#brightwindsbarony

"That is... they called for Thanes and Knights, and Warriors..." The message has been passed around for volunteers, it seems. "And I'm none of those, but..."

"But you are no slouch with a bow, and that fop.. that Fiona might not have thought of his need in the healing arena."

Gerd coughs "Yeah, Nessa missed that letter the guy sent"

Sparrow's mouth tightens into a disapproving line.

"Only with Targets, nothing moving, and never, anything... alive. My mother, SHE'S the warrior, you know."

"Oh, I know. Rose is an amazon. Still - I won't deny you the chance to explore. Just... balance enthusiasm with caution."

"Ah, Baroness, do you want me to go with them?" Gerd offers "if there's trouble I might be able to get them back here, in a flash, so to speak"

She straightens up and beams. "I will be sure to do Brightwinds proud. You've done so much for us, the least we can do is contribute so that the County sees our worth in times of need."

She considers. "That is an extra measure of safety. And I am sure it wouldn't hurt Rivervale to make a new contact."

"Fiona do usually mean well. They are a commoner-friendly house. But... " She gestures, turning her palms up and out. "I do not know him."

"I wasn't thinking of being an emmisary to him, just going as a volunteer if it helped and as an emergency egress. " Gerd admits then looks to Nessa "If you don't mind?"

"Also fair. But... keep it in your pocket. Diplomatic passage can be useful."

"Oh, me? It's not my place to say." She nods to Gerd. "But a friendly face is never unwelcome. Sparrow, perhaps this is a good time for us to learn more of the fellow on your behalf. Perhaps his missive writer phrased his request poorly." Ever the optimist, benefit of the doubt.

Gerd nods "Well then I'll go in. A witch has ways"

"That is possible."

"And learning more about him is good for the safety of this barony. Gerd, Nessa - you can be my eyes?"

"Happy to help" Gerd says "And NEssa will be welcome. Healers always are"

A bright smile to Sparrow. "I am happy to be of help!" Wouldn't you know it, she really is. Some people just say that, but Nessa means it. She'd be the worst for espionage or subterfuge, but when it comes to being forthright, she has it down pat!

Theresa watches this Was I ever that innocent and sweet? She considers likely no. Naive perhaps, but not the same thing. SHe also decides that if anyone hurts Nessa, she'll help Rose out while the mother hunts down who did it. I'll hold her extra arrows like a caddy. Will that be the barbed tip arrows or the regular, Miss Squire, mum?

"I am deeply grateful to the both of you."

"We haven't reported back yet," Gerd reminds the Baroness "We might end up annoying him "

"Also true. Appeal to his ego."

"Should we bring a gift, some sort of tribute? Or better just to provide supplies? The former may be more soothing to ego, but the latter, more practical..."

Gerd wrinkles her nose at 'tribute' but it's Sparrow's call

"Your presence and aid is the generous gift."

"Darn straight" A smile

"He is a Count, yes. But that alone does not grant him the world on a platter. Now - you will be under his Demesnes. His word is law, but the Escheat also protects you. Be wary of anything that looks or sounds like an Oath."

Gerd grows somber "yeah, folks always trying to snag trolls like that"

Theresa tilts her head "Are oaths really THAT powerful for you all?"

"Absolutely. Oaths are very real, and very serious."

"For trolls they're even a source of strength, but every kith gets some gift with an oath, but also a cost. " Gerd nods "And you becareful, ma'am. Kinain or not, oaths hafve power over you too, at least while you're enchanted"

Nessa stamps a foot. "I won't let them catch me up in any snare like that. I want to help, but after that, I am coming home."

"And if it's not arrogant to say it, I'll make sure you do" Gerd nods to Nessa

Thereasa looks thoughtful, the talk of oaths bringing up concerns "Irene hasn't sworn any oaths that anyone knows of, has she? SHe's.. just a kid"

"No oaths that I am aware of, no. Some places... impose oaths on commoners, it is a despicable practice."

"Some of my knights have chosen to swear Fealty to me, and I have returned their oath with my own pledge as Liege."

"I know the stories of the last baron" Theresa says "I know you guys have a right to life, but I Won't miss him having heard what i Heard"

"No. He is not mourned."

Gerd makes a note that Theresa is capable of being ruthless

"As a Liam, I understand the severity of a broken Oath."

"Oh right" Theresa says "Mortwhyl mentioned that. Your house was broken, but wise"

"You can feel the mark of it, for all members of our house bear it."

"It doesn't bother me." Nessa insists.

"Maybe because we are a newer Kith?" She wonders.

"Or perhaps because you have come to know me."

"It's true, I barely notice Sir Frank's liamness, and I know he is a good man"

A smile over to Sparrow. "That may be the case, and I am awful glad I have."

Sparrow blushes behind her freckles, and there's a barely perceptible flutter.

"Still, it seems odd to go empty handed. Maybe some of our supplies can have a Brightwinds flair? It can't hurt to show off what we can do - or rather, make a point that we're thriving under your rule."

"Well, true..."