#earthrunes

"That's where he vanished to when he disappeared to your speech"

A slow nod. "Of course he did, the mad goat." She shakes her head.

"Thank da'an, though."

"A lot of heroes made that night, Baronesses. " A pause "Baronessi?"

"Yes." A pause, then, "Delores, I know there are many who need healing yet, but Deryn's leg is still wounded, and I'd have her whole as soon as possible."

"And Coradel had something else to ask you...." A look at the Fiona.

A slight grin. "I kind of like that. Baronessi."

"Less hissy. Baronessi."

A look back at the Liam. "I was thinking of surprising her with it, but perhaps it's better that I don't...."

"I think I have a healing biscuit left over, it'll taste stale but..." A pause, a raised brow "Ask of me? You need real meals don't you?"

"Well.... your choice, Cora."

"No, these meals are enough." She turns to face Delores more directly. "Delores, you have served me so willingly, so often, and so very competently...I would like to appoint you my Steward. Would you be willing to accept the title?"

A startled look

"...and, of course, the duties that go with it."

After a moment, "And now at last it comes. You will give me the role freely! In place of the scheming maid you will set up a Steward. And I shall not be drab, but efficient and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Broom and the Mop and the gloss upon the cleaned floor! Dreadful as the rolling pin and the shears! Stronger than the foundations of the hearth. All shall love me and despair!”

Sparrow starts giggling. "I understood that reference!"

A blush "uhm, yes?"

Coradel's eyes are wide. "Ah...I don't. And that was a little unsettling. Do I have to chop off your head, Delores?"

"Well, that might end my stewardship faster than you can Denathor,' A bit of a an embarrassed pout "Sorry, Lord of the Rings trilogy was on last week and ... I haven't slept in... what time is it? Anyway, are you serious on this? O Dreaming you are."

And it occurs to folks that Delores has been seen putting others to bed, but she has not been seen gone to bed herself

A frown. "Well, on one condition."

"Like remembering to take care of herself, too?" Eyebrow.

"What? I'm not wounded" A fuss and straightens her apron

"I need you better than not wounded. A bit of healing biscuit for Deryn, and then you go to bed. We will talk about your Steward duties tomorrow."

"Next movie night, Lord of the RIngs. Magnus has to be a fan...."

"I do like Mister Jackson's work," Delores goes to get the biscuit and returns shortly. It is a bit stale, but there's glamour in it, "Nibble, Baroness Deryn if you please?"

"Yes? Thanks..." An uncertain nibble.

The boggan then looks to Coradel, "Are you sure you won't need me awake a bit longer?"

Not the best, but not terrible, and sparrow feels a warmth in her leg, new energy

"Oh!"

"Delores, you are always of service to me, but you will be able to serve better later if you sleep now."

Yes, the leg feels much better

A grin to Sparrow. "Good, isn't it? She had these at Pennons."

She stretches her leg. "Amazing."

"Well, I... I shall be honored to serve as Steward and ... a bit petulant at being sent to bed then?" the boggan says

"Granted. Go to bed anyway. I'll need you at your best tomorrow, for plotting and planning."

"I'm being a bad influence!"

"Oh, Delores, before you go...how is Shallimar?"

"Shallimar is ...hurting, lady. He's not told a joke , nor barely talked."

"But time may heal that"

"Yes. He needs time. I will look in on him, though, soon."

"Time. Friends. Purpose."

A nod to Sparrow.

"oh, and someone wants an audiance with you. It's Catir or whatever the girl's name is?"

"Oh? With me, or with Deryn?"

"Either I think. whoever can avenge her honor"

"Oh dear..."

((Need 5 minutes, BRB)) "Well, we'll meet with her in the throne room for that, I think. Shall we?" And she and Deryn make their way there.

Delores nods "I'll tell her, " Then a pause "And then go to bed."

Sparrow stands, testing her leg.