#brightwindsbarony

"And sidhe have a talent for knowing who is best at doing a thing. So see? Ties."

"I don't know about sidhe. Your houses are so different." She ducks her head, uncertain about possibly sounding critical. "I only know what I learnt. And I'm not sure I learnt the right things."

A smile

"Well, yes. Houses make a big difference, but commoners may join houses, too."

"Sidhe tend to be very social, and are inclined to take charge and direct. Now, wanting to take charge doesn't mean they can't make mistakes. Or that they know everything - arrogance is a real danger."

"Someone has to direct things. Like a supervisor. Otherwise no one knows what to work on and you'd get a dozen people at one thing and no one on another."

"He didn't want to do the work. He just wanted to be in charge and have things done for him, and you had to hope you guessed right if he wasn't clear. And better not do it wrong."

"Yeah, that's bad leadership."

"I'm hoping to be better."

She accepts the dross, and slides it into her pocket. "I'll keep taking notes and bring 'em to Miss Clio." A nod. "That's delegation. Otherwise you'll have a line out your door all day long."

"Very true."

"I gotta get back to Miss Sylvi. She's waiting with Stew." Starting to turn, then stopping. "If it's okay if I leave." Unsure, with a bow.

"Sure. Thank you for giving me the update, and good luck with the rescue mission."

A relieved smile that she didn't make a snafu, wave to Sparrow, and heads out.

August glances at Clio.

And her work.

She's been writing all this down more or less.

He seems content to wait, and review later.

Catir observes "Grete seems tolerable"

"So - those are the kids."

"All of them?"

"Not all - Stew is an owl pooka, and Ryder's a nocker."

August nods. "Not a few, comparatively."

"More girls than boys. I think." Catir considers "Good. We're so much more sensible"

"Agreed."

"Now, boys matter too Caitir."

"Well," Cattir says "Yes. I shall need a suitor to hold my spare weapons when I am older" As if boys make great caddies for warrioresses

August carefully wipes his mouth, surely not disappearing a smile as he does. Nor does he dare glance at Derynwydd.

"Very practical."

"True. I shall be more sensible than those girls that just fall for a pretty face"

"I'm sure."

"Miss Clio. May I see your notes?"

"Yes sir.. err baron" and hands it over

He smiles; mis-ranking him does not seem to bother, or even register. He looks the notes over.

Excellent work, and notations on what the girl seemed less sure on

An excellent trait.

"She did a rather good job for one so young" Clio admits

"Grete is certainly focused."

"SPeaking of which, do you need me for anything?" Catir asks a siight glance to the satyress

August passes the notes back. "Thank you."

"Most welcome" Clio says

"See? August, I think she'll be just fine."

"Of course, Deryn. As you wish." with a shy smile.

She gives him a quick squeeze of a hug. "I know you're looking out for me."

Clio smiles

He chuckles, a little. "Guilty."

"Well then." August stands. "It seems we have an understanding."

"We do. Now... Clio, if you are satisfied, do see Hope for a room."

"I am most satisfied," Clio beams . The praise from August almost sent her floating. "Thank you both" She bows and trots out