#earthrunes

The break was welcome.... but soon..

Coradel returns to her throne and gestures to the herald to continue, setting aside her goblet of wine.

"Next, Sir Eluf of House Aesin would like to present himself to you" Herald Innish declares, "Please, Sir Knight, come forward."

Coradel turns to look at the approaching knight, curious. "Sir." She nods, inviting him to make his presentation.

The figure is handsome, yet his nordic garb is oddly different ,something about it not like the Count. No armor at all for a start, and while he has a weapon, it's a simple staff. That doesn't mean he doesn't strike an impressive figure, he bows low, then "Thank you, Baroness. Your hold's legends are known, and you stand strong against the dark. I hope that I will not impose but I ask for three nights to stay here."

"By Escheat, it is granted." Another nod. "Sir Eluf, how do you come to us?"

"By firnost trod, to the garden , Baroness, but I did not linger there for one of my Housemate's has tarnished our reputation there roundly. " A frown "A matter I shall not go into unless you insist for I've no joy in speaking of Loksyr the shamed. I arrived in this sad world in the County of the Third Fox. St. Charles Illoinois. I was sained and Fiored there, and learned the path I wanted, an unorthodox one, but it suits. Now I travel here for I am not needed there. Perhaps this Duchy will have those that will take me on."

"Oh? It may be. But tell me of this unorthodox path? Or, if not now in open court, perhaps later at dinner, where you will be our guest." A slight nod to the scribe, to indicate that he is the source of the plural.

"I have no shame in it, though some try to make it so" Sir Eluf says "I am not sure how familiar you are with House Aesin, but we tend to learn roles within the house... most often, men become Warriors, Hunters, Berserkers, and Skalds. Most often, women take up the paths of Volva, Mothers, or sometimes Skalds ..and this is expected. But while there is pressure to stick to these choices, now and then, a woman may long to be a warrior for example, and if she can take the teasing, and is good at it, she is accepted or at least tolerated. I am in an opposing situation. I am a Mother"

Even in a Fiona hold, quite open to new things, that gets some odd looks and a few smiles. One person chuckles in the background.

A sharp frown at the chuckle...Coradel makes note of its source...then she smiles warmly at Sir Eluf. "You desire to be a mother, or have you a child already?"

"It is not so much a matter of having ones own ..despite the title" Eluf says "I have the joyful duty of teaching newborn Aesin the ways of the House and every fae of the House has at least one mother looking for them. In holds that are not just Aesin, I expand the duties of child rearing, and raising in proper behavior to other childlings. "

But Sir Eluf does seem pleased that the baroness at least has not laughed. The way he speaks makes it sound like he does much of what the warders do.

"Ah! A Warder. It's a fine and trusted position. If you do it well, your House is foolish to fault you for it, in my opinion."

"In truth, jokes aside, my h ouse is far more accepting than some others, and particulaly more than the mortal world. Dark and twisted souls have made it so a man who enjoys the rearing of children, watching them grow, are automatically suspect" He sighs "Warder? I have heard the term. Yes I suppose that matches my duties well. It is my hope that the Count and Countess will accept me, or perhaps even the Duke and Duchess. It sounds as if you have those tasks tended to here." He inclines his head "But trust, if in the three nights I am here, if your warders should wish aid or support I offer it"

Coradel nods. "I will be sure to introduce you...and perhaps in aiding them, you may find that they give voice in your cause. Be welcome here at EarthRunes, Sir."

"A kindness I will hope for but not assume. I thank you" Eluf, knight and other, bows and withdraws. Indeed, Ludmilla and Mr. Benson (Or is it baxter?) , the warders approach him to talk. Extra eyes are always welcome.

"Next," The herald says "Is Sir Ivory ap Liam."

Coradel looks to the next knight, another nod. "Sir." Another invitation to address the court.

Sir Ivory appears to be well named, for he looks as if he was crafted from it. An albino in his mortal guise, the pale skin gains a luster akin to polished white marble in his fae mein. A sidhe, he is beautiful, but the added quirk of genetic trait to build on makes him exotic as well. His eyes change the most, from the pink known to the condition, to a surprisingly dark almost totally opaque gaze. He is dressed in soft sky blues of the house and has a sleeveless chain shirt. His arms, well muscled, are on display, he bends knee to her rather than just bow, "Baroness. I come here to tell you I am in your debt. And ask if I might repay you by deed or otherwise."

The scribe in the corner glances up to record details....

Coradel is intrigued by this unusual figure...and his announcement has her further fascinated. "Are you, indeed? Please, Sir, stand and tell me the nature of this debt?" A curious smile.

He rises , and addresses, "While you did not go alone, word is you slew the man who raped my mother. Would that I had been there to do it myself."

The smile vanishes at the ugly memory. "I see." she nods. "I did not mean to deprive you of rightful vengeance, Sir Ivory."

"From what I hear, your loved one was endangered by his agents. Cross a Lioness... get clawed. Or so the Count worded over the matter. I am in your debt and would repay." He looks over, "And, on another note, profound respect to Sir August Truthbranch , a House Brother I've been meaning to visit, but I am sure he understands."

Coradel reaches a hand in August's direction, resting it on his arm if he is close enough. "Sir August has had a busy few weeks," she says with gentle, loving irony. "Certainly, you two should speak. As for the debt...I am grateful that you acknowledge it, though I hadn't known of it. For this time, please, be our guest here. And should the need arise, I will certainly advise you of that need." A gracious nod.

The boy in the corner looks up at his name.... there is a complex interplay of expression on his features.

And he is saved from the need for response. Back to scratching.......

"I thank you, Baroness. If you wish it, my sword is yours."

I have an ivory sword should you need it the note from the countess...

A smile. "Perhaps you will do me the honor of sparring while you are here? I always appreciate a new opponent." And perhaps a little glimmer of recognition.

"I would be flattered" He says, a bit of a smile and he bows again.

The Herald says "Your ladyship, you'll be pleased to note, your day is free now"

A happy sigh. "Well, then!" She stands from her throne. "I think I shall make use of this lovely day for a bit of lunch, and then perhaps a ride. Thank you, all!" She turns and gives August a wink, then steps down from the dais and gracefully exits the audience chamber.

And the crowd breaks into the even more informal... there is much for the boggans to gossip over.

(end Scene)