#anywhere

Upon hearing that Carowyn had sought out Vali's help, Brekke goes there to intervene.

And hears Tiffany "So faster pussy cat kill kill? Is this for you or her?"

"For her... "A pause "Maybe for me too. I should have been tthere"

Brekke doesn't mean to eavesdrop and does not like it when it happens accidentally. She knocks clearly.

"Come in and let us know you better" Tif calls

She enters. "Thane Tiffany, forgive the intrusion. Sir Carowyn," she says with a somber nod.

Carowyn rises and bows "Chieftain?"

Tiffany just wavves from the chair "It's a troll, hide the coffee" But she also motions to the fresh pot

"I have been to see Sally Mae." She shakes her head at the offer of coffee.

"Ah," Carowyn nods, "So you've seen her. . What they did to her. As a 'joke'" his eyes flash a bit

"I have." Her initial anger may have subsided somewhat, but it boils underneath her tone. "I do not deny your right to outrage, here."

"Don't feed the dark tomcat, Chief" tiffany says "I just got him thtis calm"

"I'm of Liam, a mortal has been mistreated. And yes, she's also the woman I love" tthe knight says "But...thank you for understanding"

"I have no intent to renew his ire," she assures Tiffany. Then back to Carowyn, "The fact that it was done on Carnivale makes matters more difficult. The fact that she is kinain makes her more vulnerable, also. I am deeply sorry that this happened to her."

"It's no more your failing than mine" He sighs "I should have watched over her more carefully"

"She is a woman with her own free will. Carowyn...I did not wish to press her too much about details, but did she tell you how it happened?"

Corwyn frowns "She went outdoors of the hold proper, to a large picnic of kithain. All sorts. She offereeed some of her food, they insulted it without trying it. She informed them of she was a DeBuke of thhe farmhold they did their own cooking just fine. They called her an inbred yokel.... whenn she informed them she had also served by Hearrth Kerri, they teased her for working for 'Cookie Smurf'. that's when she lett them have it- verbally, explaining their food mistakes, their lack of taste, and their swine like manners. Something about one of them being so ugly that if they had a dog... I forget the joke. Well, they weren't ready for her to talk back... and.. one of them decided to put the 'daughter of eve' inn her place"

Brekke takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "I wish she had stayed within the hold, or that she had left them when they first declined her food. There was nothing to be won by staying."

"She's proud" he nods "But she's righttfully so"

"Agreed. Which is why she should have denied them her food from the moment of first insult. But do not mistake me -- whether she stayed or not, the curse was inappropriate."

A frown. "She said it was a large group? Outside of the hold, but near it?"

"She... ttried to avoid detttails but I ttthink it was the picnic tha was large. the group more like 5 or 6?"

"Mm." An annoyed sound. "Again, even if we were to know who cursed her, there is no retaliation permitted."

"Damnnit" he isses "that's what Sir Vali said"

"The Mountain knows whereof he speaks."

A frown. "I need to speak with Count Hemlock on the matter. Or perhaps even his steward might be of help."

"Oh she's horrible and hateful, you know boggans"

A blink (presumably at Tiffany?).

Yup

"She means she likes the steward" the Liam pacces "I... I want this currse lifteed"

"Working on it" Vali says

"I have given Sally Mae a Heartherbalm which seems to have eased some of her discomfort. She is resting. Mountain, do we know how long this curse is intended to last?"

"Omens are vague, but tthe vibe I get is it is meant to last 7 times 7 days. However, it wasn't tthat well cast, so I give it a week or so"

"A week?!" Brekke's anger rises again.

"Or more?!"

Carowyn bristles

"Easy.." Vali says "iff she forgets herself, it'll pass quicker. She disenchants"

"Mountain...there cannot be retaliation for offenses on Carnivale...but this will be well past Carnivale."

A grumble and a nod at that. "She should be allowed to be alone for a time. Perhaps we can have a dreamer check in on her."

"A loophole yes" He nods "But still a risky one. And... I'm worrkingg onn ways to remove it earlier"

"Then...we should allow you to focus on that work."

"Sir Carowyn, while Sally Mae is recovering, Hearth Kerri will need your assistance in her place, if you would be so kind."

"I see." A frown from the sidhe "I.. thannk you for sidelining me with Courtesy"

"It was not subtle enough, hm? Well, yes. That is what it is. You will need duty to distract from rash action. Let us learn more."

He bows low then nnods "Yes. you're right, of course. I .. apologize for my rage. "

She shakes her head. "No apology necessary. Your feelings are very much justified. Come...let us leave the Mountain to his work. Thank you," she says to both Vali and Tiffany.

"We live to serve" Vali says

"It's why we play tennis" Thane tiff nods

And Carowyn says "Yes, thank you , tthank you both" And he prepares to follow

Brekke leads the way out. "Come with me on patrol, and we will return to the Lodge after."