#brightwindsbarony

"He plummeted."

A toothy smile. "Excellent."

August nods soberly.

"The sluagh have been working on records, for when the authorities find his body and declare him dead. Luckily, it will appear to be... well... natural."

"Not so hard to do for them. One of them works in the local morgue"

"I'm glad you've got good resources among your people."

"And I am being put in place to inherit some, and the rest is being put in a trust for his blood-niece."

"His mortal properties will be set up so the fae have a place to go to take refuge, especially if they spend to long in the hold or the Outpost."

"Wise."

Hope says "Grete's been as much a victim as any of us"

She nods. "And we'll make sure she's taken care of."

"Grete is the blood-niece? Is she Fae?"

"She is. A witchel childling. I've not met any of that kith before - they're bound to the earth, mining dreams."

"Such an odd situation. So...is she likely to challenge you, Derynwydd?"

"She is concerned about the land - her land, her rocks. Politics don't seem to be a primary concern."

"And she has decided I'm okay to stay on her land." An amused smile

"That will make things easier."

Coradel nods. "And if you strengthen that bond, she is likely to still feel that way."

"She's a charming thing. Very focused. I like her."

August chews his bite of casserole, with a glance at Coradel.

Hope says "I should leave you all be. this is a family moment"

A glance back at August as she finishes her meal and sets aside the plate.

"Thank you again, Steward."

"Thank you for the meal, Hope. Could you please see if Grete has eaten? She was polishing rocks and I think she forgets everything else."

August nods. "Thank you very much, Hope. It was delicious."

"I will..and yes, she does get focused" A curtsey "And most welcome all of you. you folks should try my coffee if you're impressed by this slapdashery. Clarence will be nearby if you need further help just ring that bell, but for now you've got privacy"

She withdraws

"Hope works at the local cafe, as a barista. Does fancy coffees, foam art."

"She's lovely. I do notice she's a bit...nervous? Maybe we should put her in touch with Delores, for some pointers?"

"Maybe... from what I understand, many feel... incapable, as if all they were good for was the drudgery Harkson allowed them. Honestly, if I could kill the man twice..."

August gathers familiar lines on his forehead. "Part of his pathology, perhaps."

"Certainly it's an effective way of keeping a population under control, to convince them they have no power."

She nods.

"So - that's part of my work now. Build them up."

Coradel nods slowly. "Derynwydd...that does mean that we have to speak about somethings. Regarding EarthRunes."

Her feathers slick. "Yes."

"But perhaps later? You could show us around first?" She smiles.

"Your barony seems beautiful."

"I know, I failed you..." She frowns. "I did this on impulse..."

Coradel blinks. "Failed? Oh, darling, absolutely not! You did EXACTLY what you should have done!"

"And it appears that you did it brilliantly."

"But I hared off on my obligations..."

"Siv asked for help. I don't think I thought through all of it..."

"If you think I'm about to scold you about acting on impulse, you're going to be disappointed," Coradel says with a bemused look.

A sheepish smile.

"Well, if you'd like to talk it through now, we certainly can. If you're here, I'll need to choose a new Regent for EarthRunes, of course. But I wouldn't want to do so without your input."

"Oh... yes, of course, you must."

"Magnus probably doesn't want it..."

"Bachdion is filling in the role for the moment. I haven't yet spoken with Magnus about it, but I think you are likely right."

"Claire might."