#earthrunes

"Thank you, Whiskers."

"Fear not, lady, pooka are on the case"

"I know your hearts are in the right place...but may your tongues and tails be, as well."

He calls back over his shoulder. "As though I've ever been wrong before..."

"Well...Shallimar, what do you think...should I meet him at the entryway, or have him escorted into the audience chamber? It's not as though court is in session...."

"i suggest kazoos" He says "And Inish. Inish with a Kazoo"

"Fine...audience chamber. And no kazoos. Thank you." Another smiling shake of her head as she turns and heads down the corridor.

Back to his chambers, and whilst Vince is not a member of the court, per se, he does dress to reflect the house in a silken poet's shirt of Fiona red with silver ties, and matching pants that are snug enough to do a figure skating routine in them and would do Lord Jareth justice.

Thus armored, he heads to the Tavern, to set to work on libations - either to serve as they adjourn there at some point, or to serve to the gentry in the Audience chamber, should message reach him that such is desired.

Shalimar comes out in a jester outfit..oh wait, he was wearin that before

Inish greets the baroness with a nod, "Freeholder? We have some task I'm told?"

Coradel doesn't settle into the seat yet. "Yes, Inish. A Fiona count. I don't know his name, unfortunately, so I'll be relying on you for that. Deryn and Delores will probably be returning with him shortly."

"Count Gallayne Honeyblade, Baroness. I have notes"

"Oh, good. Gallayne Honeyblade. Honeyblade...an interesting name. I hope there's a story to it."

"I know he liberated a harem,or so one story says" Inish says "Quite the hero "

"Liberated a harem? Who had a harem?" She sounds impressed.

"A villain using spells to control their minds, so it's said. I wish I had the details"

"Well, I will be sure to ask. Thank you. Any other rumors?"

"Oh, he's very attractive, skilled at fencing, but with all due respect, it seems many sidhe fit that descriptor. His accent indicates he's spent time among the Kingdom of Roses... England, but I dont' think he's actually British himself."

And that's when a thane comes into tell Inish that Deryn and Delores have returned, with a guest

"Oh, thank you...I might not have caught the accent."

A nod to the Thane, and then she smiles to the others. "Here we go."

She steps up on the dais and settles in the seat, but just lightly, as she expects to get right up again.

Sparrow offers the Count her arm in escort.

The count takes the arm, "My thanks. Rarely has a man had such a beauty to display at his side. "

"You flatter. But here, see Earth Runes in her glory."

Inish calls out, "Chancellor Deryn, Steward Delores, escorting Count Gallayne Honeyblade ap Fiona!" He bows as they pass, then says "And to greet them all, our lady Freeholder, the Baroness Coradel Truthbranch ap Fiona"

Coradel rises from her seat and descends the dais, a vision in silver and crimson, her hair framing her face perfectly in loose red ringlets. She curtsies slowly before the count. "Your Excellency. It is a pleasure to welcome you to EarthRunes." Rising again she smiles warmly. "I trust your journey here was smooth?"

"All save the rough stop of my heart just now. Your messenger insisted on praising your beauty, I can see why. You must lead many into a merry sway with just a laugh and smile, Baroness." This pretty, nay, beautiful creature before Coradel says admiringly. "Both your Chancelior and your steward are exceptional escorts . I was almost as tempted then as iam now to be terribly fiona indeed"

A light laugh. "Terribly Fiona? What a frightening fate. Can I offer you refreshment, Excellency?" Then to Shallimar, she asks, "Would you please fetch Vince? I believe he's preparing something for us all."

"Yes, lion hunting season at last" Shallimar whoops and pulls out a play crossbow

and goes off

She smiles indulgently after Shallimar.

"Refreshment is welcome, and your jester amuses" He says and moves closer to Coradel, "They rather enjoy the adventures you lead them on. I can tell"

Sparrow falls back, watching.

"Can you?" A slight tilt of the head. "If I may ask, Excellency...I'm curious about your name. Honeyblade. Is there a story to go with that?"

Shalimar Ducks his head into the Tavern, "Stop Hibernating, sir, you're on"

"a jest, that I'm as skilled with my tongue as I am with my rapier" the Count says "make of that what you will"

"Yes, yes, I'm already there." He flaps a hand at Shalimar, then heads out, armed for bear - or rather, to bear drinks to the thirsty visitors.

The troubadours are there, playing. though Stevi sighs a bit before resuming her music

Gideon is more focused, but watches as he plays

An interested expression. "A boast, then, one hopes...for one would not wish to announce being poor with either."

"Oh, I know all boasts are eventually tested" he says with that angel's face, "So, yes, a boast"

His eyes dance

She smiles. "I hear you have much to boast of. Recent accomplishments, for example."

A light tinkling, as though one has opened a shop door, heralds Vince's arrival as he pushes his now trademark silver drinks cart into the audience chamber. He pauses, and sweeps an appropriately low bow to the Fiona count. "My Lord, my Ladies. If your humble servant may offer refreshment?"

(Or, delay if you want to complete the line of conversation)

"Ah, not so grand as yours. Saving this hold, and then opening it to new experiences? New delights? You are both heroine and guide"

"You honor me, Excellency. Ah...and this is Vincent, who does beautiful work with beverages, speaking of new delights."

the Count turns to see the bowing pooka and smiles, "Oh,I am most curious."

"Vincent, what have you devised for us today?"