#earthrunes

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Word goes out through the boggan network: The Baroness seeks Dame Claire.

And Dame Claire answers the call... telling the pooka to cut it out the make shift candles of Gondor... "It was funny the first time"

Coradel takes her by the arm and walks with her as they talk. "You, my dear, are a sneaky troublemaker." Said with all admiration.

"I... uhm.. don't know ..what... " A wince "Shit. You figured it out? I mean, not that you're dim, but I thought no one would expect me" SHe speaks in a low whisper

"I whispered the invite, put a few clues together..." A humble shrug.

"I actually think it's a really fun idea. But...I need to insist on a few ground rules."

"Well, it seemed like the thing to... okay, I sort of got challenged and, I guess ..wait, you like the idea?" She was all set to see it nixed "What rules do you have in mind?"

"Well...are you insisting that anybody who received an invite participate? I'd rather allow people to decline if they really wish to. For example, I don't know how Derynwydd feels about it yet, but I'd hate to see her feel bullied into it."

"Deryn? I... I didn't send one to Sparrow" She says "It was just guys who got it..." A curious tilt

By now, the boggan chain has informed the Baroness that Sparrow DID get one

"Oh? Well, I know she received one." A pause, and then a slightly arch tone, "Perhaps one of your co-conspirators...?"

"My plot has been co-opted? Truly, I am an embarrasment to my House" she sighs "And yes, anyone could say no. It's not like they had real authority."

"Good. Now...more importantly...it needs to be clear that the only thing a bidder wins in the auction is a person's time. How much else the bid-ee wishes to share is strictly at his or her discretion. This is not purchasing a license to humiliate or rape. I'm sure you know that, but it needs to be clear to all parties."

"Ugh. Yes. I should have thought that part through"

A pause "Though I feel sorry for anyone trying to force some of those men to do anything."

Coradel waves it off. "I think that alone would make a few of the invitees more likely to participate."

"Sergei would make them regret living"

"Yes, but if Sergei felt he were being ordered to do so because I endorsed the auction..." She wavers her hand. "I'm not sure exactly what he would do, but it would end up falling on my shoulders eventually, and frankly I want to take better care of my people than that, anyway."

"Now...who is being invited to bid? An open invite to the barony?"

"I was thinking of keeping it in the hold but if you want to open it to the barony... mm it might actually be good public relations"

"It might. And keeping it in the hold would mean...well, all the single people bidding on each other." A wry grin. "Which halves your bidding donations, if they all pair up too quickly.

"Well, I didn't pick all the single ones , a few date heavily... on and off but I suppose your'e right. Invites to friends of the court ?"

"Last thing: We need a safety net, in case somebody doesn't get bid on at all. That would be mortifying for the person being auctioned, don't you think? So, I will be a plant bid in those cases where things seem to be not moving, and I'll try to convince either Vince or Bachdion to work with me in that."

"They should do it, they're good sports" She says

Claire sighs "Sorry, my wedding is soon and I've got this nervous energy"

"They are." A nod. "I think that was all my concerns. And no apologies are necessary!"

"Are you okay?"

"You mean besides wrangling a squire who is trying to spy on the hold I'm sworn to protect, deathly afraid to eat and gain even a half inch that might make the dress not fit? And worrying that something will come up to disrupt or take attention from the wedding itself? Beyond all that, I'm dandy."

"Hmm...sounds to me like you and I need to do morning runs when we're both here. And then waffles, which we will have earned with the running, and which will give us protection against all other worries. Shall we try that tomorrow morning?"

A smile, "If my liege suggests, yes. " A pause "Thank you, Baroness. You're good people. I wish August felt the same about me as you do. "

Her smile turns a bit sad. "I do, too. And I won't like, Claire...there have been times where I've wondered if I've been remarkably naive about your house affiliation...but you keep proving to be a wonderful, valuable, enjoyable part of this household, and I am so glad you are marrying Magnus."

"You should always be careful around Ailil, but it ..stings a bit that he's never going to fully trust me. We're politicians, yes, we do intrigue, but that doesn't mean we're always out to destroy folks, and most of us, seelie or un, have sense to not shit where we eat"

"I understand. I do." A pause. "Do you mind if I invite him to join us on our run? He likely won't accept, but he might...and just knowing he's invited might help."

"As long as you warn him I'm in on it, sure" She says

"Absolutely. Good. Now...tell me more about the dress."

"Oh I love the dress,..." She starts to describe it as they go onto more pleasant conversations

(end scene)