#bergen_county

A nod "The Count informed me that if anyone had objections to let him know ... and I shall. Do you have any objections yourself?"

"I have concerns. But no objections. At this time," she qualifies.

"Of course" the knight ponders "Any more questions?"

"Beyond my own cooperation in Rivervale, is there any aid that I might render to the Count? If there is need for more staff, I am sure that I could arrange for some to assist."

He raises a brow then smiles "I may take you up on that. We're actually rather short staffed"

"Let me know. I will do what I can."

"I think I have no further questions. I ask you to give the Count my regards."

"I shall, when I see him, which sadly maybe quite a few hours at soonest," He rises and bows again "Baroness, you know best who to trust, but please do be clear if anyone asks of what is rumor and what is fact."

She nods. "I will be so."

"Squire, good to meet you as well" the knight says

"The honor is mine" Valter bows

And soon, the two trolls are leaving Caer Falken

Before they leave, though, Brekke must retrieve her cloak from the boggan.

As they do so, she asks the boggan, "I noted a sidhe woman I do not know on the balcony when I arrived. Do you know of whom I speak?"

"Oh yes, Baroness. that is the Baroness Ailbhe Yewstorm, of House Daireann. Unlanded, but apparently Seelie despite her House's leanings."

"Of Daireann? A recent arrival?"

"Oh yes. She sought audiance with the Count but then things came up, so she was denied. Her three nights are not yet up"

"I see." She puts on her cloak. "Interesting timing."

"Unfortunate for her" A nod "But she understands the land comes first, or seems to"

"Mm." She nods. "Thank you." And she and Squire Valter depart.

Valter, after a time, says "That was interesting. Did you wish to offer my aid to the knight ?"

"Perhaps. If you wish to do so. I will not order any to go unless the need is great." She considers. "It would be a good opportunity for some who have not had much experience with sidhe courts."

"Well, experiencee in Court I have had," He says "So who else did you have in mind?"

"I am not certain, but I will think on it." She looks to him. "Tell me what else you found interesting."

"The rumors running free are not light ones, they could upturn the balance of power in all areas of Apples, from the seat of power, to the lowliest fief. Yet the cat is out of the bag already... but only as rumor. It seems almost...calculated"

A brow. "Hm. I had not thought of that." She pauses, thinking. "A loyalty test, of some sort?"

"Perhaps it is a way to see who make what moves, as much as it is a census? See who betrays ambition, and who shirks from stepping up?"

"Mm." She nods, frowning, and falls silent.

"Perhaps I comment above my station" he says "If so, my apologies. "

"No need. It is a good observation." She is still frowning, but it doesn't seem to be directed at him.

A nod and he grows quiet. Little more need be said, and his Liege needs time to consider her own thoughts

And they return home... (End Scene)