#earthrunes

"Let's, yes."

The leg seems sturdy as ever

though some of the flesh may appear, if she removes the support, kind of baby new

"Astounding."

And to the throne room!

----

The Throne room has changed, more crimson and silver than black and silver, and the lights are not dim...rather than evoking mystery they spring currently with a sense of defiance. yet the banners are at half mast. Tapestries have changed, or are changing...

as if being rewoven.

"It's like spring, in a way. New life."

"It's a little different each time I come in, now." Coradel moves to the throne and runs her fingertips over the top of the back before settling into the seat.

Sparrow hesitates, and then finds a place behind and to the right to stand.

Coradel nods approval at her choice.

There are smaller seats, benches, and places if needed. The door opens, and Catir comes in looking, well, irked. Then she sees Sparrow and rushes to her to hug her. She's still a kid after all, "You're okay! I heard you were wounded"

"Oh, just a nick! Delores took care of it." A warm hug back. "And you, made it through safe!"

A bemused look as the childling completely ignores her in the rush to reach Sparrow.

"I was a prisoner! I got held in the..." She hugs back, then turns her head to blush "I'm sorry, Baroness Freeholder. I... uhm... I have a petition? I mean, not a paper with names but a request? My honor has been insulted most hei. most he... it was rude."

"A prisoner? This sounds serious. Baroness?"

"I see. Please explain."

"I was ready to charge into battle, to hunt the foe, to heal the injured, which I'm sure I would have gotten the hang of sooner rather than later, when Dame Claire ap Ailil, you know-the blooonde- did seize me and threw me into a room and locked the door. Denying my right to partake. Can she be flogged a little?"

"Hm. First, you will speak respectfully of Dame Claire, even when criticizing her actions. Now, were you, yourself, flogged as part of this imprisonment?"

A little smile threatens, but then she secures a more solemn expression.

"But she is a blo..." then she catches herself, "Yes your ladyship, and no, I wasn't flogged but... she picked me up and and... Ailil handled me."

"That sounds frustrating."

"Lady Claire defended the bale at the risk of her own life."

"It was!" A pause "She did?"

"She did."

"Were you alone in the room once she locked you in?"

"No, there were other childlings" A frown

"I see. What did you all do while in the room?"

"Kicked the door, hurt my foot. Screamed." turning a bit red

"You're going to have to work on that temper..."

"I don't have a temper I'm just spirited...oh I lied." A sigh

"That is what you did. What did all of you, all the childlings do? I mean, not everybody had a tantrum, hm?" A bit of a grin.

"Well, some were scared, but I didn't notice that until I was done screaming. I told them not to be scared. That the light would drive the dark back, that hope rides on every new wind, and that the tree of true right would hold fast against the storm of evil" A lower mutter 'and so not to be ninnies"

She gives a glance to Sparrow, then nods to the childling. "That sounds like a good speech. I had to give one, too, before we began to fight. But then I got to fight. You didn't. So I understand how frustrating that must be, to have nothing to do to help." She frowns seriously. "We cannot have childlings in the midst of battle, but that does not mean you could not help from a safe space. What job could we have given you, that childlings could do while still in a safe place?"

A flash of a smile at Cora.

"Well, I guess we could bring things to the healers? Fetch bandages?"

She nods. "That's a good start. You'd have to know the back ways, the sneaky ways, so to avoid enemies if the walls are breached." She leans back in her seat. "Catir, I would like to appoint you this job: Find two other childlings who strike you as smart people, and before the New Year you must come up with a plan for five things childlings can do to help during a siege. You and your compatriots will report your ideas back to Deryn and myself. Do you accept?"

A pause, "I will accept to be the head of this committee" She bows low, "We won't fail you or Sparrow, Baroness."

Coradel rises and returns the bow. "I trust you will not, Catir. Thank you for taking on this task." And she sits again.

"Oh, um..." A sigh, "I guess flogging Dame Claire would be a bit much."

"Maybe a little, Caitir."

"You came seeking vengeance, and got appointed to leadership instead. I would consider that a win...if I were you." The last said slowly.

"Maybe time out five minu.." A light clicks on "ooooh. Uhm. Yes. Well, I'm sure she's learned her lesson. May I go now? I know one or two kids who I think might the ones the committee for the what kids can do preparation plan needs."

Her feathers fluff and she smiles again.

"You may. Remember to consider ways for even smaller childlings to help." And she gestures that the girl may depart.

Her brow knits in problem solving, bows once more and goes ...stops, turns around giving Sparrow one more hug, and then vanishes again

She waits for the girls to depart fully, then turns to smile at Sparrow. "When she grows up, she's going to find one reason after another to challenge you to duels, you know that, right?"

"She may grow out of it."

"Maybe. But I like her spirit. And I know how she feels...getting told no-you-can't-help-fight is the worst."