#brightwindsbarony

"No."

"Oh. I'm sorry, I feel like I haven't been as productive as i hoped then. "

"You have been very productive. It is good to be forewarned of an enemy on our border."

"An enemy?" Clio's eyes widen "That bad?"

"Leanhuan? Yes. I will not provoke fighting, but..."

"Noted" She says "Should I alert the Thanes to be extra attentive to the House's symbols and colors?"

She nods. "Again - no need to provoke. But yes, we should be careful."

"What of the Baron of Cupid's Wing? It sounds promising?"

"Agreed. We should write - perhaps an invitation?"

She nods "Of course. Would you like to dictate, or write it down and then I recopy in fancy lettering? " She's eager to go

"Dictate, if you would?"

"To Baron Heart-Bottle of Valentine, the Baroness Truthbranch of Bright Winds sends greeting. As the current holder of the Balefire, I wish to... ah..."

She starts to write, a clean sheet of paper in use

and pauses, she does not write 'ah' but suggest? "...'extend a welcoming hand'?"

"Yes, that sounds nice."

"In pursuit of a... collegial?.. relationship? No..."

"As neighbors..."

She writes down that

"I can't start two sentences with 'as'. Hell. Okay. "

"Mmm ..."

"As the NEW holder of the Balefire, I wish to extend a diplomatic hand to my neighbor."

She writes a new copy correcting as the Baroness does with ease

"In the spirit of hope, I would request the opening of communication between our fiefdoms."

"In the spirit of new beginnings..."

"Oh I like that" She writes

"da da da... fiefdoms... in the hope that our relationship may prove to be of mutual benefit to our holds and our respective populace. Populaces?"

"Probably better than subjects" SHe says "You want to be seen as having a light subject. Peoples? It has a less clinical touch?"

"Peoples, yes."

She writes that down and is ready for more.

"Now, something about how they can respond to this missive with either their own note, or... an emissary? I wouldn't mind arranging a visit."

"mm" She says "If it pleases you, Brightwinds would be open to further correspondence by writ or emissary of your choosing' ?"

"Lovely! Yes!"

"And then, a thank you, a note that it is by my Court Scribe's hand.. you sign, and, when you have the fancy copy, I sign and seal?"

She puts that in, "Sounds ideal. Give me 10 minutes and I'll have it a work of art and ready for your signature and seal" A smile "You like the seal?"

the OLD Dry tears seal was abandoned

The new Brightwinds one is glorious

"I do! It's lovely. Hm. I might send Dio and Clarence - a Fiona and a Boggan."

"Clarence? But we'll die of thirst during the Steward's breaks without him" She jokes lightly

"A sacrifice, for alliances."

"Alas, we shall have to rough it" Good humor intact. Ten minutes later, the floral beauty of the letter is pristine, perfect, and prepared for signing and sealing.

"Oh, you've been making this script more personal, haven't you? I like the little flourishes on your serifs..."

She blushes "Calligraphy is an art all its own. Thank you for noticing"

"Well, your work will do me proud. Thank you." ANd she signs her own name to the letter.

"Lovely! And thank you. Flattery won't get you everywhere but it's as good as three sttrong glasses"

"It isn't flattery, it's the truth. Caitir doesn't let me get away with lying, she makes this face..."

That causes her to laugh "Yes. She's a fine young lady, but she has opinions"

"She does. She is so miffed about being a childling..."

She lowers her voice "is it wrong I think that adds to her adorableness?"

A finger to her lips, and a smile.

A returned gesture