#brightwindsbarony

"She's certainly more o the spying type I think.."

"What makees you think that?"

Sparrow floats to check on the kids and their toys - keeping an ear on the gossip without overtly looking like she's eavesdropping.

"First ones she won over were the sluagh. I mean, WE don't have a reeve for boggans"

"Gonna see who you really are in there..." Grete murmurs to herself as she picks and taps at the coal, like a child nibbling at just the corners of a cookie to make it last longer and prolong the enjoyment.

"They don't have a reeve for Trolls or Satyrs or the like either"

Sparrow snags a glass of mulled wine and strides to the center of the room. "If I may have your attention for a moment?"

And everyone turns

"First off, I want to thank everyone for coming! I know things have been.... well, changing quite a lot, and rapidly, so I know there's a lot of unknowns. I am so happy you could join us here, and please, remember, that the hold is here for you - when you are in need of haven, or when you just wish to see other kithain and be yourself. If you haven't already, make sure you partake in some refreshments. Please congratulate Steward Hope and Thane Pepper and Clarence and Jeb for the excellent food on short notice! The decorations are thanks to our childlings - Irene's mother sent so many supplies, and Ashlee painted the windows!"

There are cheers of approval for those named!

"Secondly, I am going to interrupt with a brief request while so many folks are here in one place at one time - I would like to place out a call for a council of advisors, one from each kith. We all have our unique needs and perspectives, and I want to be sure everyone has a voice, and can keep abreast of the goings-on. I figure you each can determine how best to select your own kith's representative, and that will be better than the newcomer sidhe just blindly picking."

EXCITED talk, even the grumps are stirred

"Lastly, may I wish everyone a joyous Yule! The longest night is here, and the sun is reborn!" She raises her glass in a toast.

That gets loud applause, and music starts up! Folks begin to dance

And more than a few toasted back!

And Sparrow cedes the floor - this celebration isn't about her!

Otha suddenly is there "Ahem. Come along my leader. " Taking her arm "Dancing has begun. I am told you prefer women. So.. dance with me. "

Sparrow blushes. "Oh, Dame Otha! I.. well, I do..."

"GOod. I am in the mood to dance. Nothing more, nothing less. Besides, if you don't occupy me they'll come after me and I'm not sure how to say 'go away' as gracefully as you do"

"Well then - a dance! I find choosing graybeards and childlings as partners can also help stem unwanted attention..." Twirling out on the floor with Otha.

"You know I'm no good with childlings" Ignoring that they were riveted to her shadowshow earlier. And Otha moves twriling along