#anywhere

Vali looks at the servant "Probably the COVID has prevented that, I am guessing?"

"Just so, Sir." is the polite response.

The Countess glances at the servant. "Yes. Mathias, would you ask Adelaide to join us? Sir Vali and Thane Tiffany have kindly asked after her."

Adelaide soon shows up, "Sir Vali!" And she lights up "Thane Tiffany. How lovely to see you both. " She gives a curtsy to thea "Your excellency, thank you for letting me know they were here."

"You are very welcome my dear."

"Wow, you've grown" Vali says

"She has." With quiet, bittersweet pride."

"The hold would slow me down if I let it, the magic I mean but.. yes." The wilder says "I am a few inches taller" She looks up and up at Vali "But honestly, anything near trolls seems short"

Vali laughs "Yeah, Gerd's getting way up there too"

"Hey, Kiddo" Tiffany looks her over "Remember what I told you if you get in a scrap?"

"Every man thinks a woman a lady will go for the nuts " She answers Tiffany "So feint THEN go for it"

"Thatagal" Tiffany nods

The Countess clears her throat again.

A blush from the younger countess "Apologies your excellency, but ..strategically it's not bad advice"

"Mmm, tactically perhaps."

"yes, tactically" She nods accepting the importance of specificity

"Will you have tea, Adelaide?"

"Yes, please" And she takes her spot to sit.

And the Countess pours her heir a cup, offering sugar, milk, etc.

And a wonderful tea is had by all. And Thea learns more of what's going on with Gerd and the others at the hold. She might even, if she listens, learn of Silver Wolf Barony

Oh, she certainly listens. And it may be that some around her take notes.

Adaelade charms and delights, and Thea notices that she's soon guiding the conversation to sate her own curiosity,. she's learned.

Ah, this is very satisfying and encouraging to observe.

Even now, with Vali a grump and Adelaide a wilder, they all three seem so young.

(End Scene)