#brightwindsbarony

"thy father seeks to placate and distract your mother with romance and tasks alike so they will be out tomorrow in something of a pre valentine tour. they will be out most of the day. if you have need of them, see tthem before ten. they did not wish thee worrying though"

That to Nessa, of course

Her cheeks pink! "Oh, of course they can take all the time they need for, um, Tasks. "

"It's good timing, I was supposed to find Bix... tomorrow's soon enough to ask."

Wencenslais nods "just so" then to the Baroness "Mister Caeasar is somewhat delayed for a fund raiser from children and may not be as hands on as he hoped, but he believes that the houses being contructed will be ready in half the time.. some of tthe local crew hired are boggans. They are.. timely. he thought that would be good news"

"That is wonderful news!" Fluffy feathers/

"delighted to delight" he says "Further intto matters, though I am loathe to admit spying on your knights, as per your suggestions, it seems a few have found mortal jobs here. "

She nods. "Being able to integrate into the community is good for everyone."

"And will be helpful finding a monarch for carnival, at that."

"yes," the reeve says " I can have my fellow kith hunt likely mornarchs for you, but we can be ..mercenary, pray forgive. " meaning the hunt would cost "Also, you might prefer it be in court to better match your own sensiblities"

"Well - I want someone who would benefit. I know some carnival courts can be... hard..." She frowns. "This will be my first as freeholder. And my hope is it is a mortal who will benefit from a night of freedom and magic."

"I see" Wen says "but pray, do you wish the sluagh involved in the seeking? And what coin should I offer should they find one?"

"Hm. Sluagh mostly trade in secrets, which I do not think I have many to offer... but would they perhaps like an invitation to tea and honesty?"

Monarchs... hunting... Nessa is quite lost. "Should I leave you to your discussion?"

"mm yes, I think at least one of my kith sisters and brothers would acccept that. And nay, nessa. ttwas I who intruded. And my business is done. Converse with the baroness. She is young too, but you'l find while her wings are beautifal, they are weathered by the tests and trials one can learn from" he bows, and withdraws

"Thank you, Wenceslaus." A hand to her chest, as she has seen Zara do.

Nessa, watching, mimics as well - not in mockery, but in earnest!

Wen seems pleased by the gesture, returns it.. and now is gone

"I am sure you have questions from that. The short answer - Carnival is a topsy-turvy holiday. Like.... Mardi Gras or the Feast of Fools."

"And... you hunt a mortal?" She asks, tentatively, not sure she wants the answer. "Is that like the Wild Hunt?"

"Traditionally, we enchant a mortal - that is, give them glamour so they may see our world - get them drunk, and make them "King" for a day."

Sparrow darkens. "Ah. No. Some fae do much darker turns, especially Unseelie courts. I have heard some sacrifice their monarch. This is unacceptable. It violates the Escheat, which demands we protect the right to Dream. You must live to Dream."

She nods, relief evident. "I didn't want to seem to judge you or your... our... customs. But that sounded wrong. I was hoping I had misunderstood."

"Wild Hunts happen. Understand this. I do not condone them, I will not sanction one... but they do."

"There are changelings who revel in darkness and destruction, ones who care not for the value of life. Not just Unseelie, but souls that belong to the darkest shadows and who have allied themselves with Fell dreams and monstrous evil. And those... those, we fight."

Nessa wraps her arms around herself, and nods again, this time with reluctance. "I am glad to be HERE, and not there."

Sparrow nods. "I am glad we could be here. Speak to the locals, sometime, about Harkson. They lived it, I only came in at the end."

"Wenceslaus there - he risked death to get word out about the abuses which happened here. Do not underestimate any kith's bravery."

"I get the feeling I won't like what I hear... but I'll ask. It's important to know these things, I guess, so that they don't repeat themselves..."

Sparrow nods. "You might not - but ignorance can be dangerous."

"Thank you for taking time to explain. And... and everything, you know. Looking out for us."

A smile. "Honestly, you and your family have been a welcome addition. Some fledges can be a burden, though it's rude to say so."

"I'll try not to be the class clown. Stu might be offended that I'm trying to upstage him. Did you really buy an entire library for him to... well, he said 'Roost over' but I think he meant Rule?"

"Well... I mean, we need a library... and it was a very reasonable bulk rate..."

A smile. "It is hard to say no to him. When he's...." She leans in conspiratorily, "So fluffy!"

That musical laughter

"I know, right?"

Nessa giggles along. "I'm beat - I know I didn't spend the entire night at the party, but I still feel drained. I can help tidy up in the morning, unless I'd be in the way?"

"I think Stu will need some help moving that book fortress. See you after breakfast!"

A wave, and she trots off, eager for the comfort of her sedan couch... and as delightful as Sparrow is to talk to, blissful alone time.

****

The cherub in black puts out his candy cigarette as he looks at the picture provided, "Huh... little philly sure ain't hurting on account of looks." The paper shows a winged woman with flaming red hair

It reads WANTED: DERP or in LOVE, Baroness Sparrow. Reward doubled if it sticks

The little cupid nods slow "Reckon I got me a bounty" And he tips his tiny cowboy hat. Time to get close to his target. And he veils

No Kithain lasts long agin Tex Twiterpater

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