#brightwindsbarony

She nods. "I have a great deal of respect for the Count. I can certainly welcome you to the Barony - but for service, yes, perhaps a demonstration is called for."

"What test would you have of me?" she asks "A prediction? A display of brute magic? A bit of both? An inqury into the land?"

Her wings shift as she considers.

"The land. There is much I still have to learn of here, and there may be things I need to tend."

"That, is the easiest test of all.. the time I used meditating and getting to know the land, I asked much of it. Ask it of me and if I know, I'll tell you. "A glance to Catir "Your little falcon can even verify my answers" amusement rather than insult

Catir huffs "I didn't mean to come back as a kid, you know? It just happened."

"Where are the unseen wounds in this land?"

"You have a wound up high where few can reach, a wound down deep, near a heart that heaves, and a wound in a wood...where life may twist wrong" She frowns, not happy at the news

She nods. "Can you aid in finding ways to heal these wounds?"

"I can aid, but I cannot achieve it alone. I asked, and was told the ruler would gain the tools she required , and know the tools by their names. "

She nods. "Very little is accomplished in this world alone. So. Dame Otha, could you bend knee to a silver oak? Would you accept a Liam's oath in return?"

"I would. I confess your house is..distasteful to me, but you have, and I do not mean this offensively, proven yourself one of the above average Liams"

"Well, one doesn't last long as a Liam with thin skin."

"So - I would welcome you into service. I would call upon you to help defend these lands and these people through wisdom and magic. I would seek your insight to find and heal that which is wounded."

"Then I will help. I am.. a forthwright woman, baroness. I have a bad habit of speaking my mind, but I will speak it to you in private rather than attempt to step in your way, and I will follow where you lead, even if I disagree with the policy"

Catir looks surprised, then gives a soft nod

"And I welcome honesty - even disagreement, because I should consider how my decisions affect everyone. What a shallow world only has one opinion in it." She offers her hand.

And the Dame looks surprised, then takes it

"Your words are wise, Baroness." She says

"I try. Give me time, I'll step in it." Her mouth tugs into a lopsided smile.

THAT gets a smile "Don't we all?"

"Terrible revenge" A voice says in the halls

"Stop that" Another says

"You want terrible revenge too. I can see it" The first voice

Brows lift.

"Yes, but just blurting it out is tacky"

"I don't know why you lads are so riled. Just giving you the truth.. now shh, she might be holding court" Siv's voice

And Siv peeks in, then blushes and waves as it looks likje Sparrow IS holding court

"Lady Captain!"

"Baroness , sorry to intrude, but I have those two knights? if this court is open?"

"It seems we are."

"Gentlemen.." SHe motions

And in they arrive, bowing low, then rising and almost subconciously back to back... or at least side to side

"Sir Brynn, of House Gwydion," Says one.. and other says as if finishing "And Sir Byrndan of House Daireann"

"At your service" they say in unison

While they admire her, it is brief and they keep their eye contact with her rather than be caught gawking.

Siv looks amused

Or maybe it's smug? probably related to that conversation

"So... revenge?" Wry.

"A matter petty and base, baroness" Brynn says, mannerly.

"It will be a small revenge" Byrndan assures

"Oh indeed?"

"I told them how amazingly attractive and single you were... got them to hurry up, and then," Siv smiles "Once we were in the hallway, I mentioned your.. preferences. And Sir Brynn, being of the House of high summer, realized the truth of THAT part." Siv does not look apologetic

"The lion can be cruel I think" The Darieann observes

"Lioness, Lioness" SIv corrects

"Ah, forgive, gentlemen. Fiona can be... well."

Brynn blushes lightly "It's we who should ask your forgiveness, Baroness. It's one thing to hope in the halls, but in court well, we wereen't going to mention it. "

Bryndan says "It is not unusual for knights to pine from a distance. We'll adapt"

"Even if my tastes we so inclined, it would be no great hope. I am devoted to the fire first, and would not distract myself with courtship for at least a year and a day. Now, gentlemen - if you please, my Chancellor, Sir Dubh. My loyal Dame Caitir - also of Gwydion - and my Steward, Miss Hope. Dame Otha is also recently arrived."