#earthrunes

"Careful, Shalimar, or I'll assign you the job."

"Of leaving things in my shoes? Please don't, My Lady."

Shalimar mimes zipping lips

A gentle swat at August's shoulder.

A 'what?' gesture.

"Anyone else doing okay with the new hires?" Delores asks with a sip of her drink

"I have been pleased. However, I've also been busy. Is there anybody I've missed, Delores?"

"Oh, staff more than official possessions.." A sip, and a glance at Sparrow

"You... did quite a bit of hiring, it seems. Just... say, Delores, just what is Eleanor's story?"

"Isn't she lovely? A lady in waiting, well trained, lovely, and her being kinian? Well, I had hoped a daughter of Liam like yourself would take to her." Delores says

"She's... very lovely, yes. Very knowledgeable about... hair and gowns and the like..."

"Excellent"

"Kinain?"

"Yes, sidhe blooded," Delores says

"I have not spent much time with kinain. Is she blending in well?"

"She's... very nice..."

August frowns.

"You don't like her?" Delores says

"And quite enthusiastic!"

A curious look to Deryn.

"What? No, no..." She nervously pokes at her food.

Magnus raises a brow

Then a grin at Deryn's denial. "Oh...she's that pretty?"

August gives Magnus a puzzled look.

Then a glance at August. "Something wrong, August?"

"She is quite pretty."

"I was a bit surprised. But I am no longer a fledge, am I?"

"Not even slightly" Claire says

"No?" He thinks?

"Well, fledges didn't have ladies in waiting at Fontainbleu..."

"You're not a fledge." Quietly. "You're a Baroness and the Chancellor of this Barony."

"You can have a lady, or ladies, in waiting if you wish."

"Why would you think yourself still a fledge, Deryn?"

"I mean that the last time I was in a noble hold, I was a fledge."

"So... some things were surprising."

Shalimar twirls his noodles wait, were they have noodles? "So, these lady in waiting ? Got anything in scarlet haired maid, Delores? Just asking for a friend."

"Oh, I see. Well, Deryn...you deserve all the privileges of your rank."

August exchanges a look with his daughter.

A bemused look at Shalimar.

"I... really am at a loss at what to do with her... but I want her to feel useful."

He nods.

Delores shoots a look at Shalimar

"Well, are you letting her help with your clothing and hair? Fetching when you need things while you are busy. Things of that nature."

"Well..." she indicates the fancy updo.

"It looks nice," Claire says

"Well, there you go. And when you can't think of something for her to do...Delores, perhaps she could help you?"

"If you like," Delores comments

"I know I need to reflect well on the hold with my appearance. So.." She shrugs.

"Hardly difficult for you, Deryn."

"But it has been a bit since I was in... well. It's just new."