#anywhere

The childling loses her attempts as 'above it all' and Hugs Sparrow "I WILL! Thank you. I hope you're happy here! We are going to do so much good"

Sparrow smiles. "I hope so. I'm glad to have you with me."

"Well," when she parts from hug "of course .Also," A whisper "Dubh is lost without us."

Chuckle. "We do what we must... for Dubh."

A nod, another hug, and Catir returns to her bags, then "Nice meeting you, Steward." And off she marches to her new chamber!

"What an adorable child" Hope says after Catir is gone

"She was so miffed to come back as an eight year old."

Dubh smirks

"Seriously - the last life we'd met, she was a very formidable grump."

"Sounds like she's working to get there again" Hope says "I do hope she has fun though"

"Well, it will help when there are more childlings. And Stew is on task to hunt some down."

"Oh yes, it will be like a second dream dance for them" hope beams

"I half wonder if some of the grey that hangs over the mortals is due to the lack of childlings."

"An interesting theory, and ..yes, "Dubh ponders worriedly"It's possible Stew's job is more important than just right of rescuing indiduals"

"People underestimate the value of childlings. But without them, where is the future? They are Spring."

Hope sighs "I'm going to have to get used to that. You seem very inspiring"

"It's a gift" Dubh says "And yes."

"I'll make sure he has more dross ready if he needs it" The steward speaks of Stew "This is a first priority clearly"

She blushes at the praise. "I.. yes, yes, rescuing lost fae is first priority."

Hope bows and departs

Dubh waits til lshe's gone "She thinks she's temporary"

"She does."

"Is she?" Amused

"And if she doesn't want to keep it, I won't force her..."

"I think that one will get so busy she won't realize until much later where the time went, unless someone tells her" A guess, but Dubh can be a good judge of character at times "Are you okay with Catir here? She ..insisted firmly"

"She is one of my Five. You are always welcome to whatever I may give."

"I know, but we will be attacked, or the barony will, not necessarily by those wearing balor colors, but it will be them behind it. They MUST make you look like a failure to try to make a claim for this. Whatever else, you won, the hold recognizes it. "

She nods. "So I must be a perfect leader. I cannot fail them. I fear what will happen to the locals if the Balor re-take this place."

"No leader is perfect, Baroness" He says "And even a perfect leader can fail. I'm merely pointing out we may need military assistance. " A smile "The Rovers were quite helpful. I had them paid in the spoils of the fight, but in truth I think they rather just enjoyed showing the Balor who the real masters of the trods are"

"True, I cannot depend on them for perpetuity. We will need to master our own defenses."

"I know, but we cannot be too proud to reject aid. You have a message from Lady Captain Siv... she has been making overtures on your behalf . Should I stop her?"

"Not at all!"

"The young lady was shyer at Earth Runes. I swear she was" Dubh looks part amused, part confused

"She's just surrounded by non-troll Fiona there."

"I suppose it is all relative" He nods then says "That's anotehr matter. While no House can be forbidden forever due to the right of Haven, though you can make it not worth their time, not all those that come to serve will be old acquaintances. What houses if any are we to see as.. preferable?"

"Liam, obviously - we have few enough lands. While I am Seelie, and the house is seelie - Aesin may like the wild spaces, even if they are sun-warmed. There is snow in the mountains, too. Daireann would not be unwelcome. I hesitate on Varich, with so many sluagh. The Shadow houses..." Sigh. "Yes. Discouraged."

"Does this land have forests? I understand the Aesin speak to forest animals. Might be useful for intelligence"

"Surprisingly, yes."

"mmm" he seems surprised "Aesin .. in Texas. Ironic." but makes a note "I too would ..suggest House Varich go elsewhere. I'm rather surprised slaugh are represented here so well. it seems so very.. not their usual place. I think there must be a history behind that"

"Better to have pro-active relationships with unseelie, than have issues down the road. The Count at home might have some suggestions for warriors."

"True. And he is fond of you" A nod

"He is, so I would trust him to send reasonable choices."

Little Joe enters in "Baroness?"

Then he remembers to bow

"Little Joe." A nod, accepting and acknowledging.

"We have.. a very heavy package" He says "I brought it in..should I bring it into you?"

Eyebrows. "I suppose you must! Thank you, Little Joe."

And he brings in a large crate... from Rome New York? It's huge. What's in there, a volvo?

Blink. Blink.

"Should, I open it?" he says