#brightwindsbarony

She nods. "And he got back no more than he would have had he smarted off to a mortal girl."

"Now... I can't condone hitting first..."

She bows her head, waiting for the punishment.

"Lady Sparrow, the boy was already threatening them...."

"But understand - I know, I am your first Liam. Dreamers are precious. Mortals are not to be playthings, they are not to be abused or enslaved. But they are not innocent cherubs, either."

"I lost a few feathers"

"And sometimes a bully needs to reap what they sow."

"Try not to punch first, next time."

Sylvi nods and gives Grete an encouraging look.

She nods. "I can take a hit." Chin up. "I wasn't going to wait until he hit Stew though. No offense Stew. Not everyone is built solid-like."

"No, defending another is a good reason for force."

"...you're not mad?"

"I'll try to toughen up my Owlscular frame"

"Well, I'm not happy you got in a fight, but it sounds like you had good reason, and you didn't go too far."

"I'll try not to start any fights." She says. And it pings true to the Gwydions.

"Thank you."

Sylvi mouths Told ya to Grete, and winks.

Then "C'mon, Ashlee, let's find your room."

Thank you, Is nodded back!

Ashlee says "Sure... and.. thank you, everyone. I .I won't let you all down" Firm jaw on her marred face, and she follows Sylvi

She leads the childling troll in the direction of the bedrooms.

And those two leave.

Catir says " It's a pity she looks so unfortunate. SHe seems so honorable"

Sparrow shoots a cool look. "That is beneath you, Caitir."

Grete bites her tongue.

"I mean.. no, I just mean it's so unfair. She's a GOOD person. And people won't give her a chance to know an d all because of that blemish" Blushing "That's what I meant."

"Ashlee seems quite bright and promising, yes. And she has been given a hard hand."

Catir looks more subdued now "I really didn't mean anything bad"

"They called her Ashblight." She says, quietly.

"Bullies can be cruel. Well, we won't."

Stew says "Darn. I brought the thumb screws. Guess I'll have to get her some nice books instead"

A smile. "Guess so. Alright folks, let's take a hand at collecting plates and cleaning up..."

Sparrow, indeed, picks up her own and several other plates!

Pepper says "I like a woman who cleans up her own dishes"

Clarence fusses "It's not supposed to work like that"

"Humor me, Clarence."

Grete stacks up and clears, following Sparrow's example.

"Are you going to hire people to help do this stuff? You'll be busy with rulering stuff, won't you? And too important to spend time on dishes."

Clarence says "Well, I guess.."

Catir helps with dishes still looking a bit subdued

Hope says "it's okay, Clarence, the Baroness has her own way..and it's a good example for the young ones"

Irene winces..and takes silverware out of her pockets "I may need to be frisked by an adult I trust. Sorry"

"A leader should never ask others to do something they are unwilling to do."

"And thank you, Clarence, for letting us help."