#brightwindsbarony

"Word has gotten out that you seek warriors? That trolls have something of a black eye, and the people's only sidhe was a balor tyrant and his knights. Is that accurate?"

She frowns and nods.

"And there is concern that the Balor will strike again in force. I do have quite the offer for those who would serve. Colton has enabled me such - come, see the arms and armor gifted to us by DarkGate."

"Of course." he bows and follows

Yuri wasn't expecting the lick attack. Ladybird put a paw on him, held him still, and cleaned his puff. This labrador move was definitely not expected

He thought he was getting OUT from under the thumb of the lady-dog.... first Ma, then Laika... but now Ladybird!

He is DOOMED

Wag. Puppy now knows. Time to trot after the humans, tail a-wag.

Yuri hops up, shakes off with a sneeze, and follows! Friend! FRIEND!

When the armor and arms is shown, Sergei whistles "I am not by profession a warrior, but these are fine arms and armor"

"I thought so. Colton has been learning well with Hewitt - Dougal are quite skilled, after all. And I imagine now few errant knights would find these worthy pay for a term of service."

"Have you spread word of this part of the payment?" He asks

"As much as I can... " A twist of her mouth. "So - probably not enough."

"Mmm" He ponders "I believe you have allies who are trying to help promote you there" He runs hands over a saber like weapon waiting "One could shave with such an edge"

"I am not averse to unseelie houses, provided they respect my demesne, and my rules. I know Liam have a reputation, but have we two not gotten along? And the Aesin and Daireann are fine warriors, also."

A sigh "I do not suggest Varich and it pains me to say so" a frown "I am told you have embraced the slaugh. I will spare you my opinion of the kith. But tension might grow"

One gets the feeling he's being EXCEEDINGLY polite

She nods. "They are a significant population here, and provided aid. I owed them a boon, and I pay my debts. I know of the animosity, but wish to be clear that I am not taking sides."

"I do, however, understand if Varich souls would choose freeholds with less potential conflict. While I know you and the Librarian have something of a truce, I imagine it helps that there are only the pair of them at EarthRunes."

"Well, there is the antiquer in Jefferson itself. I endure them, and they, as a rule, have little interest in dogs or hawks. " He says simply "Should I hear of a house brother or sister who believes the war between our House and Kith has grown wasteful - there are a very few of them- I may tell them of this place and send them to you. However, have considered an Ailil?"

A crease between her eyebrows. "Claire has proven much, though I admit to some caution towards the house. I think it is important to be fair to the Winter houses, I do not wish to shut them out. But I will admit I find the lately returned ones easier to handle."

"And you, Sergei, can surely attest that I have shown a pattern of treating fairly with unseelie houses, no?"

"Careful, Daireann seem hail and well met, but they vengeful to the point of legend if they think they are crossed.... " Then he nods "And you absolutely have, Baroness. Dame Claire herself has remarked on it, professionally mind you. I merely suggest an Ailil as they know politics at angles few contemplate and while they are often ambitious, their advice in those areas is expert." He ponders "To be fair, with the exception of Sir Dubh and Catir, you seem short on sidhe nobles period. Am I wrong in that?"

"I am a Liam." Gentle shrug.

"True, thus Beaumayn, Scathach, and oddly Gwydion appear most likely"

She nods.

"I think Aesin would like this land, but we would need ones willing to be mindful of interacting with commoners. The wilds here are vast - with great cats, and antelope, and foxes..."

"Warm or not, where there are forests, there can be Aesin" he ponders "And , while oft insensitive, they do have their code of virtues"

She nods.

"I respect them. The Count and I have a good relationship, I trust him at my back in battle."

He stops "Of course, the Count. I hadn't considered, but I think you will have an Aesin or two soon"

"And they might happily range across the forests - look out, you can see them." She guides Sergei to an arched doorway, looking out on the range. "But I think, perhaps, word of my amenability towards Winter houses might be more persuasive from an Unseelie messenger. And.. I think you understand, too, my limits."

"If you are asking me to be a messanger, Baroness. I am not a social man. I like animals in large part they are not people." A fond glance back to Yuri and Ladybird. Yuri has taken up guarding the hall.. see how good a guard dog he is ?

She nods. "I understand. But I could, perhaps, implore you to speak to Claire? And be willing to give your honest assessment if you are asked. I do not ask for rose-tinting, for Varich are very astute at assessing both strengths and weaknesses."

"Dame Claire herself is Seelie but yes, I take your meaning. Dame Claire is directly spoken for an Aiil, but she is an Ailil- and with a respected position and history. She can let folks know. I'll pass on your wish." he admires the view "I see what you mean about the land. That sky is almost begging for hawks and falcons"

"Agreed. Oh, one of our pooka is a Great Horned Owl - a fledging, so he's still half-fluff, but I imagine he'll be magnificent after his togail."

A chuckle, rare "An owl flying by day is Hawkfood. A hawk flying by night? Owl food. Yes. I imagine he will enjoy the evening winds greatly" A look at her "Baroness, you're going to be pressured. Politics. I can respect politiicans, they're needed, but I don't always enjoy the process. You're are adept at politics... more than you know I think but if I might advise?"

She nods. "I value your insight, Sergei."

"You are one of the greatest beauties in Concordia. And now LANDED. " A Look at her "You will find no shortage of nobles , male and female alike, coming forward to propose a political alliance through marriage. Some more devoted than others. Spurn them, politely, tell them that you must wait a year and a day out of some custom if you must. Hint that there is an arrangement in five years set to go so you cannot cut it off. Do what you have to. Do not let them turn you into your own bargaining chip. I realize as a Varich I should be fine with such manueverings, and it could get you the warriors you want easily, but ... I think it would make you miserable.. and stressed. And that would start to reflect on the land. You must see to your own joys so your land may prosper"

She listens, and slowly nods.

"That is wise advice. And rings very true."

"Thank you" He says, "You give of yourself, often till you are miserable. You cannot afford to do that as a freeholder. your misery will turn light winds into dustblows and warm sun into back burning rays. An example, have you noticed how powerful the storms get in Jefferson when your mother is on a tear?"

Behind them, guard dog Yuri isn't sure what happened. Ladybird got the sunlight. Then he got the sunlight. And now they're kind of piled on each other in the sunlight and zzzzzzzzz

"The land and the ruler... yes..." A small frown. "I am afraid it has been many lifetimes since I have held a fire. Not since the Aerie, before the world shattered."

"The fact you have any memory at all is a sign you have an edge on many. Most nobles who have a hold stay with that hold, it is their first and it will not be taken from them if they can help it. Like an Eagle holding a wriggling fish fast I like to imagine. Do not mistake my words, you must not assume every dust devil is your fault either. Count Dukes, and, Kings have stronger influence still and will have their moods over ride yours at time. I am merely saying there is no shame in the joy you have here and it should be pursued"

She smiles, like the sun breaking over the horizon.

Sergei , normally an ice man, smiles just a bit himself, then sighs as he sees Yuri has succumbed "Well, he is just a puppy still"

"I think Ladybird approves."

"I think your labrador is going to spoil him if you're not careful" Wryly "But then, Ladybird is a creature of empathy like few I know"