#brightwindsbarony

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Perhaps unaware that there is a plot afoot, Sparrow finds herself with a visitor. Sir Dubh explains "He claims to be a herald and messenger from a far off Barony in Montana. Took mostly mortal means to get here, a plane flight and a rental car. One Cassidy Havershorn, a Clurichaun wearins some silver and black in addition to the usual green. I thought of handling this as I am chanceilor, but he hoped to speak to the ruler."

"Montana?" She raises an eyebrow.

"My thought exactly" he says

"I admit, I question his motives. Do we think we've got an Eiluned?"

"Or a servant of one. Could be Ailil, could be an Ailil masquerading as an Eiluned."

"I would like to have Caitir in as page when I take his audience, and Hope in attendance."

"Of course, if he is Eiluned and not merel affilated, a Gwydion won't do any good but a wise precaution. I'll ge tthem immediately. Our guest is in the parlor so to speak. Shall I have him meet you there or present himself in the throne area?"

"Present himself. A touch of formality and theatrics won't hurt. And true, the boon doesn't work on Eiluned - if he's of that house - but Caitir will still benefit from observing, and has her own insight."

"She's a bright girl" He nods, bows and says "By your leave then it shall be done. and heads off. Sparrow can prepare herself for the throne room. She realizes that Earth Runes still has luxuries one could take for granted compared to her new home. She has staff happy to join in, but while Vashti has sent her many dresses, currently she'll have to dress herself if she wishes a change of clothes.

Sparrow was quite used to dressing herself, thank you very much. Luckily, sidhe grace takes little effort. She selects one of her silk chitons, liam blue with silver embroidery.

And comes out to find Catir waiting on her as a dutifiul page should.

"Caitir." A smile. "I trust you to pay careful mind. I am wary of this visitor."

"He wears Silver and black, one should be wary, my liege" the girl says . She seems to have restless energy "And... is it true he's from some spot in Montana?"

"That is the report. So - not really a 'neighbor' in any sense, nor a straightforward trod trip."

"then why would they come here?" She wonders aloud as children sometimes do "I Like Brightwinds... I mean, I like it now" Of late she has been in a better mood. She has gotten to make new friends after all where at first she felt a bit closed off.

"But I don't know what we have that they'd want? Excess dross?"

"Hence why we meet with him. Come."

She nods and follows.

The Clurichaun has redsideburns on his face and a fine doublet.

And he kneels when she enters in, and Hope curtseys

Sparrow proceeds to her dais, sweeping with a grand gait and spread of golden wings as she takes the throne.

"You may rise."

He does. And Dubh says "You stand before the Baroness Derywyd Truthbranch ap Liam of Banner House Truthbranch, by right of conquest both liege and liberator of the Brightwinds Barony."

He bows after he rises, and says "I am Cassidy Havershorn, herald of the Clutching Rock Barony . I represent the barony for my lieges Lord and Lady Ashbury. Thank you for seeing me, Baroness"

Sparrow nods. "My chancellor says you requested an audience. Now - what brings a herald from so far away?"

"Centaurs, your ladyship!" He grins "We have heard rumors and seen portents of Centaurs. Omens led us to believe your land has found these once lost kithain!"

"Ah!"

"Omens and rumors hold that Yule led to more than a few miracles."

"Just so, with the hobgoblins and Rusalka as well, baroness. Just so" Cassidy beams "We have head you have not one, but THREE Centaurs"

"You 'heard' this?" Head tilt.

"Ah, well, yes, boggans are fond of rumor you know?" He says

"...Montana?"

The Gwydion wrinkles her nose at something

Hope however, being part of that rumor mill, ays "Oh, you're the gent who has been buying drinks for locals the last few days. Hope you like the people"

Cassiday blushes a bit "Just so, jus so. Folks are always talking more when their whisles are wetted."

Catir nods at this , it makes more sense

"And what has this business to do with Clutching Rock?"

"Oh yes, it is a fair peace but I did stop a day or two before coming here" the herald from aonther hold explains "Lovely country, colder, of course"

"My lieges, true to their house, are most curious about the diversity of the kithain, they are, like my owht kith, collectors of a sort. We would like to see if we could entice one of your centaurs to fledge with us."

"I fear that is not possible. They are a family, and I would not separate them when it is but a few weeks since their chrysalis..."

"Nor would I have them treated as curious specimens, and not as any new fledge who would learn of our world. It is my duty to protect them."

"oh, a family? I wonder if this is typical for their kind I.." he stops "Oh specimens, why, Baroness. Must you word it so?"

"And would you have a fledge as part of a collection, good sir?"

The page raises a brow ..something about the herald's phrasing

"Why ? I? No.." He smiles

Catir says "But would your lieges?"

"What a charming child" The herald says

"That was not an answer, herald." Gently, but it is velvet over steel.

"My lords take good care of their charges, but yes I suppose one could say they have a...collection" A pause "Perhaps you'd be interested in one of the South American Kith? "