#brightwindsbarony

Meanwhile...

the view outside is breath taking

From this battlement/Ledge, they can see the sky Sparrow delights in flying in

"So, from here you can see the Sleeping Lion..." She points at the mountain.

"Oh! Oh...look at it stretch out like that...." Coradel reaches a hand to follow the contour of the mountain, and she laughs. "Oh, Vince must come and see."

August smiles gently. "Won't he be jealous?"

"Very likely, but mostly for the sake of drama."

"Well, I'm glad to have at least one lion here."

"Agreed."

"Would you invite more, should they wish to join you?"

"Well, with the armor Colton sent, I am hoping to get some more fighters... and with the Rovers, that protects the trod..."

"I will certainly coax those who seek a challenge."

"And a suit of armor like those should be an attractive payment for service."

"I was thinking at least a year... that seems fair, right?"

"A year of service for a suit of fine armor? That seems almost a bargain. Hmm...perhaps a year of service if they are already battle-tested, but two years if they are new." Coradel looks at the broad sky. "What is the closest holding to yours, Derynwydd?"

"The outpost has a small fire, and there is rumor of a glade hidden in the nature reserve." A little crease between her eyebrows. "From the records, I believe the County is seated in Odessa - some hundred and fifty miles away."

"We are in the boonies."

"Hmm. What do you know of your count or countess?"

"Nothing at all, yet."

"Oh...oh, I should have had Lady Zara write us up a summary before we came down to give to you."

August clears his throat softly. "Derynwydd, if I may, Texas is.... large. I believe it's three days to drive across east to west. 150 miles is, subjectively, not a long way."

"Also true, and probably how Harkson got away with it for so long."

"Mm. I hope that's it. I would hate to think you were dealing with a count who was complicit in Harkson's practices."

"...Me too."

"Pardon the intrusion," A voice familiar to all, though he was never a talker. Sir Dubh the Grey, a Scathach bows

August nods. "Sir."

Coradel also bows her head and smiles. "Sir Dubh. It's good to see you."

"I have news for the baroness, nothing that need break up this happy reunion" a pause "pardon, I should clarify ,I have news for the Baroness of Brightwinds" A smile

Another nod, of course.

"Ah, yes?"

"Derynwydd, with your permission, perhaps Coradel and I will wander a bit? So you may speak with Sir Dubh?"

Coradel looks at August a bit oddly, but also takes his arm easily enough. "Yes, we could come back."

"It will be brief. The Rovers have moved into the outpost though they have not made formal claim as they respect your limits. Lady Captain Siv is now on the premises, healing, and at your leisure you have someone here to apply for the job of scribe"

"Healing? The Lady Captain was wounded?"

August doesn't seem to mind her taking his arm, but when Dubh says it will be brief they stay.

Surprised into interrupting before Sparrow can reply.

She rubs her temple and nods. "If you two will excuse me? Check on Siv, I will see the scribe."

"There were battles... " A shrug "Baroness. The scribe CAN Wait. and was told so"

Coradel nods. "We'd be glad to...although...would you wish August to accompany you to review the scribe's qualifications?"

"It's your choice, of course, Baroness," Coradel defers to Sparrow.

"Please, if you could check on Siv. Cora?"

Sir Dubh frowns but only briefly "Siv is having stew in the kitchen. The Scribe applicant is in the library with Stew" A pause "Oh dear.. I should say Stew is a different noun each time"

"Yes, quite."

"Actually - why don't we all see Siv first?"

Coradel nods again. "Yes, let's welcome the return of the hero."

August nods agreement. And off they go.

The kitchen has two boggans in it, who seem stunned when sidhe flood in after a troll. They're probably used to this being beneath most sidhe for starters.

CLarence bows "Baroness, and guests? Please.. what can we get you? The dinning area is over there but if you..."

Siv looks up from a troll sized wooden chair at the kitchen table "Baronesses! Baron!" She moves to rise and bow

"Clarence, these are my soul-parents, Coradel and August."