#darkgatefortress

A nod "Red it is," he nods "And your eyes, both of them, are working just fine. I do not think the dreaming agrees that you ahve shamed yourself"

She gives him a confused look. "I do not understand."

"The oath, it renders those who fully break it BLIND."

Linnea goes still. "My strength deserted me, my body is weak. I feel the sickness in my soul, and in the looks of those who sense the stain upon me. Whether the dreaming chooses to punish me further, -I- know my failing. Perhaps it is that I chose poorly when I swore an oath, so many years ago. Or punishment for upholding it for so long. I have done things I am not proud of. I have stood by and watched without acting or speaking against my Liege's sins.

Perhaps one final defiance does not outweigh those years. I must... find a way to atone."

"Do you think Lady Nadeen is cut from the same cloth as Calanthe? Or will she treat you right?"

"Lady Nadeen will be a fine Baroness for Silverwolf. She is still of the Shining Host, she still schemes, and plots. But... without malice, or rancor. She looks out for the small folk, even as she will not tolerate disrespect, so too would she protect those under her."

Linnea already speaks of the hold with quiet sorrow as would one who is no longer a part of it.

"Then there is your atonement. Swear to her. Serve... and know that I did not think the Dreaming would see thorugh my selfishness- that I would have a place for you here. If you wish , I still will try it"

"Chieftain... Hewitt. You would still have accepted my service, here? Knowing my fault, knowing my betrayal? You would still have..." A heartbreaking pause. "...me?"

"I've got a liam for a storm... " Almost embarrassed "Good man... though, there is more than one Oath that I am tempted by when I gaze upon you, Lin. I want what is best for you, what you will live most proudly with. OTherwise I would try to keep ye to myself indeed"

She bows deeply to him, hiding her expression for a time. Then, she offers out the shield once more.

"I would return this to you, that I may request it back once I am worthy of it once more."

"You are worthy already, but.. it is damaged,, however nobly. I shall .. mend it for you"

She straightens up, eyes glistening. "Thank you, Chieftain." She still looks weak, and wan, but there is a determination in her now that lends her strength.

He takes it, then puts it on the desk, then turns to her "You are also worthy of this" and he kisses her

Surprise, but after a moment, no argument there. Taking strength from the touch.

Then he parts.. "When you go out, Zane will be there.. tell him to veil you , not because I am shamed but because you need not be the subject of gossip or scandal caused by that honorless ailil harlot"

She hesitates. Some part of her twists, and tells her that she deserves their sneers and scorn. But... "As you command, Chieftain."

He touches the shield lovingly, and she slips out. No sooner does she, then there's Zane "Don't worry, the chimerical covid has been isolated. It's a simple cantrip requiring a mask bunk" he lies smoothly to all

And then Zane sees her, and nods

She nods back, and moves out under his veil. It is a quiet ride back to Silverwolf, and one deep in thought.

And Zane returns to the Chief "I.. folks think it's a chimerical covid and that she got cured here. "

"You're a quick thinker , lad" The Chief admits

THen the dougal adds "I need your confidence in this. "

"Done and done... she was in an impossible situation.."

"Wait? you weren't listening at the door..." A brow "And I assume you did not tattle tale while spreading the cover story. . so what ..how?"

"SHhh.." Zane puts a finger over his lips "Wizard stuff"

"GET out of here..." THe troll fusses, then adds "And thank you"

Zane smiles, and trots off

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