#earthrunes

-----------------------------

And then there's Jennette, who was stand offish for awhile, and now just seems ..sad.

The good news? Dubh appears to be hanging around, and there's a kind of comfort in the quiet fellow she knew in another life being around. he also does give that advice, "Perhaps you should talk to the lady beaumayn? "

A sigh from the Chancellor, wings drooping. "I don't know what to say. 'Sorry, it was just a tumble?"

"Maybe just that... " he says "Perhaps remind her you were raised by Fiona, and are in a Fiona hold and.. in a moment of passion, you followed both your training and whim. Be honest with her that apologizing for that might be disenegnious, but you really never meant to hurt her. It's hard work, my li.. pardon, chancellor, but it is the honorable path I think."

"That's not an excuse, though. I was being selfish - I didn't even think how she'd feel. I just... I wanted to distract Honeyblade from Cora and August, and then... I don't know.. she was lovely, and charming, and it...." Huff. "I thought it would be fun."

"It was fun..."

"You weren't just being selfish. You said it yourself, you wanted to distract Honeyblade from Coradel and August. You were helping them even as you helped yourself. It was not entirely selfish"

She slumps, chin propped in her hands. "Jennette deserves.... someone who can commit. You know? Not someone skittish of anything more than a dalliance, and even then usually with satyr coaxing."

"Oh goodness, she's a grown woman is she not? Let her decide who or what she deserves." Dubh says rather bluntly as if he's known her long enough to speak plain. And.. in a way, perhaps he has.

"What if I don't know what I want? I... I enjoy her company. I want her to be happy, regardless of where that leads her..."

"Then tell her that, don't try to 'free' her, don't drive her away, tell her what you just told me. That you truly do not know what you want. You enjoy her company. And you want her to be happy regardless of where it leads her. Ask her for understanding, and offer your support as much as you can without living a lie yourself."

"You make this sound far too simple, Sir Grey."

"The path is simple, the results unknown. In some ways, that defines life."

"Jude is making you a philosopher."

"Jude is..." A sigh "Annoying at times. He's very smug, but also wise, but smug because he is wise But he's also a good man so... hopefully I won't be too smug ,but will be good and wise?" Grey looks her over, "And you aren't trying to evade what you need to do by bringing him up are you?" Curious

A rustle of wings as she rises. "Not evading. And I remember you being good, and wise - and humble. I am not worried about you turning smug."

"Good. Catir would kick my shin" he says deadpan

She laughs. "Oh, she's so different from what I remember! But then, I don't know if I knew her as a child. She's a force."

"She's pretty much the de-facto leader of the childlings, at this point."

"Not even sained" He smiles "But don't let Isis hear you say that."

"Our little queen, of course. I wouldn't." A soft smile. "I'm so lucky, you know?"

"Perhaps, but luck doesn't work unless you take advantage of what it offers. You have, to large degree," He smiles "Yes, you're very fortunate."

"What are the odds of me finding my soul family, all in one life?"

"I think D'aan is a bigger factor than luck there, to what end I don't know"

"About the same thing, isn't it? August's sluagh might disagree, but she's cryptic. Maybe Magnus."

"Maybe that new seer," A pause "Interesting fellow. he has a chart."

"A chart?"

"Oh yes, star constellations overlaid over names"

"...of us?"

"Of everyone in the hold, servants, nobles, all"

"That.... of course Zara found that one..."

"I'm not sure it's sinister in nature, he is supposed to soothsay and so forth for everyone in the hold."

"Still."

"I..." He points "the seer later, I think I see your more important matter walking by.... invite her to lunch, just the two of you, to talk." Dame Jennette has returned from patrol, taking her helmet off

Her wings lift as her emerald eyes light on the Beaumayn... then droop as her gaze slides off.

Grey whispers "Would you like my help?"

Sparrow drags a hand over her face. "I can't do this."

"Yes you can. You are Deryn, you are the Sparrow. You are the ogrebane and more. You can do anything"

"Glad to hear you have faith...." A steadying breath before she calls out. "Hello, Lady Jennette."

She turns, then, nervously Jenntte says "Chancellior you.. you look well"

"So do you..." Her wings shift, nervously flexing.

"Thank you.." She says, slight slouch. She looks about, "odd weather of late yes? cold, then spring again."

"Very strange. I'd rather be painting, but it's been so icy...."

"It..."

"How are you?"

"I'm..fine..mostly"

She nods, looking away. "That's good."

"i.."She swallows, "i've missed ... I mean. I."

"Listen, Jenn, I'm sorry... I.. please, I'm not asking for you to forgive me, or to make excuses... but I am sorry that I hurt you. That wasn't my intent, but I know that I did."

"i.. no no, I.." A deep breath, "I presumed somethings. Things you never said. I ...had no right to be jealous. I apologize."