#brightwindsbarony

"And mine," She says, and is surprised that she means it. Dancing can be kinda fun!

"Having fun?" her dad asks

Dubh talks to the Baroness "Dancing, at least formal is almost over a success the beltaine, I think. You are allowed to take a break for yourself if you like"

"Well, we did set up games outside..."

"Then ouside we go.. I think the childlings have been at it awhile. "

"Good"

And the crowds move outside, where games like... Cornhole, await. It is comical, apparenntly the word 'Cornhole' makes Dubh wince. He chooses the oddest thinnngs to be prudish about

He also gets roped into it - the baroness showing him how to chuck beanbags.

"Do we have to call it.. 'cornhole'?" He asks, but chucks

"I don't know any other name for it." Her turn - the bag landing on the board but not falling in. A snap of disappointment. "So close!"

He gives it a try, his gets to the OTHER side of where hers was, and missing

"mmm" he says "This game is tricky. I fear no one can master it. " is he chickening out? So much for Scathach never retreating

"That's the challenge!"

Hope comes up "How's it going?"

"I am defeating Gray! Muahaha!"

Sparrow is not winning either, do note.

Hope nods "No wonder he's chancellor" Straight faced

"Alas, I'm not allowed to just surrender" He says dryly but smiles

"What did the messenger say? Mandatory fun?"

Hope laughs "Oh that little girls adorable. "

"Well, they have some kind of horseshoes showdown going on..."

"Yes." She sighs "Redfang has placed wages on Irene"

"he's GAMBLING onn a children's event?" The Chancellor says

"Piskies do have nimble hands..."

"but Ulga is really good. I wonder if Dark gate threw in a ringer" SHe muses

"Hope, you seem to be taking placing bets on kids kind of cavalierly" Dubh says

"My dear chancelor? Who do you think started the betting pool up?" Hope looks at him with a smile that's almost anggelic "Don't worry, the kids themselves don't know"

"Which is for the best."

"But why..." He says

"Because It's folks wannt to have fun" Hope says "Trust me, folks make little wagers all the time. Twenty dollar cap, and a small percentage goes to the house whoever wins...which goes into a pool to help upkeep the hold ," Hope seems okay with this.

"Hope!"

"Yes baroness?"

"Do I need to rebudget? Do you need more money?" Anxiety lurking in her eyes. Talk of money usually makes her tense.

"what why would.." Hope blinks thenn says "oh please, Sparrow no I .. this is just me being practical. Money wise we're fine, but this way, if you need to give a helping hand t someone one on behalf of the hold, you can honestly say everyone contributed. It makes folks feel like they're not big mooches... like it's a community chest "

"It adds to their fun and they get bragging rights about THEIR good work when we do do something"

She bites on her lip and nods.

A hand comforts Sparrow "I promise, if we were in need, I would let you know. I'm only the Steward temproarily after all"

"Right, right. And doing such a good job, too. Temporarily."

"RIght" she nods, then looks at Dubh "Why are you smiling?"

"Must be Beltaine magic" He reigns it in

"You okay?" Hope looks to Sparrow "I feel like I've ruined your whole day"

"You didn't. I just want to do right..."

"You've done it great. Cliff was a hit. The games are a hit. Folks liked to dance. " Hope says "Sparrow...." A breath "Baroness..whatever i'm supposed to say in this situation, honestly, it's wonderful. The bar was set low but you didn't use that as an excuse to slack off in he slightest. There are happy faces everywhere. If you have doubts, look to your people"

A little smile from the Liam and she nods.

"well said" the Scathach answers gratefully

Hope says "now. move over, Dubh. Because I am going to defeat the mighty sparrow at Cornhole"

"Alright! Now it's war." A laugh.

Hope actually isnn't bad, and says "I had a friend who told me it was called Bags... but I like Cornhole better"

"It's a less silly name, but, well, you can't take a game named 'Cornhole' too seriously.."

"Exactly, more fun"