#bergen_county

"They're not, and I had to give Mrs. Yoosten a 3 month vacation to the beach to keep her out of the thick of it"

Siv wryly comments "If I'd known that I'd have popped her back here for frequent visits"

Brekke's frown has grown weary. "But...my liege...you are well and safe and secure?" Making absolutely sure.

Hemlock starts to say "Yes I..." Then a sigh "No. I'm not well. I'm sick for the lies I've been a part of to my oldest and dearest chum. I've kept you at bay when you were trying to , as far as you knew, help me . I've put you at risk... mind you, I KNOW you can handle anything. But still, I am not feeling well about THAT. I'm sorry, Brekke... Chieftain. And a Gwydion can admit when he's aided an injustice even if it seems to be a necessary one. I hope this hasn't damaged our friendship, " A beat "or your worship of the quick sand I walk on"

Allysa actually looks at Hemlock as if that was sweet

A brow at the last quip, then a shake of her head. "The injustice is not only against me and mine, but also those we have harmed in the attempt of what I thought to be a rescue. But it was not your choice, my liege, and I understand this." A slow, measured breath. "What would you have me do, now that we know what we know?"

"Keep it quiet, of course" he s says "We've gotten the time we need to make some moves thanks to you and yours. As for the redbranch knights and their allies. I imagine they may want to invite one or more of you to consider joining though I can't be sure. " A look to Dame Dagmar "Dame Dagmar, if your jaw gets any more stiff I'm worried you'll punch someone across the table with it. How can we make restitution to all of RIvervale for this?"

"Indeed, the crown is willing to help compensate you for your troubles. That was the plan all along" The Princess says. TRUE

"You endangered Rivenvale with this."

"It is Rivervale's duty to serve," Brekke reminds Dagmar flatly.

"My Liege, you know the structure of the Lodge. The Mountain and the Hearth should also know of this."

She inhales through her nose, sharply, but nods.

Autumnsbane says "I"m no thin skinned Ailil , Chieftain. I can take a reprimand from a loyal vassal when I treat another vassal of my own unfairly. I CAN say that we made sure to set up eyes to protect the non combatants of the barony"

Siv groans "The baron's tip offs. He wasnt' just being nice during the months up to this. Or just doing his job on our side. He fed us just enough information to have an advantage if we needed it"

A brow at Siv, as she outs Kealan's attempts to help.

Hemlock looks the princess "She does not rule alone, and she has a trueheart"

"Oh yes, I had him do so" Autumnbane says smugly

The princess considers, then nods "Very well, tell Mountain, Hearth, and your true heart. But tell them to tell no others, Chieftain. This spreads too fast for my liking as is"

Lest one forget that Dagmar is a teenager, the look Hemlock gets confirms that.

so far folsk are being true

If not as giving as they want

Brekke looks to the other sidhe at the table, one at a time, and then to Hemlock again. "My Barony's honor has been harmed. Rumors are spreading that Rivervale is disloyal or plotting against you, My Liege. I do not know how this might be remedied, but that is also my request. My people deserve so much."

At that, Alyssa says "You don't know? Oh.. with Sylvi we thought you would..."

A frown. "Know...?"

Yoel laughs. A pooka laugh, causing many to look at him "I know what she means... I.. I went fishing, remember? This , that.. the other thing? ALl at that party. Give me dirt, I pleaded. I wanna be dirty. Give me the skinny, but everyone was fat. Oh they told me lay outs and items and stuff.... but .. argh, so hard to say..."

A frown at Yoel, betraying perhaps the start of a headache.

Allyssa says it "Chieftain, your barony's people ... they're not buying it. They NEVER bought it. None of them turned against you, and when rumor threatened to smear you... they went at it."

"Oh yes, " Hemlock grins "Let me get those notes from the spymaster..." He reaches in to a ledger "you want to read them yourselves, or want me to just give a few samples?"

A brow. "As you wish it, My Liege."

"Understand, these were not my spymaster agents... but rahter on the work for the Princess" He reads "Agent Libra... job, spread rumors outside of the barony making it seem the Chieftain was a troll supremist... after two hours, a redcap got up... note. Agent Libra returning to base. For healther balm and a nap. Redcap, one 'Dirk' beat the shit out of Agent Libra. " He reads another "Agent Leo, Thrown out of an itallian resturant. Did not realize boggans there had daughter as Emmisary. Thought this was a TROLL Lodge" he reads more "Agent Taurus, Racoon pooka stole my pamplets, replaced them with my personal info saying I was into rough BDS&M and Scat. Had to change contact info... thought she hated the Lodge. We are going in with less than perfect intell...."

Siv snerks Damn it Rikki. Don't make me like you

Hemlock goes on, various common citizens, some Brekke almost never sees, coming to her defense and in the defense of rivervale's honor again and again. "Foot stomped by Satyr" "Told to fuck off, by Nocker... and my sparkplug went missing".... more stories.. not just HER Barony's citizens, but some of Teaneck and other baronies nearby. Even rivals

Brekke's jaw tightens again as she hears the attempts to sully her reputation. It rouses her temper, even though she knows it was strategic.

Siv says "You tried to plant seeds and they edidn't take root. "

A long silence from Brekke.

Dagmar is scowling again.

"No, they didn't. Not to any who knew her" The princess says "though it should be said, these were not direct insults most of times, but mere hints, innuendoes. Still they woudl not find root. My own spy master was frustrated"

Allysa lifts her chin "RIvervale isn't perfect, but it's honor cannot be sullied."

At length, Brekke nods and stands.

Siv, unlike her mother and Brekke actually looks ..h appy? "They love you, mother. Or at least respect us"

"The rumors will be removed" The princess states "We will make sure they are all shot down... and honest praise flow in their wake"

She puts her fists upon the table and leans over as she looks at each of the sidhe. "Do not. Test. My people. Further." A pause. "Please."

A nod at the princess's comment. "Your Highness."

The Count looks to his vassal.. and friend "I shan't. But...damn, Brekke. CHieftain. I'm proud of them. You should be too"

Then she looks to Hemlock. "My liege, I already was."

At that he smiles, and inclines HIS head

Harrumph!

She is still clearly Not Happy. "By your leave, we will depart." A pause. "Yoel may stay with you, as you wish it."

Dagmar rises.

The princess says "You have bought us time for our next move. Thank you for that, though I know you do not approve of the methods I was instructed to undertake. Restituiton will come in more than one form." look to yoel, a pained look "No... I think.. no. Now that Rivervale is no longer involved, it's safer he stay there. Or at least, awayfrom me."