#anywhere

The Raven finds Brekke alone, and takes the shape of Baron Kealan

A raven isn't all that unusual as she's on patrol. That it transforms into a sidhe is less expected, but not entirely surprising. "Baron," she says with a nod, continuing to clear a downed branch from a path.

"Mind if I help?" He offers then adds "And talk?"

A grunt. It might be do what you like.

He assists, and says "I did what I could, yet I still feel an urge to apologize for not finding a way to do more sooner"

The work is soon done. "The situation is disturbing in many ways," she says. "And I do not know how much you know."

"I know what you should now know about it" Truth "And I can tell you I know who is staying at Caer Falken" True "And why. Not sure if that damns me or clears me"

She considers for a moment. "It helps that I know you are telling me the truth." A sigh. "Perhaps your voice could have convinced them to tell me before I took unnecessary actions."

"The Count tried" He assures "For all my grumbles as a youth about him at times, he's a fair lord." a sigh "And he tried. In fact, he left me some loopholes to 'slip up' and drop bread crumbs to you. At least I think he did"

A brow. "Very small breadcrumbs." She resumes patrol, but she seems willing to have him join her.

"Had your youngest daughter not been distraught over various matters she mgiht have picked up a few. I do not blame her. Or you, but I did miscalculate. " He moves with her "I suppose it would be foolish to ask 'are you well?'. I know you have been, even if it is a good cause, and who is to be sure it was... struck in areas you rightly prize. So no, not well. You endure though. Can I help ease ?"

A sigh as she walks. "I have invaded my liege's home with my people at my side, and taken up arms against defenders who never wronged me, all as the result of a deception. I understand the reason for it. To a point. But there should have been another way." A pause. "I am glad to hear that the folk of Rivervale defended its reputation, but they should not have been tested so."

"If there's a failing in the troll kith it's that you tend to think if you're not the one who takes the hit, you've somehow failed. Your people are tough, not just the ones of the lodge but through out your lands. " He says walking with her "And you brought no shame on yourself in your move. By what they let you know, haed you NOT taken action, our liege would be dead or worse. It would have been wrong to NOT try forward. And any lumps the Branch took? That was on the ones who put them there.. and I say that with respect to all involved on that side too. They made the choices, and that means it's on them. "

"Hmph. It was wrong."

"Sometimes, one is put in a position where any action or inaction they take will have something wrong about it. You were put on a chess board, you were bound to knock over a few knights or pawns no matter which way you moved" The Spymaster tells her

A brow. "I dislike playing a part in that game. But it does help to know that the Count argued against them."

"That i bore witness too, and while he might be offended to hear me say it? He's not that good an actor" A touch wrly

A slightly amused snort.

A sigh. "Then what now? I suppose the charade of the census must continue."

"It's coming to a head. You've done your part of the job so to speak but.. maybe going through some motions need not be without merit."

A brow. "You see merit in a pantomime?"

"Yes. Your reputation will be repaired further abroad now. They'll undo what they did, and I suspect reward Rivervale on top of it." He looks thoughtful "But yes. I think it sends a message to those who set this in motion. That you DO what you're asked even when you know it's bullshit and they could have trusted you. Should have."

"Hm." A few quiet paces. "I suppose that makes sense."

"Also, Dagmar's had a rough patch and frankly I think she'd LIKE the idea of finding your rare and exotic chimerical animals. Knowing her, she'll probably come home with a kaiju chimera she names fluffy."

"That is a point. She does know of the deception now, but I can request the recording of chimera continue for Rivervale's own sake."

A nod "Now, I mentioned that likely those behind this will not only return your status to old, but they'll want to make amends by boons of sorts. Are you aware Dirk is plotting to go to them and demand a butt load of things for Rivervale? He thinks you've got them by their shorthairs but you're too nice to use it. Oddly political animal, Dirk. He gets what they did, but they hurt you, and he's irked at them. They owe you. He plans to collect. Maybe you should tell me what you really want so I can pass that on and collect first more..diplomatically?"

A blink...and an amused head shake. "Dirk often surprises me. Well. What I want," she muses.

The Baron looks amused himself