#brightwindsbarony

And it is to the herald's credit he knows how not to ask TOO much, and assures them a book on flora in the ar3ea3 of their barony will be no trouble. "Wonderful meal, my compliments to your chef"

"Hope, was this Mary Ellen's cooking? I think I recognized her flair for herbs."

"Oh she'll be flattered you noticed" she nods "Oh, Pepper helped with the sweet rolls"

"I hope she's not feeling too torn up between the kitchen and patrol. She's a good thane AND a good cook."

"Oh she's a earthy girl, PEpper. I think she enjoys some of the perks. I think the girls see her as a cool wilder.. not sure what to make of that. As for Mary Ellen, she's grateful to have help so she can check on her father, you know how dicey things are there"

"How is he doing? Do they need anything?"

"Touch and go. And not that i know of. "

A pause "Well, actually.. yes maybe but another time" She says

Rose is now talking with Cassidy about the benefits of being a centaur. Strength, speed.

Sparrow nods. "Later, yes."

Finally, Rose says "Nice meeting you, Cassidy "She says more to be polite than anything "But i need to get back to some solitary studies" She adds Solitary to keep the Clurichaun asking to come along.

the herald... gets the hint

"A great delight' he says

"Thank you, Rose!"

Rose says "Happy to help, Baroness. Great meal. I'll tell Mary Ellen thanks later" She says.

And the Centaur bows and ttrots off.

Cassidy says "An amazing woman that" Honestly

"She's going ot be quite a force, once she's sained."

'Ah, well, it's possible the way they came, the yule star, has given them a boost. Our Rusalka? Seems more stable in cantrips than most typical crhysalids. We'll send you our notes, but my lieges are thinking that perhaps insttead of a year and a day, half that time might be more fitting"

It would seem the herald is being honest because Catir, enjoying her dessert, gives the softest of nods

"Well - there is a lot of adjustment in that year. The Fiona tend to have two phases - after six months, there's much more freedom, but fae society can be complex, and Fledge status is a protection."

Cassidy nods "Truth." he says "And these newk ith more precious still , the protection of the Dreaming has never felt so.. personal to me"

Catir acually looks surprised. The man means it

"It's... oh, I hope it is a sign for a good future. Dreams reborn."

Hope nods "it's rather a good sign I think. "

Dubh nods but says little else. He's more of a mlitary mind. No doubt, not quite so optimstic, but not about to ruin the enhusiasm

"And they're good folk. Local. "

"Oh yes. A family. Did not see that coming. I wonnder if htat will be typical for centaurs" Cassidy ponders "Ah, but forgive. I have indulged myself too long as your expense, Baroness" He bows "By your leave I'll head to my hotel then depart your barony"

"As you wish, Cassiday. It was pleasant to meet you, and do send my regards to your liege lords."

"I imagine they will be disappointed in my lack of centaurs, but the news I will bring them of the bargain of some minor exchange will ease that. I thank you for being more than fair to me, Baroness. "He bows

"And thank you for being straightforward with me. Is there anything you need for your trip home? I know the trodways are limited, and mortal travel has its own difficulties."

"Oh I have a gift for bypassing mortal eyes when ineed to" he says "The flight home will be restful, and first class. My lieges do have their generous moments"

A soft laugh. "I am glad to hear it."

"I wish your fine hold many days" He bows again..and withdraws

Once he is escorted out, Catir says "I think I might like him if I got to know him, but not sure I like his lieges? Does...that make sense?"

"Well - remember, it is easy to judge from one piece of information."

"True." She says "How are my signals?"

"Very good. Now, what is your takeaway of that visit?"

"Welllll..." She says "takingg into account what you said about the danger of judging too soon from too little information," the girl fidgets, then says "I think his lieges are collectors and that Miss Rose was right. it's as much as bragging rights for them than helping the Dreaming. But that tells me that Brightwinds gains some bragging rights, whether you wished it to or not. " She says "Also, we know that there are other new kiths confirmed to look out for. That becomes a prirority in our area I think"

"Well, we must always seek fledges - that's our duty to Rescue."

"Do you think the Eiluned will be content with the results of his mission?"

"I think they'll have to be to some degree, the distance is great. they gain more for less effort in trading knowledge with us" She says

"Agreed. Now - what if I had denied him entirely?"

"Then that would onnly leave either total surrender or intrigue for them, or even outright ..uhm Centaur napping?"

She nods. "Much more volatile and potentially dangerous."

"So the lesson is...always give another person a way out of a situation even if it's not all the wanted?"

"Compromise is always desirable, yes. Remember - honor is very important to most seelie, and, frankly, no few Unseelie - at least in terms of pride."

She nods and notes it "Commoner or noble, we all have a sense of self worth"

Dubh smiles

"Exactly. If you can find a situation that allows someone to save face, you are more likely to reach an agreement where everyone wins."