#earthrunes

" I can't ask her to interact with house Balor."

"No, I suppose not."

"Perhaps Jude might have a notion. Or Duchess Petalmourn."

" I am sure they will."

"Well, then...we must compile the list of nobles, send out the invitations, consult with Jude and Petalmourn, visit the Count and Countess...what am I forgetting?"

August cocks his head.

" say..... what about other truth Branch retainers? That is, those who were? Might they know someone here and now who could help?"

"Dame Temerity is not the diplomatic mission type"

"Well, I don't know. She might appeal to certain audiences." Coradel smiles. "But yes, we should ask who the retainers know or recall, and try to make connections that way."

"Did you want me to track down Sir Brand?" Magnus asks

"He seemed uncertain about his feelings towards the Truthbranch house, did he not, August?"

" I wish very much to know where sir brand is, and invite him to join us. However, I feel I must also respect his wish for distance. Perhaps if he hears of our success re-establishing the banner house, he will return"

"Perhaps he will return to speak against Truthbranch. Which...if he does so, then we must allow it. Otherwise, there's not much point to the Truthbranch name, is there."

"Ouch." Magnus says

August looks mournful.

" you are correct."

"We'll we may have to sit on Temerity if he tries" Magnus says

"Sir Brand's complaint is that we stole his chance to uphold the house's honor, correct? What if...what if we were to offer him some quest? Some goal to achieve in the name of Truthbranch?"

"Why would he trust the offer?"

Coradel considers this...then frowns. "Good point."

"The good news is there maybe some of House Liam who seek to join the Banner House"

"Oh, interesting! You've heard some murmurs along that line, Magnus?"

August listens; news to him!

"One might have heard interest" Magnus smiles

"Magnus......."

"Purely hypothetical, I imagine?"

"Not..quite.. I spied on Petalmourn and Jude"

August .... goggles at him.

"You...Magnus, you didn't!" She smiles brilliantly at the daring of it.

"You -what-?!?!?!"

"No one ever suspects Fiona to do the spying... can't imagine why not? It's terribly exciting" A grin

August literally face-palms.

Coradel can't help but giggle at August. "No harm is done, my love. Magnus, surely you wouldn't abuse whatever you may have heard, right?"

"Of course not... certainly not on less than three drinks"

He groans.

"Don't torment your father, Magnus."

"That's your job?" Innocent look

"Yes, dear, and you're stepping on my territory." A smile.

A sigh.

"Mea Culpa" A bow

"August, they don't know what Magnus knows, and what Magnus has learned is merely encouraging, nothing more than that. Don't let it worry you."

"You think they don't?"

"There at least four Liams showing an interest in the Bannerhouse."

August blinks. "Who?" Before he can stop himself, then "No, nevermind. I don't need to know."

"Maybe, but they're excited, interested, and supportive." He says "And no I didn't get caught."

"In Bannerhouse Truthbranch specifically? They know the name, and the story of it? Or are they merely stating interest in any bannerhouse?"

"Truthbranch specifically... like it or not, the House as a whole knows about this."

Coradel looks startled. "House Liam as a whole knows about this? Then we must act. We need to get out ahead of the information, for that is far too many to keep it a secret for long."

"Well, maybe not the whole ..." POnders "But it's getting down to the lower ranks.."

"Coradel, there's no need for alarm."