#bergen_county

Allyssa looks greater tahn she was, a warrior duchess in Gwydion Gold and Green. And she smiles and inclines her head, lesser rank or no, she seems to still respect the Chieftain

And there is the Daireann Brekke noticed it seems long ago

Brekke's pace slows as she sees Alyssa there, but only slightly. Her jaw is tight as she holds back fury at apparent betrayal.

A bow to the Count. "My liege, I regret it took me this long." She, like the others, is definitely showing the aftermath of battle.

She casts a challenging glare at the other sidhe present, even those that outrank her. "I do not understand what has occurred."

Dagmar licks the sweat off her upper lip. There's a nagging pain in her side, and the cut on her face stings. But she's ready.

Hemlock says "Chieftain Brekke Shacklebreaker, Dame Dagmar Hammerstrike, Lady Captain Siv Waveborne, and... err.. the Dirk. May I present to you, Heir to the Kingdom of Concordia... Princess Lenore ap Dougal"

A confused look, and her gaze goes not to any of the sidhe - but to Brekke, looking for guidance and clarity in the one she trusts the most.

A blink of surprise, and she bows. "Princess." She cannot keep the caution and distrust out of her tone.

The older wilder woman rises . Hers is a pale strange beauty. She is long past her childling years, long past the times of innocent indulgance. No, a war rose in Concorida and she was both pawn and player in that. The High King returned, and so she resumed her role as heir, but her eyes now bear a beautiful sorrow

Siv kneels , fighting a wince as she does

A bow, not a kneel.

Dirk thinksa bout it, KINDA bows

Another pained look to Hemlock. Please, explain.

"All that has transpired has been my doing. Please do not blame the Count" the Princess says, "It was deemed necessary to keep his vassals too busy to investigate. You, most of all, or lese I'd have been exposed as residing here"

A frown. "This was...a ruse."

A slight frown, eyes narrowed.

"Baroness Ailbhe Yewstorm" Says the Daireann introducing herself "Being considered for Countess."

A sharp look to the Daireann, then to Hemlock again. Her jaw is tight.

Hemlock sees Brekke's hurt, and moves to her, putting a hand on her arm "it was a ruse. Not one of my choosing. "

A brow. "I do not understand the need, beyond concealing her Highness," a dutiful nod towards the princess, "nor why a Countess is under consideration while you lead here."

She knows what the rumor and speculation has been, but she needs to hear it from him.

The princess says "Indeed. Count Hemlock was adamant that you should be informed from the start. 'Tell her' he said 'Tell her and gods help anyone who tries to pry it from her'"

Brekke's chin lifts with some pride in her liege's faith in her.

A sharp nod. Damn straight!

Chief is true.

Autumnsbane says "Brekke, you're wounded. Patch yourself up please, Chieftain. And yes, I DID say that. It was only part of a rather stirring speech by the way. I won't repeat it here. However when the HEIR to Concordia insists, one can't deny. I was so ticked about it I had to recluse myself or I might have given it away."

"Your Highness, keeping information from me has resulted in seven stout and faithful guards lying wounded in the hallway. They fought bravely and loyally. I hope your Highness will forgive me for saying that they deserved better."

Dagmar's amber eyes shift to the strange Countess, as a wolf might gaze upon a threat to her pack.

The Princess DOES look sorrowful at that.

Autumnsban actually smirks "They beat your redbranch and other warriors, your Highness."

Then, after Hemlock's instructions, she draws her group to the side and sets about working a Heatherbalm for them all, having them give themselves minor cuts on Speaker's blade to share the cantrip as they stand close together.

If Yoel is too wounded to do so himself, he is assisted.

Yewstorm sighs "I will make good on my debt, your excellency"

A wager? Her liege bet on her to make it past the Red Branch? of course he did

Dagmar's eyes are met by Yewstorm, the Baroness almost Countess inclines her head towards her

Brekke may not have heard that. Her expression has gone stony.

A steady gaze back. She has not yet formed a judgement.

The princess says "They insisted on coming along or I might have dared to leave them behind but you are... correct."

But.... she does not seem inclined to friendliness.

Duchess Allyssa says "Your highness, they have a right to answers. You've used me. I've played along. I'll do what's required. But no Gwydion will serve lies"

All those wounded are now much better. Wounds to light scars and bruises. Bruises to naught

"Not a lie, discretion." Lenore asserts, "But yes, ask what you will, Chieftain. And join us at the table, you and your companions. What IS Yoel doing with you?"

A brow. "You know Yoel?"

Yoel says "Well... I thought they must be bad guys but when I got there the goatees were crooked.. and I.. slandered a heroine... so that part of my bucket list is done" He looks ashamed

She adds, "...your Highness?"

"An old childhood friend" She says "of sorts. I tried to keep him at bay but I..."

SHe tops herself "No more than a friend. Yoel, you were FREED from my part of the Motely Oath"

"And it was when we were CHILDREN" She reminds

"He was caught gathering information about Rivervale, believing that my people were plotting against you." She glowers at the pooka.