#earthrunes

"And we have always had SOME Fiona Patrons"

Magnus smiles "Speaking as a Fiona, that makes me happy"

"I may have been.. if a wilder in the 70s... I was born in 99..."

"Are you sure I didn't die?"

"I think you must have... " magnus says "By violence?"

Feathers slick. "I don't remember."

August shifts in his seat.

"Derynwydd, would you agree to speak with Squire Velvet on this?"

"Why her?"

"She has an interest in this sort of thing." He clears his throat. "One reason she is in my service."

"She's hoping to be there when an Arcadian dies" Claire says "Spooky kid"

"But I am Autumn. So... well, obviously, it wasn't iron."

"Thank goodness" Magnus says

"And none of my Five. They're all Arcadian, I believe."

"But... the satyrs..."

"non sidhe... ordered out by father and mother to save them perhaps?"

"So many were sent out... I.. I couldn't get back to the Aerie."

"Or by then the Ayrie was ... no more? We don't know.. Time is...wibbly wobbly in the Dream"

Rumple. "It is."

"you okay?" Claire asks

"We ordered our loyal ones to leave. Yes." August says with absolute certainty.

"Deryn." Gently. "-Are- you ok?"

"I am fine. Just... uncertain of what we have?"

"Evidence that a large Minority of House Fiona backed Truthbranch, even as the majority spat on them for being Liam I'd say" Clare says

"Fine. And what we have now, today, moving forwards?"

A deep breath. "A rough plan. I must quest. The book I seek at the Library is our history. Once we have that we will know more. After my return, we must determine our mission here, our purpose in this world. And with input from our Liam superiors, present our banner house to the Count and Countess and...." another deep breath ".... the Parliament of Dreams."

Slick feathers. "Oh, joy."

"Perhaps not in that order." He amends.

"Derynwydd, I rely on you for this." August advises her.

"Sis, you do have a gift for charm, if we need to sway votes, it might up to you as much as dad." Magnus says then adds "No pressure"

"I'd like to know more of this 'banner house' business in general - see how others are regarded."

August nods and offers her a stack of notes.

"Thanks."

"Welcome."

"Its an interesting power grab... " Claire says "Ever since the accordance war , the Great Houses had been vetoing them... commonersp ushing them.. lots of non sidhe in the banners you know?"

"Liam doesn't have that many commoners - I think Fiona has the most, honestly."

"Then suddenly, they're allowed. The Great Houses, just enough of them allowed it. Some say to draw them in as extra influence"

Claire is still an Ailil, and while she can't lie well, she knows politics and clearlhy has kept abreast

August tidies up his papers, clearing his throat.

"So.... ah, does anyone have any, ah... questions. Or last point to make?"

"Only that I'm proud of you dad." Magnus says

August has... an odd expression. "Well... Thank you. Magnus. That is.... I feel rewarded. Thank you."

"I have reading to do. But... well. Okay."

"Would you like help?" Claire says

"You know politics better than I do..."

"Then.. let me help."

"Thanks, Claire."

"Hey, Sister in law here... Sides.. "A blush "This is..politics and sometimes Ailil like...to do that"

Magnus admits in a whisper to August "She may be revved up tonight"

August clears his throat. "Anything else?"