#earthrunes

"The Duchess is on her way" Inish says.//Delores' eyes widen "Oh my, and the place is only half clean"

"Delores, shall I summon the other boggans - and, of course, get out of the way?" A wry grin. "Inish, thank you. Could you kindly rouse Dames Jennette, Claire, and Nansaidh?"

"I'll get them, Regent" Delores says "I know where most are..." A bow "if I maybe excused to do so?"

"Of course."

Inish nods,"Right away."

The steward hikes her skirt heading towards the area with the servants "All hands on deck!"

Sparrow runs her fingers through her curls - damned sidhe, even bedhead looks intentional. She stops by her chamber to snag her coronet before heading for the entrance to await the Duchess.

Dame Nansaidh shows up by her side as she heads towards the entrance, the Gwydion winces a bit "New Year's Morning? I would have thought her Grace would show a little mercy. " She suspects the Gwydion had a bit too much to drink but she faces her hang ove with great will.

"Well... we will rise to meet it. Good morning, Dame."

"I agree it's morning" the Gwydion mutters, "How do you wish to play this, your Regency?"

"The Baroness was called on quest. The barony is safe and managed and welcomes the Duchess' visit."

"Safe and strong - we do not want to risk more upheaval, not so soon."

A nod, "Good wording. She may have questions on why the Baroness would go on a quest now but 'called on' makes it sound more immediate by need."

Dame Jennette joins them "Good morning, Regent, Dame. Lovely day is it not?"

"Lovely, but cold..."

"I thought to introduce the Duchess to one of the heroes of the battle. I suspect even with a gut-wound, Bachdion will charm her pants off while the boggans work."

Dame Claire comes up "Sounds sneaky. Be careful it doesn't go literal, the old goat will hurt himself."

"I've heard from Clem, he's on strict bed-rest."

"Uh huh," Claire says dubious "Hope we have a eunach on guard. Fiona satyrs who master wayfare? "

"He'll obey the Baroness," Leonora, who wasn't even summoned joined them, she blinks owlishly "Why is there so much light in this hold? My freakin head"

"Well. We can hope being a grump gives him some sense..."

"GOod to see you, Dame Leonora" Lady Jennette chimes.//The Fiona looks at her a bit balefully, "You're chipper...why are you chipper?"//"Why would I not be? the Duchess is a Beaumayn, this is an honor. The party went well last night. And while cold, it is lovely." //"We both drank." //"We both drank wine, from France," Jennette said, "PLease, I was fostered on such."//"I think I hate you." The Fiona girl mutters

She laughs. "You two. It'll be fine. I wonder if the Duchess likes coffee? It is early enough yet..."

"Coffee here is solid," Claire says "Magnus says it isn't 'boil the fillings out of your skull Rivervale level' but strong enough"

"Well, Rivervale has elevated coffee to a religion... sort of like Firnost and tea. I blame all the sluagh there."

Claire mutters "Christ, doesn't anyone just have a beer anymore?" //Jennette sniffs a the word 'beer'//Leonora says "Right now I think I could use some of that RV coffee... anything to bring my head down to size. " ///Nansaidh looks at the younger fiona sympathetically, "We'll endure. Find a slightly shadier spot to stand in. " The boggans all about them are going nuts cleaning, moving. They're not alone, a nocker janitor has some sort of shampoovaumop thing... the sound of which makes those with hang overs want to draw blade.

"We are sidhe. We will have noble bearing, regardless of our circumstances. Chin up, ladies."

And they do, chins lift and suddenly they are as fresh as wild flowers in spring, at least- on the outside. Some male workers tip hats and admire wistfully before going back to work. One poor thane nearly falls off a stairway but catches himself.

"Earth Runes is strong, stable, and moving forward. Remember this, and believe it so much that Nansaidgh doesn't make the face."

"And if you believe it - it will be true. Thank the Dreaming for the magic of belief."

Nansaidh hmphs lightly , while the other girls chuckle, but the advice works, and they go in positioning themselves. Inish greets them with a bow, "They're on their way. Should be here anytime. I'll position to announce." The herald nods approvingly. The Steward comes in sliding into her own spot nearby.

She shoots a wink and a thumbs-up at the boggan.

The boggan has to fuss with her hair a bit, and casts an envious glance at the highborn dos with their magical gifts for looking naturally windblown, just out of bed but so stylish, and of course, just every strand in place.

And soon enough, Inish's voice declares "Her Grace, Duchess of Hawthorne"

Sparrow spreads her tawny wings, waiting respectfully for the satyress... timing her bow just-so, as due ANY duchess of rank.

"Welcome to Earth Runes, your Grace, and happy new year."

The Duchess enters. She truly is lovely, and could be a model among mortals. The dark skinned beauty is dressed warmly with fur trim over her dress, which makes sense given the cold. Touches of the purple of her house are shown more in the gemstones than the voile. She looks about "It really does look lovely in crimson touches." She raises a slender brow to see Sparrow but no Coradel "Baroness Deryn, I wish you and all here a happy new year as well. I convey my husband's as well as my own condolences for the loss of the good Baron Nemasus, and our gratitude for heroic stance this hold made. But, where is the Baroness Coradel? Is she recovering from a wound?"

"We are appreciative of your presence, your Grace, and thank you for the tidings from your husband. We held vigil last night for the Baron, honoring the sunset of the old year and dawning of the new." Her wings flick, and settle against her back. "The Baroness has been called on quest, but I am heir and regent in her stead. I don't know if you have had the chance to see the hold? It is in transition, yet - as you mentioned, the Fiona influence has begun to assert itself."

She also has an honor guard. A knight further back and to her side, and three thanes. Two trolls, one satyr.

"Indeed," She paces looking about, "Called ? mmm"

"Yes, your Grace. Called."

"Would you and your entourage care for refreshment? It is a cold morning. We have tea and coffee, if you please."

"What say you, Sir Aldridge?" the Duchess asks///the Knight responds "The lads could use with a bit of warmth ,your Grace." /the Satyress nods, then smiles, "Mulled wine for me, Coffee for the lads then."

The servants move quickly as the steward nods to them

"Wine?" A smile. "I think you and Lady Jennette might have that in common. I think my Beaumayn friend despairs at my Baptist palate."

"Oh my dear house sister," the Duchess says to Lady Jennette, "We must endure, oui?" //Lady Jennette bows, "the Regent really is a most excellent woman in all other respects, your Grace."//"I've no doubt. She ...made good impression on the Ducal Court. As for a tour, I have been here before but it has been some time. In truth, we can do so if you wish, but I came on business as much as courtesy."

"Business? I would not hold you up on formalities - I am happy to show you around, and I am sure Bachdion would welcome a visit, but, please. We can go to the hall for an audience."

Sir Aldridge takes a slow sip of his coffee. The thanes do the same, but are still alert.

Sparrow leads the party to the great hall, pointing out a few of the new changes along the way.

The Duchess follows enjoying her mulled wine "It seems more open air. yet with plenty of alcoves still. Best of both worlds. And you, Baroness Deryn, how are you liking regency? or it is Chancellior ship as well?"