#earthrunes

((Time warp back a day or so))

((Hold tight there, lurker. Clarifying some stuff.))

Friday evening, and the Baroness Coradel hosts dinner for her courtiers, as the Baron used to do. At her side, arrived a few hours earlier, is Sir August. They are both well dressed to greet the others, and never far from each other. At the meal, August is polite (if quiet) and especially attentive to the Lady.

In fact... a glance to anyone with knowing would suggest Sir August is besotted.

The meal is delicious, and the boggans are bustling...except perhaps for Delores, who may be adjusting to being among the seated and served at dinner.

Magnus and Claire are a little more tense the normal, not with others, but each other. And the boggans notice it first, but they're hardly the only if you know them. Still, Magnus puts on a smile "Reeve may yet suit me. I have a list of complaints already. Okay, more like suggestions."

(No doubt Dame Agincourt is there for Delores' support.)

"Oh, joy." Coradel smiles to Magnus. "Well, let's hear one, then."

"Apparently they would like to have an elected advisor positioned to the court on behalf of the commoners, I explained to them that's what a reeve sort of is but apparently the fact Reeves are appointed means either they want a different position or I need to run for office." Dryly

"Oh." Coradel frowns slightly. "I...suppose I can see their point. I'm not sure how I feel about it it, though. Do they...would they want another Reeve, one who is elected? I'm reluctant to remove any of the existing Reeves."

"I told them I would tell you, but no promises and that survival and clean up would probably come first so don't expect a response too soon. They seemed to understand that."

"Well...that's reasonable of them. I don't want to put a decision off too long, but you're right about priorities, of course."

"Perhaps not a Reeve, but a commissioner. Special Advisor. No power, but an elected voice." Sparrow pokes at her food, not eating.

August glances at Deryn, back.

"Perhaps. But...will they see it as a voice if it does not come with power?"

"This is not a democracy - you have the power, frankly."

"The rest of us are instruments of your authority."

"Isn't that a good thing? It's powerless position, or as powerless as you want it to be," Neachdainn ap Ailil nods "Chancellor Deryn is right. Most lords might not even give that. "

"Oh, I agree. I think democracy is...well, perilous. But I hope not to be a tyrant, either."

"Which is why you seek good counsel."

"Don't worry, mother, we'll not let you become a tyrant..well, except to August." Magnus smiles

Coradel grins at Magnus, then gives August an amused look. "Are you all right with that?"

August grins bashfully. "Ah. Well. Not entirely. But so far. Yes."

Shalimar is behind Magnus , looking at Deryn, and holding up props...rabbit ears. A top hat. Then a beanie. Ooo, a sunburst and rain cloud....The Fiona doesn't seem to notice

And yes, he holds it JUUUST over Magnus' head

Coradel does, and grins, but lets the clowning continue.

Inish says "I should say, your excellency, that we have a request for haven. Someone found a childling this morning. They say they do not have the time , glamour, or resources to care for them. I.. ah," Ahem, "I am afraid Catir declared that the boy was welcome here even though it wasn't her place." An apologetic look to Deryn

Sparrow chuckles. "Did she now?"

"Oh, Catir." Coradel grins and sighs. "Well, I believe we have space. What can you tell me of the child?"

"That she did, Chancellior. If I may say, the young girl's got a good and compassionate heart, but she's quite ready to charge forward without always thinking."

August pauses, fork halfway.

Nansaidh gives her Ailil brother a look and mutters 'Not one word."

He smirks

An amused look at Sparrow's pride.

"And the child is a boy, a young lad, 7 ish? A nocker. Quieter than most of his kith mind you. Which might be seen as a blessing."

"His name is Gyre."

August finishes his forkful.

"Gyre. A nocker? Well...he's welcome until he proves himself otherwise."

"Gyre? No mortal ties? He might also wish to meet the folks at Key Club..."

"None that he's confessed to."

"Might be reason for that." Dark mutter, poking with her fork again.

"Deryn? What do you mean?"

"What? Might be good reason to not want to go home. Parents could be any number of things."

August glances over.

"Assuming others, and Catir are okay, I could look into it?" Magnus offers.

"Oh...I see what you mean. Yes. Magnus, would you?"

"We don't have many nockers here, however, so he might find a better mentor at the Key Club. And this puts Shalimar's suggestion for a Warder into a more urgent place."

"charmed, i am supposed to be looking into commoner problems as a Reeve, and this sounds like it qualifies." Magnus agrees with the job.

"You seemed really impressed with the Key Club," Claire says to Deryn

"This is a good point. Well, we need to select somebody for the Warder position. Suggestions?"