#brightwindsbarony

Gerd and Sparrow return to Court, and Gerd is talking "I have to say, all the trials aside, the view of that mountain range at sunset is spectacular"

"It's gorgeous here, yeah. Big sky."

"I may go flying later" She ways "Not with wings mind you" A slight smile

"I should say my official duties here included strengthening alliances, making a good impression, and maybe recruiting some trollls that wanted to try lodge living. However as right now every strong back is needed for clean up, that seems a bit unkind towards you" Honesty is best'

"Most of the 'local' trolls are Rovers."

"Now, Ashley..." She considers. "We have a childling that might benefit from some time in a Lodge. More to visit, and I wouldn't want her to think of it as a.. rejection?"

"You haven't met her yet. She's a sweet girl - very talented, hardworking, an artist."

"Ah, Ashblyhe..." A nod "I actually did have the pleasure... but she didn't mention she was an artist. She did however insist on showing YOUR Murals." A nod "Think meeting Olgar might do her some good then?"

"Did she tell you she helped with painting some of them?"

"She said you let 'the kids' help"

"And.." She grimaces. "Yes, Olgar was a consideration there. Though more Rivervale in general. Baroness Brekke and Dame Kerri and Sir Frank are all exceptional role models."

"Mountain Vali is getting there" She adds "Grumphood has wisened him up"

"I do not wish to make her feel like it is due to her minor affliction. She allows her appearance to affect her confidence - and I will admit, I am uncertain how to address that in a way that doesn't seem patronizing. It weighs heavily upon her, and while we can say we do not care what she looks like, she cares."

"I don't want her ending up like I did" Gerd frowns "Body issues can lead to a lot of self loathing"

She nods.

"And it's worse for girls and women, society has unfair expectations"

"And instead of seeing herself, she sees that awful woman who birthed her, or children who jested."

"The world is unkind."

"I'd be happy to take her to visit the Lodge anytime you wish. We already have one lad, Holger from Fenix, who comes there for cultural training and learning a bit how to fight troll style. It might be best to suggest this is nothing unusual for us and thus keep her from worrying it's a banishment"

"The childings here are good kids. Grete cares nothing about appearances... or social conventions... only rocks. Irene is a piskie, and she gets along with everyone. Felicity and Caitir are mannerly, if not as close. Stu is friendly and sweet-tempered."

"Ah! Yes, another childling 'apprentice' might help!"

"I think I can arrange to introduce them . Of course, don't blame me if they end up falling in love with the place" A smile "I think some of Holger's friends are worried we're 'stealing him'. We totally might when he hits wilder. He's a fine lad. VERY SERIOUS but cute. " A curious look "Wait, is Grete the Witchtel I hear about? "

"She is. And one of my wards. I am technically her step-aunt?"

A little handwave. "Mortal maneuvers, at least."

"She probably adores you." She tells Sparrow "You've always been good with kids"

That's when a Courier comes in, very snazily dressed

And she does not recognize him

Sparrow somehow quietly becomes Baroness Derynwydd Truthbranch - a subtle shift in expression and posture, but it can be felt.

THe nocker in fine clothes doesn't quite look typical for his kith, nails a bit too clean, but he bows, then says "Baroness Derynwydd Truthbranch I presume?"

Gerd steps to the side. The one time she didn't wear that damned dress in court

"I am she."

"I bear a missive from Count Pom Trispeux ap Fiona, whose land include your barony. Would you prefer I read it aloud, or hand it to you, Baroness?"

"Let me see it." She extends her hand.

He hands over the scroll , it does have an official looking seal

She looks at the seal before breaking it open to peruse.

The seal is a bit too much of much to an artist's trained eye. Oh sure, the lace like fringe is good enough, but the comet tail that wraps about ? Of course it has the Silver Lion, but somene tried to put a twinkle in the eye and frankly, didn't have the skill to work that in so small

It's.. cluttered art

Disdain is carefully hidden by a neutral expression. She is a sidhe, after all. They are masters at this.

She had been told the Count was a somewhat useless fop by a few. Well, it seems he's noticed her in a time of trouble.

"No." She hands the letter back.

"If it suits your ladyship, I'll start the Blimp up at slow but strong. I know your trolls will weigh a ..." the courier takes the letter back, then forgets to turn off his nocker talk "What the furk do you MEAN 'no'? "

"I shall put forth a call for volunteers, but I shall not command any of my people to abandon the defenses of their home."

"Nor shall I leave my people vulnerable."

"But.... but.. he's the frickin Count. you're just a baroness" The courier sputters

Gerd's eyes narrow "She's the one who has right of Demense here, Courier"

"I am the Baroness here. Yes. I claimed this hold by right of Arms, and have held and protected it."

"YEah... but, it's till part of the bleeping County" He states

"Aye. And he may ask my help. I am not heartless, after all."

"He just did... kind of, in like, drekking noble ese"