#brightwindsbarony

"then I'm grateful"

She shrugs. "It's the least I can do. And I will probably take you up on a dross contribution to the cause."

"Smart" he nods "I think those are the big two. We would like a chance to sett up a fair grounds this summer if possible?"

"That should be doable. A few places it could go."

"And, hopefully, this summer will be... better."

"Yes, please"

"My goodness, these are good" He says "Are seconds okay?"

"Please do! Mary Ellen will take it as an insult if that plate isn't empty."

"Oh a grand lass, Mary Ellen"

Annd he partakes

"So, can you tell me a little of the others?"

"I can if you like, but it may take a bit"

"Well, I suspect my page is seeing what those keys open, and I don't have anything pressing. If you would indulge me, I would appreciate it. I like learning about the people here - and besides, I think Dio likes your voice." A smile at the Fiona.

"I confess, I do love that accent, what is it?" She asks

"Oh all of them" He smiles and winks

The door creaks, and Grete pokes her head in, and then pulls back out again as she sees that the Baroness is in a meeting.

"Who's this?" the older piskie looks

"Hey Grete! Want to meet a new person?"

"He'll be representing the piskies on Council with you."

She peeks in again, and admits, honestly, "I thought I was just going to pop in and meet those dumplings Mary Ellen makes."

"But I can meet him too." She adds, lest he take offense. He's AS GOOD as dumplings.

Chuckle. "There's some of those, too."

The door opened full, and she walks in, pausing to bow to the Baroness. The Wichtel looks somewhat faded, even with a few days recovery, but nothing that time won't cure. She appraises the Piskey curiously. "I thought Irene was in charge. Did she get fired? I told her we needed a union...."

"Peter O'wang, just representing tthe Piskies in town , and about. Irene is still page. Place would fall apart without her I hear"

"It is up to each kith, and Irene doesn't seem to object..."

She taps her chin thoughtfully. "Well, as long as Irene doesn't object. Then it's okay." Offering a small, sturdy hand out to Peter. "I'm Grete Steinfeld-Harkson."

"Glad you approve, Grete Stienfi.." He blinks and pauses at the Harkson name "Harkson?"

"My adopted niece."

She frowns, and nods. "Mama says they hyphenated it for equality, but I think it was just so people would know that two society families got married."

"I'm sorry, lass. My manners" he shakes her hand if he can "that name does send a shiver down the spine"

"Well, "society" has its own rules. And your mother is off on a boat in the caribbean, so I think you're good until the next zoom call."

"When I'm older I can change it.... but I'm not going to hide from it. That makes it feel like he's still in charge of how I feel." A stern nod.

And a glance towards the dumplings.

Sparrow picks up one. "eeaattttt meeeeeee"

It is a silly, 'spooky,' squeaky voice. "eeeaaatttt meeeee"

Grete's expression cracks, and she snorts a little trying to muffle the giggle. No! She is STERN!

"Nooooo! What a world!" Sparrow pops the 'talking' dumpling in her mouth.

"I guess if they asked NICELY I could help eat 'em."

And she scoots over to join them at the table!

A chuckle from Peter.

Dio looks at Grete "Grete, do you like hats?"

"Hm. Dio, might you know where to find one of those old school mining helmets with the light?"

"As a matter of fact" she says "Yes"

“Hats? Like a hard hat with a light innit?”

NOD!

Sparrow smiles.

"Oh yes, not my style mind, but I do love hats of ALL kinds and I know some haberdashers and even inventors who deal in them" Dio says

"Well, it's... blue collar chic."

"Oh it is and can work. Grete, am I right you want it industrial, not pastel?"

Wide eyed NOD. “Please, Pastel just gets DIRTY.”