#earthrunes

Coradel resumes her rule much refreshed. And if the Ailil is smug, Claire is wise neough not to show it.

So when she holds court next, she is a much more relaxed baroness, and greets her subjects with kindness rather than tension. She still is worried, but it's a worry she can manage.

indeed, court goes smoothly. As a Fiona, she does not automatically bump sidhe up over commoners. It's just tacky.

Of course not. Besides, she'll admit that commoner issues are sometimes more interesting. Fun, even.

So first she deals with a request for help "Chimerical boars, ma'am. Mean.... tearing up my vinyard. It's not fancy, not the best rated wine, but it's.. well, it's family area. I'm not a hunter, was wondering if perhaps your kennel master or any of your court would be so kind as to help me clear them out?"

"A boar hunt? That sounds splendid! We will endeavor to avoid damaging your family's vinyard...but I do hope you will also allow me to purchase some of your vintage?"

"Oh, I..well, I took the liberty" He presents a bottle to her, "I hope it pleases you. It's a sweet summer wine"

"Delightful!" She takes the bottle and looks it over appreciatively, then hands it off to a boggan with instructions to serve it with dinner this evening. "I believe I can arrange the hunt for tomorrow. How many boars are there?"

"I lost track but at least 8 nasty suckers..pardon the language. " He says "I suspect sows and piglets about too"

"Mmm...large?" With a tone of hoping they are.

"The head hog is bigger than a shetland pony at least"

"Heck, might be mule sized'

"Can I get in on this? Baroness? " Leonora looks tempted

"Yes, indeed," to Leonora, and then to the court at large, "Who will join us on this grand hunt to defend the vines?"

By the time she is done, five stalwarts are eager to go! Some because pork is delicicous, others for the challenge, and some because well

it's just nice to help fellow fae out

"This promises to be splendid!" Coradel beams, then grows more serious as she looks to the man. "I know this is a matter of your livelihood...will you join us in the hunt? Are you skilled in hunting?"

"I'm afraid I'm a mediocre shot, but it's my land so.. I'll sure try . Thank you, Baroness. "

"Tomorrow, then, we hunt...and tomorrow night, we feast!"

Cheers and some clap the Vinter gently on the back.

And the next person comes up

Coradel settles in to hear the next petitioner.

A Satyr Traggo would like to use the gardens for an ice cream social... (Which might turn into an orgy)

Definite interest...but keep it inside the hedge-maze, please. A glance to Bachdion...interested?

Bachdion does look intrigued, but also gives a nod of assurance he'll keep it in boundaries as needed.

A satisfied nod at that.

And so it goes...

(End scene)

A redheaded CLurichauin is line

Well, strawberry blonde really

Coradel greets the next petitioner with a gracious nod and smile. This court session is going well so far.

As she gazes on her, there's a sense of... Deja Vu.

Her smile fades to something more...puzzled. "Do I....have we met?"

"I...believe we have...forgive me, it's hard to remember all I should...You are Coradel Truthbranch? "Then she adds "Baroness, forgive me. I did not mean to leave of the title, but it's the Truthbranch part that matters"

Coradel rises from her seat and slowly descends the dais to approach clurichaun, looking at her closely. "I am. What is your name?"

"Seana" Oh yes, a feeling, "I had news regarding something serious to us all, but... let me tell you this as I think it will matter the more for you. Your trueheart is alive, he is well... he is deeper into the Dreaming by now if not already at the goal. Where he and his cohorts walk, good things are happening for their presence."

Murmurs break out through out the crowds

Coradel echoes the name, "Seana," in a whisper, and then her hand flies to her mouth at the woman's news. A moment of stillness, and then a bright, enthusiastic smile. "He's well! He's well, did you hear?" she demands of the crowd, then pulls Seana into an enthusiastic hug. "Thank you!"

A hug and.. oh this feels familar..Seana kisses her cheek, then sahys "I'm sorry that was rude of me I... you're welcome. I'm glad to bring some good news. I wish I could tell you more, but the mists are a thief"

"No," Coradel whispers, "not rude at all..." And returns the kiss on the cheek...though a sense that something more would not be entirely amiss? No, not here, not now. She steps back, holding Seana's shoulders. "Can you stay with us for a bit? Please? When August returns, I think it would please him to know that you had been a guest in our home."

"I cannot," She says "For I must spread word of a threat as well... and not just here" The Clurichaun says

Her hands still on Seana's shoulders, Coradel's smile fades abruptly. "A threat? What sort of threat?"

"A great dragon, an old and hateful one, heads towards the Autumn World. I do not know where he goes, but I know of his nature... no Giant is safe... he will hunt the trolls and kill as many as he can"

Her eyes widen. "August travels with a troll. Is his party at risk from this creature?"

She bites her lip, "I do not think the beast would go out of his way for one. Lodges and more would be his choices. "

She frowns and looks for Colton in the crowd.

Squire Colton is stroking one of the fae hounds near the wall.

"Squire Colton, approach," she calls out.

He does and bows "Baroness. I live to serve"

A brief, preoccupied smile. "You must accompany Miss Seana to Rivervale Lodge. She has an urgent message for the Chieftain there, and you must help her deliver it safely."