#brightwindsbarony

Hope bristles for a second at something, then calmly pours the Herald a drink

"I am afraid my subjects are not pieces to trade or bargain. Now, in a year, perhaps you might sway one north for adventure - but it must be persuasion, and not compulsion."

"Oh oh, of course" He says flusstered perhaps realizing he's mis stepped, "Might i.. talk to one of the Centaurs? Ask about their experiences, at least bring notes back to my liege lord?"

"Hope? Would you speak to Rose to see if she is interested in this gentleman's proposal?"

"I shall. I think Miss Rose might have a lot to say, Baroness." She bows low "I'll seek her out now. Clarence, please tend to the drinks while I'm gone"

"Thank you, Steward."

And the steward heads off.

"Oh it will be a treat to talk to the Centaur in question ,Rose you say? I wonder if they have a love of the grape like the tales say ? Have you observed them with liquors?" He asks interested "We clurichaun share a similar weakness I fear"

"I have not so far. They are a delightful family, and we are glad to have them."

"Oh and so fortunnate" He nods "Then again, you have good terrain for them, if I may say. Lovely area"

"Oh, this barony is beautiful. A true gift."

"And suited to Centaurs" He says "Though, again I might have thought a more meditrainian area"

Catir says "Your lords have many ..unusual kiths?"

"Oh yes. " Havershorn the Herald beams "Why we even have a Rusalka now and a Hobgoblin, two we believe came with the Centaurs type on the Yule star"

"I would imagine there are fascinating stories of how they acquired so many..."

"Oh quite, it's been my pleasure to assist in the collection of these myriad aspects of Dreaming diversity"

Hoof beats

"Ah, that sounds like Rose now."

Rose comes in, she has embraced a warrioress persona more and more. Sparrow is a good judge of other women, and while Centaurs don't have the advantage to beauty sidhe do (Few do) but damn if tthe grump doesn't look like one of those Amazon warrior nobles in media portrayals. From the human belly button up, she could be a side character in a wonder woman movie. She's got her bow and arrow, and someone has given her a sword positionns in a scabard so not to bang against a leg. She also has light leather armor now.

"Baroness?" She says "You called for me?"

"Rose." A nod. "It seems that news of your family has sparked quite a bit of widespread curiosity. Not entirely unexpected, as we discussed - your kith has been unknown in the mundane world for some time. This gentleman is Havershorn, a visitor from the north. He, and his liege lords, are excited to learn more. He has requested an audience with you to ask questions - now, this is not compulsory. He is a guest on our lands. But I believe that it may be a show of hospitality to entertain a discussion. Perhaps we could have lunch served while we converse?"

Rose has not often seen Sparrow in Court-mode - in her fine voile, not a smudge of paint or charcoal to be seen.

Rose indeed is more caught by Sparrow than anything else. She finds herself lowering her head in a bow that's almost instinctive, "I can't say I'm crazy about being poked and proded even verbally by a stranger, but since it's not compulsary I'll give it a try."

"And a meal during it sounds fine"

"Magnificent, forgive me, Rose, " the herald says " Please, call me Cassidy if you like"

"I would not want to make you uncomfortable. And certainly, our guest will be respectful."

"I'm not uncomfortable," Rose says "And I'm sure he will" With a glance to the little man as if beingn respectful is a veery smart idea

"I'll get the food prepared." Hope says

"My gratitude, Hope."

And soon, a meal is ready and they are sitting down, or standinng for the cenaturess. Poor Havershorn has trouble. Clurichauns often know the right thing to say, but it would appear he makes some mistakes where Rose is concerned.

As they are eating, he looks over her, as he looks over her, he looks at the horse parts "So your chrystalis was.. low key?"

"Apparently not as dramatic indivudally as some dream dances. Do they stare at women's asses that long in Montana at dinner or is it just you, Herald?" Rose says

Sparrow keeps an eye, but doesn't intrude too much. A glance at Hope, to see what the boggan thinks.

"I oh my apologies I just..." he blushes "Well I suppose it would be like someone never meeting a pooka noting ap ooka's tale. Please do forgive."

Hope gives a nod of cofidence. She seems to think Rose has it, and the Clurihcaun isn't trying anything shifty

Sparrow eats. Letting the two converse. Perhaps to see how Rose handles the guest - which she seems to be doing so with ease.

Rose snorts when Casdidy explains why he came.

And of course, asks more questions. Does she flind she eats more. What dreams does she FEEL tied to. Has she tried musing yet. etc

She answers smoothly, but says "Cassidy, you seem nice, but this isn't just about diversity for your lieges is it? This is about bragging rights"

"Beg... pardon?" he says

"Your baron and baroness. They want a centaur for bragging rights. And your'e their poor go to guy to go fetch. I'm sorry to put you in trouble, but this reminds me of a real estate agent who kept trying to get folks out of their old victorian houses just because some Chinese investor was trying to buy them all up. Just to have them. " Rose explains "or the guy with the corvette fetish. Would not shut up about HIS corvettes. I think he talked about them more than he drove them.... and I have no interest in my daughter, my husband, or I, being in someones garage"

Sparrow may hide a smile behind her glass as she takes a sip. Atta girl.

"I.. I meant no offense." He says

"Oh if I thought you Meant offense, I would have kicked you through the wall and gotten a lecture from the Baroness about right of haven I'm sure, but being a fledge I'm thinking I'd have gotten just the lecture.. this time" Rose answers honestly. Good lord, she can be as blunt as her hooves

"And we all understand the need to honor our obligations. I would not have you derelict in your duty."

Catir fights a smile

"And of course, Eiluned are eager to know. That is why the house is so respected for their lore - and I say this as Liam. They are very worthy scholars."

"You're very kind," The herald says "it is so, my lieges are driven by a desire to learn. IF it helps, perhaps ... in exchange for what Rose and her family learn about herself that she and they might share, well, we would send informaton on other kiths far and near? For the baroness libraries?"

Rose actually considers that "Throw in a book or two about plant life and herbs in montana and if the Baroness is okay with that, so am I." She looks at Sparrow to see if she is okay

Sparrow listens and nods. "That sounds like an amicable beginning of a relationship."