#earthrunes

Squire Honoria is wound up, in both senses of the word. Her heart spring is clicking excitedly tick tock tick tock... and yes, she is trying not to bounce on her heels

Taking a deep breath, she waits for the Baroness to be ready to see her.

Eventually, Coradel summons her in.

Dressed smoothly, the tick tock girl enters and bows low. She is outfitted in finery, but armor and with weapon ready.

"You wanted to see me, Baroness?" Hopeful

Coradel is seated in a leather armchair. "Yes, Squire Honoria. Please come in." She watches the girl carefully.

Coradel has the liist of the items she will need for reforging her treasure. It will be difficult, dangerous. And yet, it would certainly earn the girl the knighthood if she made it.

Or she could take her as her own squire... mm

Honoria enters more fully "I..hear hopeful rumors, your ladyship. But, I don't want to presume"

"I imagine you do. Honoria...would you please remind me of your deeds and service to this barony to this point?"

"Many chores, I've helped Dame Agincourt in preparing siege weapons, I assisted you on Pennons if you recall. During the siege I gathered up healing supplies to bring to the wounded and brought weapons to my betters. on my own, I thrashed the bully of Brindlebrook Suburb who did make cruel strikes upon childlings of the fief." A thought "I also assist others with their math homework so that the childlings here shall not be doofuses"

Coradel nods thoughtfully. "All meaningful service." A thought. "If you were to squire to somebody...what would you hope to gain from that experience?"

"A liege I could respect and learn from, a chance to eventually prove myself worthy of greater duties and tasks, and tasks and work I'd find interesting I think. For a Dougal, some craft or purpose is glory, you know?"

A careful look. "Is there anything in particular you hope to learn? Any specific skill?"

"Oh, my Dougal speciality? I didn't htink that would matter to you, ladyship, more of a Dougal thing than a title thing"

"Well, I mean, anything in particular you hope to learn while being squired. Since you are the only Dougal here, you may not find somebody who can help you with your house specialty."

"Well," She says "There are many projects the House prefers, in addition to crafting, there's computer work and the Hinterlands and the inventoring gathering and classification of greasures. In truth, I think while I like a lot of things, treasure hunting is the one I would try for."

Coradel grins at that. "Indeed? Why?"

"Because while I love crafting things, I don't want to be confined to just one craft. Trying to find old things or techniques woudl allow me to do many things in either trying to preserve past magics or bring it back."

Coradel leans back in her chair...and nods. "Squire Honoria...you of course know that there are several squires competing for Sir August's service. But...I am thinking to talk to him about claiming you as my own Squire. How would you feel about that?"

"To work for the baroness would be... " She looks ready to squee but reserves herself "I would be honored beyond my ..." she looks for a word "eloquence?"

The girl's enthusiasm clearly pleases her. "Now, nothing is certain. Sir August may have other plans, and I will certainly hear those out...but I think we might be a good match. I have some tasks that might suit you well."

"Dougals find a way, your ladyship. if you take me on I'll show you the truth of it"

"Can Dougals also keep a secret? I do not want this to be a discussion you repeat until arrangements are settled. I will seek out Sir August immediately so he and I may discuss, so you should not have to wait long."

"I can and shall" SHe assues, "The Former Baron, rest his spirit, was an Eiluned and keeping secrets was something he wanted everyone to do"

A curious look. "He was a good man. I wonder, though...are there any secrets that you kept for him that you may have been released from since his death?"

She says "well, I was still a childling, and we don't get many.." Squirming a bit

"No...perhaps not many." She looks at her a moment more. "No matter." She rises. "I will call you again, Squire Honoria, when I have a decision. It should not be long."

"thank you, your ladyship"

"My pleasure, Squire."

The squire withdraws, hopeful

She waits until the girl is gone, then goes herself in search of August.

And off she goes in search of August

In the library, of course......

....of course. She taps on the door frame as she gets there. "August?"

Barely above a whisper, of course.

He snaps around. "Coradel?" Hopeful.

A smile. "Hello, love. May I interrupt you?"

"Yes. Of course. No interruption." He rises and goes to her.

"Is Zara here?" She glances around as she meets him, slipping her hands into his.

"I... don't think so?"

He takes her hand, and kisses it.

"Good. I'd hoped to speak with you in private. About Squire Honoria."

"Oh. Ah." He nods, and leads her to a seat.

She smiles at the kiss, and leans in as he straightens to give him a soft kiss on the lips, but then settles in the seat he lead her to.

He hovers, then settles.

"I know what we spoke about in the garden, but...I've spoken with her, and August, I'd very much like to take her as my Squire."

He stands again, agitated, and paces away. "Wh.... you do?"

"Well...we'd discussed it before as a way to have her swear to a liege who is not a knight, which avoids the wording of the curse. But she's also expressed an interest in treasure hunting and recovery, and...well, what a perfect fit for helping to fix my sword! Beyond that...the Baron took care of her in the past...it's right that I take care of her now."

He nods tightly. "I understand that... but I would.... I don't think.... ah, ok, just.... don't.... I like her but.....don't Oath with her."