupt you but.... so..... if a Kinain has someone like a Baron or something like a... like a coach or a sponsor then...."

"How do you think you got here? You are here because you are a thane of the Lodgee and thus folks know you are trusted by the Chieftain. You escort the Baroness Nadeen, and folks feel her cloak of protection of you. And, of course, by that, hyou are a guest in the Autumnsbane's hall. And woe betide one who crosses that"

"Not really a thane....." he mumbles.

"You appear to be the only one who thinks that here," Vali says "Perception is reality at times, within limits. "