#anywhere

"Worse things in the world..."

"Hm. I wonder if I could reach out to Fenix? I have no idea how far she is, Texas is kind of a mystery to me. Closer than Kansas City!"

"Oh that'd be awesome.. I guess you're hte middle point in a way"

"Exactly. And your sister might not be Liam, but I think she could be an ally."

"You kidding? She wore Gwydion Liam half outfits for her cornation. She respects both houses. Yes I think you might have an Ally in the making. if you learn anything about Nunnehi and peace methods she'll really be eager"

"And I'll have to learn who rules the County - if I need to bow to a Balor, we'll have a problem."

"Truth" Siv agrees "But the place is so remote. I'm not sure tribute was ever expected because then the Count of whatever might end up having to return support due and that would be a lot of running back and forth... infact, that explains Balor control of the trod even more"

Grey nods "tactically, it's sound. The balor guard the trod for their own interest, but anyone trying to collect County dues would find themselves on a suddenly DANGErous TROD at high risk. Best to just ..give up on it"

"And live in a perfect little island of fascism. Gross."

The Barista (Who I really should name) speaks up "Baroness... we've never had a count or countess visit. never"

Other locals confirm this.

"I think most would have stopped this, had they known."

"An island in the sky" Siv ponders "I like the sound of that"

Sir Grey nods "So we learn who is 'the count' and their nature. Seems like that would help decide if you wanted to keep this somewhat isolated from them for now"

"No knowledge is ever wasted. It would be nice if the Count or Countess could be an ally."

Siv says "Well, I'm an Errant. Maybe I could visit, get a feel for them?" She offers "Another adventure for me, while you ruling types sit on fancy chairs and suck down grapes"

"And battle the nightmare chimera, round up Harkson Loyalists, and no doubt resist balor attempts to retake the place" Grey mentions

"Oh yes, sitting on chairs. Totally my style."

"Wingbacks, right?" Siv says straight faced

She shudders, wings miming being crumpled. "Oh, those are squashy."

The boggans begin talking how to make the most comfortable throne possible

Cutouts, obviously!

Clearly..

Siv fights a smile as the boggans 'take over the problem' and then says "Oh! I .. something of use. Though it was meant to malicious use. Town census. The Ex-Baron kept records on his.. subjects" She does not say serfs "how many of each kith and more"

"Useful. And perhaps notes on who has been..." She frowns. "Dimmed? The Escheat demands rescue. How can one dream in a barony with childlings?"

"I'm not sure if it records that per se, but it does have mention which oens were the best earners" Siv says with distaste

"Then good for them, that they may muse well. Dreams beget dreams, in my experience."

Grey says "I'm not a man given to open passions but I'm almost wishing I'd been in on the defeat of this man"

Speaking of the Baron

"You shall help defeat his legacy, old friend. I just happened to be the first sword Siv found."

"That sluagh... wasn't he one of Rivervale's?"

"Hardly just, Baroness. I know quite a few fine warriors, but they didn't just need a warrior, the people needed a Champion. And you were the best choice for that" Siv says "Though, I did make sure his scabbard didn't produce that poison anymore... and Symon..well, without that chain and tongue use"

She nods. "I owe you both, then, yes."

"Oh yes. Symon is a Pillar of the Mountain there, not that he likes the attention" Siv admits "But while he'd be embarrassed by me saying it, he is of the Lodge. And has made the difference more than once" A beat "Ah, I do not suggest trying to sway HIM to move, Lady. My cousin would be quite upset with me for she considers him a dear friend"

"Oh, the one with the horses? Hm. I feel there is something I am missing about sluagh and trolls... Earl has his Librarian, too."

"It's the oddest thing. Trolls have a hard time trusting sluagh, until we get to know them and even then the sluagh find us incredibly naive, and we tend to thin ktehir methods too unsavory, but.. I guess it's like Dwarves and Elves in the Middle Earth setting? Grumbles aside, we compliment each other very well. Our strengths to theirs and vice versa. " Another thought "Also, the size difference doesn't matter as much in the bedroom when one party can squirm to fit and.."

Grey coughs

Siv blushes "oh right. Not a Fiona hold. Sorry"

Sparrow is a bit pink, which should clash with her hair but doesn't. Damn pretty sidhe.

"Speaking of trolls... did any stalwarts make it through the late Baron's regime?"

Siv sighs. She's gotten used to it. Bet her hair NEVER Looks like a nest in the morning

"I'm sorry to say that some of his thanes were not thallian ogres, but true trolls. " Siv wrinkles her nose "In short, trolls were some of his enforcers. So were redcaps but..well, call me biased, I expected better of me kith"

"There are unseelie trolls. And were any seelie trolls... ah.. marked?" A frown of distaste.

"Oh yes. " Siv says "Little Joe was in the prison before this."

She arches an elegant eyebrow. "Little Joe? I would meet him."

Little Joe is brought up.. the name was given ironically. Trolls often range from 7 to 9 feet tall in their changeling seemings. Joe tops out at the max, but more than that, his MORTAL seeming is a lot closer than looks healthy. It's like Andre the Giant had a trollish grand son. His neck is now free of the mark and he's got a set of clothes that is clean, if a bit small on him

"Oh my. Hello!"

He bows then says "Hello."

Little Joe is not a talker.

Siv says "Little Joe, tell the Baroness why you were in jail? Besides him being an ass that is?"