#brightwindsbarony

"Not problems. Hark son sold a dreamer to a woman.. at first I thought Leahaun was part of her name..."

Sparrow blanches and nods.

"They... they devour dreamers."

"She.. said she would isnpire the dreamer to great heights" The boggan's jaw opens "Devour?"

"There are rumours... I can't say with proof... they certainly ravage, but what remains is a shell. It's a toxic kind of musing - like pouring gasoline on a candle."

"Oh my god" She covers her mouth

"If I'd known, maybe.. oh .. i wasn't brave enough"

She nods. "Liam and Leanhaun are... not friendly towards each other."

She shakes her head. "You didn't know, and you we doing what you could to survive."

"Well, I know now... and I will make sure it never happens around me again."

Foosteps and...

A rustle of wings as she looks towards the sound.

"Little one, I know you're a Gwydion. Please stop interogating me?"

That voice is new...

The one that answers is Catir "it is not 'little one' and if you have doubts about my lady's house than don't expect me to swoon over yours. I'm just making sure you will respect her."

"I follow the right of demense, ,and she rules here" Finally the speaker comes into view. The Aesin is not dressed like a warrior.

Hope sees Sparrow put on her court face.

And Hope steps back, going formal herself, blending in thanks to barista training. Warm, open, ready, but also easily overlooked

Sparrow might be Autumn - but she is also a Baroness, and now one tied to a Fire, and standing in its warmth.

Sir Dubh has been quiet, and he bows "Baroness Truthbranch, may I present to you.. Dame Otha ap Aesin...."

"Greetings, Dame. Welcome to the Barony of Bright Winds."

Otha bows .. her outfit fits, and is flattering, yet clearly she was ready for the wilds for there are boots and breaches ready for hard terrrain. "Baroness... " she looks surprised "I had thought your beauty was exaggerated. " She herself is lovely , of course, even compared to most sidhe.

and yet the thing that stands out is her shadow.. for it does not look like a woman's shadow, but rather an owl's

A curious look, but no comment. "You flatter."

"I state the truth, I thought the Count had exaggerated; I see I was wrong" another bow "Count Reidar sends his regards...and he sends you me, if you'll have me."

She smiles. "I certainly have need of able and trustworthy souls. And I have need of eyes on my borders - I take it you have seen the wilds that surround here?"

"They are beautiful" She says, her cool reserve fading just a touch "Unlike anything I have seen before. I suppose I should apologize for not coming to you straight away but, I needed to get a feel for the land and life here. To make sure it was.. compatible. That it had forest creatures, or my services would be reduced"

She nods. "I do not know the full extent - I hear there are deer and pronghorn and antelope, that there are foxes and bears, but rumors speak too of great cats, not just bobcats but cougars and even, most rare, ocelot."

"Can you imagine? These lands are beautiful."

"I did not see an Ocelot... though that would be wonderful, but I did find a cougar paw print."

A tiny clap. "Delightful! I have never seen those in person..."

Otha pulls out of her drift for a moment "Well it was a fox who I talked to. Once she found out I wasn't after the same quail she was, she filled me in on the terrain. And warned me of coyotes"

She nods. "I have heard the coyotes call at night, yes."

"You may wish to protect any small pets" Otha says "But, of course, I should inform you of what else I offer in service. I understand you need warriors. I'm sorry to say while I will use my staff to break a skull if need be, I am not one. Nor am I a hunter. What I am is a Volva, a diviner of sorts. I am skilled in magics of Soothsay and Autumn."

Catir's nose wrinkles just a little

"Useful skills - and I do not yet have a Seer."

"Knowledge is its own strength, and not all battles are fought with swords."

"Just so" Dame Otha says

"Now, you see the natural wonders this land offers - ones I would fain to protect, and the creatures that live there - but you must understand what I would ask of those who serve me."

"I am aware no Liam will tolerate the abuse of a mortal, though as I am more interested in nature I seldom go among them anyway"

She nods. "The Dreamers are as much ours to steward as the wild places. Now... from you, of course - humans are no angels, and may act in ways that threaten. I wouldn't ask you not to defend the wild places, or your animal friends. I ask that you do so with regard to minimal harm."

"Given I have hunted animal friends when I need to, I can't blame mortals for trying to eat- within reason" she nods "is there anything, baroness?"

She nods. "Right - but there are endangered species, those who would hunt for sport with no care for their impact?"

"That improper respect for nature... I might hex such people" She admits

"As said, be mindful of the scope - but I do understand the need to guard your charges. As for the fae - I know that the mortal flesh can discomfit, and this world is a difficult fit for Aesin. But commoners are to be treated with respect and civility. The previous Baron was imperious and harsh, he ruled by force, compulsion, magic and fear. That is not the way I would have."

Otha tilts her head "I agree they were treated overly harsh, but isn't there a danger of going too far to the extreme of the other way? A firm hand , used JUSTLY might be a comfort to them"

"Respect, Dame Otha. That I expect from both parties."

"Of course, I shall bone up on my ... non courtly respect" resolved

She nods. "It can take practice. I don't ask for you to be.. ah.. chummy? But it takes only a moment of consideration to ask, rather than demand. We all have our roles, we all have value. The fox would starve without the vole."

"Yes, we all have our roles. Well I know this" A nod "You mention that you could use a Seer. I imagine you'll want to test my prowess at it first. The count said his name would count for much but reminded me you stll have the right"