#earthrunes

(Ha!)

Bachdion and August aren't fond, much to her annoyance

But everyone elseseems to be prepping with by now practiced professionalism

Coradel is pleased with the preparations so smoothly underway by the time she emerges, wearing her silver gown with crimson strips in the skirt.

"I have the pie ready when he walks in, KAPOW" Shalimar says holding a cream pie

"YOU...will behave yourself." She smoothly takes the pie from him and hands it to a passing boggan.

"My lady, is well known gent Fiona love pie"

She gives him a wicked grin. "And not a few Fiona ladies, as well, but not as a matter of an assault."

"Have Bachdion and August turned up?"

"oh, right," A sigh "I should know better, lest I end up on the 'Pietoo' list," He hangs his head then answers "Me thinks their strange affair is in the most enclosed of places"

"The most enclosed....?"

"Oh...or not enclosed at all...they've gone out."

A wink "You'll figure me out yet, lady"

"I'm learning, my friend," she smiles.

"Okay, no pies. Any more restrictions?" A sigh overhyped

"Well, let me think. The goal is to keep the Count's attention on me so that Deryn may observe him better. If you see any way to facilitate that, I'll trust your judgment to do so. Also, if he seems to be noticing Deryn's attention, distract him...respectfully."

"I see, I think I have a few jokes of nature that appeal to every mollusk that flies, yes"

"I believe I can count on you, dear Shallimar." A bright smile, and she dots a kiss on his cheek.

He blushes happily

That makes her smile even more, then she gets a thoughtful look. "Hmm....I don't even know this Fiona's name. Only that he's a Count. Well...that's the beauty of having a herald. Inish will make sure I know when I need to."

"Shall I grab the pie and retrieve Inish?" Hopeful

"No pies!"

A sigh "I didn't even lose my mittens"

From behind Coradel, a pair of arms snake around her and suddenly pull her in for an unexpected squeeze! She finds herself suddenly cushioned against Vince's broad chest.

He leans down a bit to purr in her ear, "Did I hear someone needs to be distrrrrrrracted?"

A little surprised yelp, and then a smile. "Well, hello, Whiskers." She reaches up to ruffle his hair. "We have a guest coming...and your services will certainly be called upon. He's Fiona."

"mmmph. My hair is nice, very sporty, has a stripe. Some Eiluned swearby it"

"Oh, bless, stop! You shall mess up my intricate coiffure!" Pronounced, of course, with over exaggeration, "KWAH-FYOOOOR".

"You're both adorable, mussed or not."

"War, what is it Khaw-fyoor? Absolutely nothing I'll say it again"

Releasing the Baroness, he gives Shalimar a grin. "Oh? If you're jealous, I can find some time to distract you as well, I am sure..." Patting his pockets. "Where is my appointment book? I can squeeze you in, oh, how's next Tuesday sound?"

"Please,is that how you wine a lass? "

Bemused, she shakes her head at the two pooka. "Whiskers, when the Count arrives I'll certainly be bringing him to the Tavern sometime before dinner...or perhaps after, or both. I'm sure you have some new concoctions to present?"

"Oh, yes. I had something special in reserve, but I suppose we can drink this ONE wine before it's time."

"I'll see if he likes juggling." A nod "hope he's not too heavy"

She rolls her eyes a bit at Shallimar, still smiling. "Just remember, we want him to have pleasant memories of EarthRunes, not ones that he'd rather block out."

"Ah, you heard her, keep your pants on, Vince"

"I find myself wondering how pooka talk when there's nobody but other pooka to hear them...but if I were to ask you, I still wouldn't know the answer."

He scoffs at Shalimar. "I shall feign that I heard you not sir-RAH. For all know that the only memories I leave in my wake are pleasant. Hmmph! Alas, except for the pining of those who need to wait until next Tuesday - ah, jealousy, such a vicious curse..."

A grin to Coradel. "My lady, I think you would find that our speech is crystal clear. It's just that the rest of the world has yet to learn how to listen. Come now, Shali-pally, I'm off to see to the tavern - and if I can't stay to watch the lioness dress, then neither can you."

A pause, and he peers at Coradel. "Wait, can I?"

"I have seniority. I know, I was in Mexico once"

She gestures at her dress. "Too late, Whiskers. Perhaps another time."

"Oh, that's what you're going to wear?" A pause and a heaved sigh. "Alas. I'll have to pick out something different."

A smile. "I do recommend it, yes."

A whisper "Of course, under garments can be the same? Who would know?"

She laughs. "The two of you!"

"Well, okay, when and where? And will August understand? I think he has tuesday open? And for you, well, I'd accept"

"Oh, my dear Shallimar, let's not shock August too completely yet, shall we?" Another smile, then more quietly, "Vince, I'll tell you what I told Shallimar. The Count's visit is also to serve the purpose of Deryn being able to observe him, but he should not sense he is being observed closely. So if there's any way you see to make that happen...."

He sweeps a bow to Shalimar, and then flounces out. "I simply MUST fix my hair. Bring your guest by the Tavern when you are ready - I have a couple drinks in mind that may well steal his attention for a moment or two."