#earthrunes

"The Baroness is still considering her options for Chancellor. I have given her council - after all, the baron ruled for many years, this is not a thing to be done in haste."

"How are you liking regency then?" The Duchess says

She laughs. "I am fortunate - I am given to watch over a good hold, with excellent people. Have you met Coradel's steward yet, your Grace? She is quite the force..."

"No, I cannot say I have," The Duchess turns

"Your Grace, may I introduce Steward Delores - she is the one who found Coradel when she sained, and brought her to Earth Runes. She also was instrumental in our fight against the Shadow Court - helping foil an assassination attempt, amongst other deeds."

Delores blushes brightly, and curtsies, "Your honor, it's a grace."

Then she looks mortified, "I mean, it's..."

The Duchess smiles and takes mercy on her, "The sincerity of your statement is far more precious to me than the wording, Steward.And.. perhaps it should be I who thank you. It would appear you were the first step in the journey to save this land."

The Steward blushes brightly.

She lays a hand on Delores' shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. "As I said - fortunate. Despite the struggles, this is a strong Barony with good people. I have great faith in their abilities."

Sir Aldridge says "It would appear talented women are in abundance here."

"Quite! Though I wouldn't discount the gentlemen." She gestures at the hall. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

They meander and do so, the Duchess asking about how the people are doing, how they're adjusting. Do the commoners need more help? Are the local nobles here accounted for all here, or elsewhere?

Sparrow answers as best she can - prompting Delores or Nansaidh when she is less certain.

"There is, of course, curiosity and concern about the County - I am certain you and your husband will find the right soul for that job. No friends of the Shadow, there."

Nansaidh fills in, with confidence and surety. Few Errant knights are in this area, the baron discouraged such without checking with him. The commoners, Delores says, are actually pleased with the offers made by the new baroness.

At mention of the County, the Duchess says "Interesting you should mention that. We are assembling a list of applicants. We need those we can trust. We know to be not of the court. Sadly, there are few of Count or countess rank in this area ... but we do have the option of raising say, a baroness, to the title."

She raises an eyebrow. "Well. That is an option, yes. I know your own house has few holds... but I am afraid I know mostly knights. I do not know any holdless counts..."

"Know any holdless baronesses?" The Duchess sips faux nonchallantly

"Well, yes."

"Love to hear about her" Her grace says

Claire looks at Sparrow and mouths 'you DO get this right?'

She chews on her lower lip for a second. "She was recently made heir, and therefore has a duty - I am afraid I know no others unattached."

"Interesting," The Duchess says "A dedicated woman like that is certainly under the eye of my husband and myself. Yes. I had hoped to consider it with Baroness Coradel. Get her opinion on some on our list. " A sip, "We can't leave things too open too long. And it does concern her and others."

"Absolutely. It would be best for Earth Runes to have a clear line above. While we won the battle, I do not think the war with the Shadows is done, or, perhaps, ever can be. And so long as that threat remains, we are obliged to protect our people and keep safe our Dreamers."

"Perhaps, since Earthrunes was so instrumental," Sir Aldridge suggests, "We should leave the list your graces have so far of possible candidates for the Baroness Coradel and her regent?"

The Duchess nods, "Yes, hand the Regent the scroll with that, Sir."

The Knight moves forward, and offers Sparrow a Scroll

"Thank you, sir." She takes the scroll, unrolling it.

At the top of the list of applicants is... Deryn ap Liam

Her wings raise in a half-mantle, eyes widening. "Oh."

the other lady knights exchange Looks like "What, she's only Now getting this?"

the Duchess says "We'll find out what the Baroness Coradel thinks when she gets back from her quest. For now I really must be off"

She frowns. "I... believe there are pros and cons for that choice, your Grace. And yes, I believe consultation with Coradel might be paramount."

"Of course. Thank you, your Grace, and safe travels."

Cups are taken, bows to her grace are made, and she and her entourage depart.

And, when the coast is clear, Sparrow flumps into a chair. "Good Dreaming. Thank you, Ladies..."

"How did you not get that?" Claire whispers.

Nansaidh mutters "She is regent. it is not our place to lecture her for missing things... even the obvious. POint them out, yes. Lecture, no."

"I... suspected, but didn't..." She frowns. "I'm Liam."

"So is Aldridge," Leonora says "And he was ah, impressed with you."

"Who wouldn't be?" Jennette adds

"And I do have a duty here. As heir, at least. Not something I could leave without a replacement - even if the Duchess would choose me."

"And Coradel needs good counsel. Her fosterage was short... good, yes, but ruling requires solid advising."

Leonora can't help but laugh a bit at that one.

She laughs. "Might just be you. But... I'm not a Countess. I'm not even sure if I want to be..."

"County politics... it is a very different game. Chess."

Nansaidh says "that's true. You are not, and it would be hard. yet , if I may say? You are clearly in favor with the Duke and Duchess. They are indebted to you. There is no dishonor in ambition. If you do not wish to be Countess, why not ask to replace another Baron who was with the Shadow Court, or do you think it coincidence that Earth Runes stood alone?"

Her wings rumple. "I... " She shakes her head. "I don't know."