#brightwindsbarony

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For a certain sluagh with a food truck, he finds business has actually picked up. Durin a time of patrols, thanes and knights can't mooch at much at the hold, so they go to his food truck.

Some of the sidhe look dubious at his wares, but the trolls seem to buy the large sizes freely. Pepper has put out a good word for him.

"It's from clean sources, right?" A sniff from the Daireann knight

The sluagh nods; no point in shouting over the kitchen fans.

"I shall try the wrap" he says pressing the menu

"Finnally" His brother, a gwydion says "Took you long enough to pick"

The cook nods, washes his hands, and makes the order.

The Cenntaur was much more reasonable. She made her order, and is munching .

She's a wilder, fierce looking. And clearly in a mood, but she made her order fast without a fuss.

Yup.

He has to say, she's an athletic looking creature. Not as toned as a troll but close.

He wonders how she came to be here. Old baron Harkson would have loved having one....

The three , ,two sidhe knights and the centauress are now talking

"Well, so far, no other centaur hunters" the Gwydion says

"I really want these guys" The Centauress says "Their employer nearly stole my daughter"

"Revenge is any mother's right" The Dairean sidhe nods

Cliff listens in, killing one fan as the lunch rush slows.

"We agree" the woman stamps a hoof. It's amazing really. Like all changeling, her mein both overlays and provides the core of who she is. He knows that there's a woman in her... 30s? Maybe early forties there, mature, attractive enough but unexceptional. Yet she's also a dream born of ..what? What do centaurs represent?

the conversation continues .. and he, of course, hears more than they would suspect

"Nessa's terrified"

"Your daughter is holding up well"

"She's brave but... this got to her. I know it got to me" Rose fusses

"All the more reason for us to do this yes?"

Mother and daughter, two centaurs? Who's hiring people to hunt them? Damn it..... Cliff sighs inwardly.

"How's Ross feel about this?" the Gwydion asks

"Oh, he's just as angry as I am" She says "I don't think it's even occured o him HE Could be a target" She says "He doesn't like I'm playing bait but he feels betterr since I have two warriors ready to protect me"

They finish their meal, he overhears somethingg about... a gguy named leech? And they are heading off

Cliff glances up and down the street and closes the truck up; he heads for the baronial seat, lately Lord Harkson, and now that of the widow Harkson, to hear it said.

As he drives towards the hold, well, it's not hard to find. There it is, part of the mountain. The tower imbedded. However it looks different, less fortress like, more castle like.. if there is a difference at all between the words really. Thanes seem active, trolls, that's not new, but the FACES of the trolls vary.

There is an impromptu 'parking area' hidden behind a bit of brush and rise.

He pulls the truck in, parks it, fiddles a bit with some safety features (propane tanks can go boom) and then leaves it locked up. He adjusts his sunglasses against the glare and slinks unobtrusively towards the changed fortress.

Cliff looks that fortress over; it's changed since the last time he was here. He takes in those changes, noting the differences. Hm. He approaches the enterance.

"Can I help you, neighbor?" One troll thane asks. He does not sneer or grip his weapon tight

That's a change too.... "Came to talk to someone about catering a function." He whispers as loud as he can.

"Oh, come in," he guides Cliff "We're a bit on guard, more so than normal"

"What's your name? How should I introduce you?" He asks

"Cliff Torres. The food truck guy."

"Oh, heard of you.. yes, Let's see if Hope is in. This way please." He keeps guiding him. There's Hope! Cliff knows her, of course. Runs that coffee place

Cliff walks with a measured pace, taking in changes. When presented, he nods to Hope.

Hope turns "Cliff? oh hello. Heard you were back, lots of praise for the food truck. How are you?"

The thane says "He's here to ttalk about catering a function. Unless you need me , Steward, I should return to my post"

"That'll be fine" She says

And off the Thane goes

"Thank you for seeing me." he begins politely.

"You're most welcome. Can I get you some tea while we talk?"