#earthrunes

"Well, good. I'm glad you got rid of a threat and made a good impression at the same time."

"What about the Eiluned?"

"Haven't met them yet. The Beaumayn is... reserved."

"Reserved? You mean, shy?"

She nods. "Hard to read."

"I see. So...how much time do you plan to spend with each of them before making your recommendations?"

The Varich raises a brow

She shrugs. "Enough to get a feel for them. And.. it is an opinion. A perception."

"An opinion that's been requested. That sounds like it has the weight of a recommendation, to me."

"I clearly have missed the news." Sir Sergei says "I hope the candidates do not know you have the Duke and Duchess' ears? they might be...false to impress you."

She nods. "He's not wrong. But certainly they would have figured it out? I mean...was there some other pretense for you meeting with all of them?"

"So far, yes."

"The Countess Beaumayn is giving us library advice. The Aesin - well, my squire needed fighting experience."

"Ahh, I see. Clever."

the dogs suddenly bark and wag their tails

"Honestly, I'd rather see them treat a Liam nobody."

Coradel blinks turns to look at the door.

Squire Colton comes in, the troll smiles at the dogs, but then bows to the nobles

"Hey Cole."

"Squire Colton, I will need your assistance making a pen for your panda to play in. We must make sure the dogs do not eat it , da?" Sir Sergei says

"Hello, Squire." Coradel returns his bow with a gentle curtsy.

"Well, five minutes later they'll be hungry again..." the squire mutters.//the Varich raises a brow, "this is a joke?"//"Sorry, sir. I was visiting Rivervale and Sir Vali is an influence."//"mmph. Much to answer for that man.' Sir Sergei says utterly straight faced

She quirks an eyebrow.

"You have been to Rivervale, Sir Sergei?"

"No, but I have met Sir Vali. He seems fond of Shalimar"

Sir Sergei looks to Sparrow, "Pardon, Baroness. I overstepped. He is your squire, may I borrow his aid for the pen?"

"I see." She smiles, then says, "Well, I trust you'll excuse me. I have a few things to do this evening. Please do let me know when you would like to make that journey, Sir, and I will be happy to accompany you. Good evening." She smiles and heads for the door.

"Of course. The panda is his responsibility."

"Night, Cora."

"Good evening, my liege" Sir Sergei says "I look forward to it."

*gone*

Squire Colton turns "I hope you don't mind me going to Rivervale. I like to visit Sylvi."

"Why would I mind? "

"Well, I know you might need me for a task or three. I am your squire" Proudly he straightens.

"Just give me a heads up before you go. I mean, I might also want to visit. I have friends there, though I understand they're still on quest, mostly..."

"They are," he says "And I hope they get back soon. Man, the chief is gonna freak"

Sir Sergei goes back to writing.

While the squire pets and strokes various dogs

"Freak? Why?"

"Her lodge is bigger." He says

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, the fire is stronger and i think it has more rooms"

"How odd..."

"yup... it's a mystery" he whistles and strokes another dog

"But good news, nonetheless."

"Sergei, thank you for your time. Cole, I've got class early, so I'm going to crash here and trod in the morning. You want to travel with me then, or head out tonight?"

Sergei raises a brow

the squire looks a bit guiilty at something, then says "Yes, Liege. And.. uhm.. well, we can talk on the way if you like. I .. might know how the lodge got bigger. " he bows to Sir Sergei, "I'll show up tomorrow to help after school, Sir Sergei."

The Varich bows to the Baroness, and then nods to the squire "Safe journey"

"Goodnight, Sir Sergei."