#earthrunes

"I think the first time I heard it, I don't remember the situation but I resented it, all the more because even then I could tell it 'was not wrong'" A chuckle "But yes, truth cuts a bit for and against us. Coradel will back you to the hilt, as will I, but this Banner House is sided with Liam more than Fiona.. sworn to it I'd say, and you are it's patriarch, sister, I suspect the one who picked up the banner for a time in this world. It falls on you chiefly, her secondly if at all, and ..well, again- fiona support. You can't hide behind Coradel because you're afraid of failing them. Even if you feel like you failed them before, which I would say you did not. You made a hard choice, both of you did, and you did what you thought was right, and you succedded and tried to spare those under you the cost. Some Arcadian lords would see this as a story of shame .. I see it as a success story."

"I am not -hiding- behind Coradel." Very firmly
"She outranks me."

"So what? Doesn't make her the head of the Banner House."

"Look, politically? Things are bonkers.. did you know a representive of 'the Shadow Court' is at t he Parliment of Dreams? IF it's the real shadow court, which I have my doubts about. Claims to be for commoner rights etc. I think it's a decoy but then... who knows? maybe there was a democratic modernist coup? Claire tells me a lot of Ailil have wiped their hands of the Shadow Court. So either it's no longer useful, or they've lost control."

"Banner Houses are not necessarily like noble houses, they're cast offs, commoners and autumn sidhe who tried to honor their old houses but were forced to change by circumstance and survival. If you don't take up the banner and lead on this, someone else will, and THEY will decide what Truthbranch is, and what it stands for. And you might find yourself really not liking what they define it as."

"How is she not the head of the house?"

"Because, Banner Houses are still sworn to one House... they just have an alliance with another..usually. I've been ignoring them, but I have heard of them. "

"-Both- of our names are in the histories." He points out where.

"Yes... and I imagine they'd follow her, but if House Liam and House fiona, as intitutions, each made a demand? they'd kneel t othe Oak not the lion"

That makes him scowl.

"I could be wrong on this, it's one of the reasons I want to research. House Fiona has a banner house of its own, probably more than one..." he shrugs "I don't think I could name it. They tend to be regional. Sometimes they're a punchline...hard to take a Banner House seriosuly when basically it comes out to be 'Dah Banner Howse o Jersey falconbloods, you mooks'" He says affecting an over done accent, "But this house is likely scattered and will try to rise.. I suspect without you and sparrow? It will either flop, or be made a puppet."

"Now, if you want 'Banner House Truthbranch' to form up under some one else, let me tell Claire it's open. I bet several Ailil nobles would pay her dearly for a chance to have such servants ready to be put to use."

"It won't do any of that."

An arched brow "And you are sure because?"

He mutters something.

"Sorry, didn't hear that. Can I ask Velvet to repeat it?" He smiles

"I would not less my lord bade me" whispered loyalty

"Thank you, Velvet." With dignity even as a suspicious expression flickers over his face.

"I said that -Coradel- and I wont let that happen."

He nods, "I don't imagine you would..but while you are right to have Coradel to your side, it is you who has the claim on this lost group of truth branches when it comes to a banner house, you and perhaps Sparrow- Not mother. Her power over them will be if they are in her fief... and when you tell others she speaks with your voice... you can't do that unless you take up your duty as their patriarch. If you're powerless in this, so is she. So glad to hear you're realizing that."

At times, August might realize what Claire means when she describes Magnus as 'Handsome but oft punchable'

August sulks.

"Now, having won the debate through my ever dazzling wit and unassailable logic... I plan to go check various Fiona sources. When do you have that meeting with Liam higher ups?"

"After I talk to Coradel and after I am granted permission." Still sulking.

"Riiiight" he says "Well, she's your wife, you should talk to her. But I bet you dollar to donuts, she tells you her opinion, and then that she'll support whatever you and maybe Sparrow decide." He rises "Unless there's something else, I need to pack."

"No." Magnus is at the door when August says "Thank you, Magnus."

"You're welcome, August. And.. ah, Obviously, I'll support you and Sparrow too. Love you both after all" And he heads out.

Velvet sighs "Forgive, but your son of the past can be most vexing, lord. Would you like tea to calm your nerves?"

'Yes please." Softly.

and she tends to it, finding his favorite blend of soothing tea and setting it up. Tylar would be full of questions, and no doubt so is Velvet, but sluagh do not pry in the same way. And sometimes, that's a balm.

August sips his tea and pulls the books close. "Velvet, would you or Tylar find the Baroness and ask if she is free to join me, please?"

"Of course, my liege. I'll see to it at once" She spreads her fingers along her breast, and bows low, before heading out.

A faint smile at the Zara-gesture, and he reads...

A few minutes later, Coradel arrives at the Library with Velvet escorting. "August? Velvet says you needed me?"

He looks up with tired grey eyes and a lined brow. She knows he has been busy, but he was not this haggard this morning. "My Beloved."

She looks at him for a moment, then says, "Squire Velvet, Sir August needs tea. Strong tea, I think." If she were on a medical drama, she would have easily said STAT at the end of that.

Velvet bows, "Yes, Baroness. " and gets a stronger blend than the milder one.

It would appear the soothing tea he had is about to be replaced with the 'spine stiffener' and yes, he probably needs it.

'Come sit with me?"

"Of course, my love." She takes a seat at his side, glancing over the documents before him. She waits for him to speak.

All the material Zara brought. He has been studying. "I brought Magnus up to speed."

"Oh, good. Things got so busy...." ((Is Magnus there?))

OOC: Nope.

"I told him to check with you. He wants to consult Fiona records about... about us. What we have learned. I am waiting for contact from Father B about my own request."

She nods easily. "Makes sense, the Fiona records. And you're going to ask Father B about Liam records. Good. So...I don't understand why you still look so troubled."

"How... if this is...we are... A banner house.... how do you see this working?"

"Well...that's going to take some thought. Of course, some of it depends on the reactions at the county and duchy levels. And with that in mind...." A deep breath. "I don't think you'll be completely comfortable with this, my love, but I do think this is a situation where it is better to beg forgiveness rather than ask permission. These fine fae have been loyal to us, have waited for us, and are here for us. If we ask others what we should do and we're told to pretend there is no House Truthbranch...well, I hate to think of what that would mean to the dreams of those fae, to the faith they held in us as they waited."

His face falls and he nods. "Yes."

Velvet refreshes the tea now and then.

Coradel takes a cup of tea and sips, nodding thanks to Velvet.