#earthrunes

"Aye, but being a baron, and a troll at that, I thought perhaps marriage would be the more likely way for me to make a mark, and I would do it honorably be assured. I mean to treat the Barones, your soul mother, wit honor and gentleness."

She nods. "A reasonable theory. There are, of course, more Barons than Balefires. But right now, it seems that it is a time of opportunity."

"You really think a big blue dougal would have a chance on his own? And a stranger to these lands at that?" Hew seems dubious

A nod. "You would need a chance to prove yourself. I don't know how competitive the field is in Caladonia..."

"But... Lady Coradel is a Fiona. She might require love. It is not to say you would be anything but fair and honorable, but hearts are fickle - so there is difficulty there."

"Oh, it's tense" he speaks of Scottland but then frowns, "Oh, I would understand she might seek..affection elsewhere. The marriage would be political, unless you think she would be offended by that offer?"

"That is the question, I think." She nods. "But I think you present a strong offer - while the head may be cut off, locally, nature abhors a vacuum. I worry a new leader will rise."

"Allies against the shadow are precious."

"I must say, I'm surprised you seem t o hae such faith in me, a stranger. But I am flattered, o course. You truly think I should present myself to the Duke and Duchess and hope for a barony o me own?"

"I think.... you should, perhaps, get to know the Duchy and the Barony, first. See how it suits your liking."

"I would not turn you away without fair consideration, but I also want you to consider all options."

"I suppose Impatience rarely did anyone any good, but still that opportunity you speak of will not be about for ever and I worry my timing is awry"

She nods. "Now is the time to catch Ducal attention, absolutely."

"How to do that?" A graceful shrug

"Aye, there in is the question. Still, do you know when the quest might be over? Seems rude to abandon my offer to Baroness Coradel as if something better had come long when that's not what I would say to her. I did mean an honorable path truly."

"I believe you, absolutely! I am uncertain when she will return. I hope in the next few days. Time is odd in the Dreaming."

"Well, " He enjoys his meal, and if she falls behind he gestures to her food to join him, "I will take your hospitality as long as offered and hope the same. You're a kindly lass, as Isaid afore, Regent, and you've given me much counsel to think oer."

"Well, thank you, Lord Hew. I must say, you are pleasant company. Now - you are a Dougal, do you have a specialty?"

"Needlepoint' He says

Then his face breaks into a grin, "I joke. Pardon. A smith, like every third dougal I imagine."

She laughs, like bird-song. "Well, we -need- good smiths!"

"My Housemate, August, he was fostered in a Dougal hold. They specialized in instruments - lenses, astrolabes, theodolites..."

"Indeed. I've got a way of forging that keeps certain houses from touching your weapon or putting on your armor." A nod at mention of August's hold "Oh ,that's the fancy stuff. " he taps his glass patch oever his eye "And invaluable to many of us. I knew a fellow worked up a sextant that was meant for seas i nthe Dreaming"

"Useful! I've arms, but no armour as yet... "

"Wit all due respect, you'll find you'll survive battles a lot better if you have some protection" He says amazed

"Agreed! But I chrysalized with but my rapier... I've a shield now, which helps. To be honest, proper armor seems like it might be complicated..." A sweep of her wings in lieu of an explanation.

"Oh, you truly fly then? That's a tricky one, rare is even the chimerical metal liht enought not to weigh you down. Mmm" A shine in his good eye, one of a challenge intriguing

She nods. "Exactly. I need to be fast and light... so far, that's what has saved me. I'm afraid in a grapple.." A sigh. "Well, we all have our challenges."

"That, or I should fight fewer ogres."

"You fought a Thallain Ogre? I had heard one who had, Ogrebane they called her.."

She blushes, her feathers puffing out. "Yes, Magnus thought up that nickname..."

"I've only slain a few. And in that battle, I think others finished them off when they fell..."

"Ah uhm..."Uncomortable, "You're Liam I hear?"

She lifts her chin. "Yes."

"And the same person I was a minute ago."

"Well said," He concedes, "I'll not lie to you and say yuir house's reputation troubles me not at all. But I am not dishonored by breaking bread with a heroine no matter what the house. Well, I'd have had time breaking bread with balor but that's my hang up I suppose. "

"I have no love of the Balor. But then... who does? As for reputation - well. That is what it is. I can only continue to do my best in the world."

" I see. " He nods, "YOu're a fair woman in temperament as well as looks, Regent Deryn. No doubt you'll have your share of suitors too."

A blush. "Well. I've not really been seeking."

"Ah, well, given all on your plate who can blame you. We Dougal areoften terrible at it, romance that it, though I ask you not to share it with your Soul=mother. It's just, well, the craft calls, then rulership, then other duties and... it can get lost in the shuffle." The big man almost looks sheepish

"Exactly! School starts in a week, so balancing that and here and my Squire and Dreamers... I don't know how anyone does it!"

"You've lost me. I've closed up half my duties in Caledonia, and yet I still feel swamped. I mean, the paper work for the college transfer possibilities are nightmarish true, but I've actually had folks ask for me to build them a few things and they barely know me. How can a man come int oa Duchy less than a week, and already be swamped?I Love staying busy, but if you find out, please tell me."

"When I figure it out, I will let you know. Though... oh! I should introduce you to my Squire. Colton's a troll, too. I've been trying to get him a well-rounded experience with houses..."

"Be happy to talk to the lad about Houses, though if he's not into crafting I fear there is little chance of him joining. If he likes exploring we do have the hinterlands program, trod discovery"

"He's unhoused - while my House-mentor was a troll, I know Liam can be a hard path. Trod discovery? That might interest him!"

"I'l mention it." An offer, "Least I can do for such generousity and understanding after my mistake"

She offers her glass towards him. "To reaching understanding and finding new friends, yes?"

He clinks his own drink against hers, "Aye, and to the light, no matter the hue, may it find ways to work together to hold off the shadow."

"Hear, hear."

An eyeball around a corner making sure she's eating her meal