#anywhere

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Countess Thea finds herself with a visitor

There is the usual pause between arrival and being presented, but soon, her visitor is welcome to join her.

Sir Vali ap Beaumayn is at high polish.

And he joins her, and bows, then smiles

"Vali." she smiles and approaches, offering both her hands to him.

He takes them into his own "Auntie Thea. How are you?"

He gets a kiss on the cheek as the servants set up refreshments and her thanes take their posts. "Oh, I'm getting along. How are -you-??"

"I am at a time of Change, most of it good I think" he nods

And returns the kiss on the cheeks in return

An old smile "Well, I know we might differ in our opinions of change but I'm glad these changes suit you. Let's sit, talk.... I think you favor these?" she indicates a type of pastry that yes, he -did- love... when he was 7.

He looks at the Pastries "Oh, my kryptonite- Yes, you remembered, thank you!" And he guides her to a seat before joining her in conversation and cinnamon rolls

She settles and refreshments are served. The staff withdraws a bit but remains attentive, and the thanes fade into the background.

He takes a bite of a roll, savoring it, then confides "Delicious. Ah, where to begin, well, you know Tiffany I have a baby on the way ? It may come sooner than expected but no harm"

Unless one is looking for it they'd miss a momentary blank expression which in the next blink is active and interested. "Yes, of course. And if I haven't said, congratulations. Sooner than expected.... no complications, I hope?"

"Only pooka related ones" He notices the blank expression and pats her hand gently but as she grows active he says "Your blessing means a lot to us. I have an invitation to extend to you, but it has little to do with my future child, at least it doesn't directly"

"Yes?"

"I am soon to be elevated to Mountain of Rivervale. There will be a short and small ceremony" He observes her reaction gently

"Mountain....." she muses.

"Yes, among troll lodges, it's an important position, akin to a seer but with more focus on spirituality and history, a shaman some would call it. One of the triumvirate"

She beckons and one of the staff bring a journal over, which she glances through "Storm, Mountain, and Hearth. Very.... elemental."

"And you are to be Mountain."

"I am. Sir Franklyn is stepping down but will still be part of the lodge, of course. I hope to do credit to the role"

"Congratulations are in order, then, yes." she motions and sets the journal aside; wine is served.

"Thank you" A smile

She toasts him. "To your elevation."

"And to Charm's prosperity" A return and sip

"I know you are busy," He says "And that the troll system may seem odd to you, But it didn't feel right not to at least extend an invitation"

"To your ceremony?"

"Exactly. I would like to invite you to the Elevation ceremony when it happens. Currently we're considering "he names the date

A nonplussed pause. "I would be honored, Vali. Thank you."

"I accept."

"Wonderful" He smiles "And thank you. I'll let the others know"

"I look forward to it."

"I suppose I should ask how big your enterougge will be? We hope to keep it small but I understand you may have different requirements"

"On first blush? Three to four, but perhaps more if Adelaide is to join us."

"Fair, and she'd be welcome. She's ggrown into a lovely young woman and she and Gerd have a few adventtures when no one is looking I suspect"

"It might be nice to have them visit." she agrees.

He raises a brow at something "Has Adelaide not been here recently?"

"No, she's here. Well, here in the County. Visiting other Freeholds, touring, learning how to lead."

"No pressure I'm sure" A smile

"Oh, I hope there is. Some pressure. A bit."

"I suppose leadership IS pressure. Something I need to deal with soon myself . I think the Chief might be concerned tha i maybe adopting some Eilunned viewpoints. "

"On behalf of House Eiluned, allow me to express our gratitude for the compliment."

"It's sincere. rigid thinking is ultimately entropic , one has to consider all truths, even the uncomfortable ones"

"Hear hear."

"These rolls are delicious. I think I'll praise how amazing they were later andn see if I can make Hearth Kerri's eye twitch"

"Please feel free." she says with a smile.

"Imp on my shoulder" he says but smiles as well

She chuckles. "One of your charms."