#earthrunes

"So let me get this straight," Magnus says to August "You head towards the Parliament, make your pitch... and hope that ALL the houses, and this Shadow Court Seat, approve it? How can you win over 15 votes?"

August shakes his head. "No idea. I hope the patent would help."

"Okay, let's see, House Fiona doesn't always like Liam, but I think this case they'll back it. They've been really supportive thanks to Coradel and myself and others... but let's see.. Gwydion maybe? But the unseelie houses.. I think it's safe to say Balor, Leanhaun are no votes"

August nods. "And Ailil."

"Yes, Claire isn't highly placed enough to make a dent. I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Gently.

"Well, Sparrow might be able to help with the Aesin vote ala the Count. "

"But I have no idea where Varich, Daireann, and other Unseelie Houses will be. Beaumayn will support you... so that's Liam, Beaumayn, Fiona... three votes out of 15 for sure. Gwydion maybe.. 4.. Aesin.. maybe..5. I worry Dougal will be a no vote."

"As do I."

"So what angle can you use to sway the remaining houses? "

August shakes his head slowly. "I do not think our mission will matter. The letter should but.... it could be contested."

"I do not want to promise future favors or be indebted...."

"I know you want to leave things to Count Jude but they're going to expect you to take lead so.. not sure how you can afford not to be involved in politics"

"What are you two worrying about?" Coradel smiles as she approaches, her long gown swishing gracefully at each step. She pauses to give Magnus a kiss on the cheek, then slips her arm around August and settles in against his side, claiming a kiss from him as her due.

"It isn't that I want to avoid politics. I just dont....." he smiles, lighting up as Coradel approaches and... well.

"How to sway 14 Houses and the SC Seat to vote our way"

He sighs.

"Well...have we invited representatives of all houses to Pennons? Great diplomacy can be accomplished at such an event."

"-I- haven't invited anyone to Pennons." Dry.

"THat's... a very good idea," Magnus says

"Well...fine, yes, it's for me to arrange, and arrange it I will, but I'll want you and Magnus to compile a list of, shall we say, likely targets."

"And...hmm...we've had more than one Ailil in our company over time...." she's pondering something.

August nods seriously. "I can do that."

"Claire doesn't have the pull to change a vote perhaps someone else would."

"Coradel, do you think EarthRunes being formerly Eiluned would affect their vote?"

"And, do you think the Count is likely to speak to his House in favor of, or against?"

"No...not Claire...Neachdainn. Hmmm."

"Oh, and I think the fact that the Baron was my mentor and I fought to defend his home might well come into play, yes. It certainly should. After all, it was he who bequeathed me EarthRunes."

"As to the Count...well...perhaps I should seek him out and ask ahead of time."

"Well, we need to visit them, together I'd think, and let them know what's planned. I think a banner house in their backyard would be an unwelcome surprise, but perhaps if they know beforehand......"

"Oh...and Lesleah! Claire mentored her here. Ailil will certainly consider that a favor to be repayed, don't you think, Magnus?"

"Possibly, not sure if Squire Lesleah is even still here" He says

"I should speak with Claire about her."

August gets an .... odd look on his face.

"And yes, August, I would not wish to have this happen as a surprise to the Count and Countess. I wonder if they'd have time to speak with us today."

Then she notes the look. "August?"

He tries to start a few times.... might be having trouble putting words on the idea.

"Do you think.... the, ah, incident with Zara's birthfather.... ahhhhh.... might have an impact on how Balor votes?"

"oh they hate us" he says

"Mmmm." A troubled look. "Must we win over Balor?"

A sigh. "Ok. Well. No, but if we did that would be a yes vote. We need all the yes votes we can get."

"Hmmm....what if...what if somebody were to plant an idea amongst the Balor that allowing your banner house would actually cause weakness among the seelie houses? It's patently untrue, of course, but it could make them more willing to sign on."

August looks dubious.

"THat's sneaky. But what if the rumor gets to the wrong folks ? It could backfire"

"True. This is why I'd make a terrible Balor. But maybe there's somebody appropriately sneaky on our side who might be able to pull it off? Besides...it's not exactly a rumor...more a bit of bad strategy."

"Mmm .. someone in mind with that job? Sneaky? "

:

" the Balor councilman was one of the ones that took the banner away in the first place. In Arcadia. Balor, leannan, and.... Black and silver. I remember those."

"Oh fun. "

"Well...sneaky...there's you, of course, Magnus. But perhaps...would Zara be able to plant such a seed?"