#earthrunes

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The Countess sip tea looking at Coradel, the two have a moment alone.

Coradel adds a little honey to hers. After all, why not?

"You realize, Baroness... that now that you have the support of both the Count and myself.. you don't have to continue with it?"

"Continue with...what exactly, Excellency?" Coradel sips. "Oh, that's lovely," she adds of the tea.

"The mortal wedding" COuntess Ruxandra says "It was, if you recall, my suggestion to marry him mortally to make him your equal in rank?

"Ah. Well, Excellency, that was indeed your suggestion. However, the notion was already there. The mortal wedding is very important to August, as a matter of his faith. I respect that, and...well, I've had to sit through enough religious education now that it would seem a shame to waste it all."

A soft wheeze that is in fact a laugh

Coradel smiles at that. "It may seem a silly excess now, but the caterers are hard at work, the dress is nearly finished, the decorators and florists have made their purchases. All that's left is the seating chart for the banquet, but I'm told that can sometimes be the worst part. Regardless, I see no reason to stop now. I'm actually rather looking forward to it," she adds almost as a confession over her next sip of tea.

"And the mortal parents are.. accepting this? I'm surprised. To their eyes, they do not see ancient souls reunited, they see that you are so young"

"I think mine see it as a society event that can easily be undone. Divorces are almost a trendy rite-of-passage, it seems. As for August's parents..." a shrug "...if they are complaining, I haven't heard of it."

"Interesting..." She tilts her head, "Well then, I shall simply have to get you both a present"

A smile and she inclines her head. "That's very gracious of you, Excellency."

"Oh, it's expected and we sluagh are sticklers for etiquette, albeit of our own style. Fear not though, I won't be redecorating your curtains with spiders free of charge"

A soft laugh. "I think that might be intriguing, but I don't think August would appreciate it. Thank you, though."

"We both very much appreciate your support. And, Excellency, I hope we have served you to your satisfaction thus far."

"You have shown my title more respect than many of your kith, Baroness. Only a hand ful of sidhe lords truly look past that I am a sluagh... and some of them because they cannot look past it, can not see me as 'truly' leading. The example of Earth Runes has been a balm to me, and guided others. I am not ungrateful"

A sigh. "I'm sorry that my kithmates treat you so. I can't understand it. Perhaps they feel threatened by sluagh? I certainly respect your kith's abilities, while perhaps others fear them."

"Well, that would be mollifying" At the latter, "But you are not expected, nor should you, apologize for anyone else's boorish behavior" A smile

Toothless and grim but there it is, then sobering "I will soon be overwhelmed by my counterpart, as the cycle demands. I hope this Banner House business is done before then but we shall see. I.. have seen portents."

"Oh?" Coradel clamps down on an eager lean-in just a little too late, tries to cover it with another casual sip of tea. "Anything you'd like to share?"

"What was done in reluctant kindness will show it's generous fruit. " She says

"Reluctant kindness." She puzzles. "It sounds hopeful, certainly, but...well, it's always the way with portents, isn't it? I want to know what it means NOW." A mock petulant pout.

"And this is why Fiona and Beaumayn often risk being akin to a comedy duo" a tut "Ours too grim and resigned, yours joyous and impatient."

"Well, certainly that's one way to achieve balance, isn't it? Speaking of...do you enjoy the Count's company in his unseelie reign?"

"If you are hoping for romance I must disappoint. Neither is attracted to the other. If you mean is there friendship? No... professional respect?"

"Oh, I think if any romance were to bloom from this, I would have seen indications already, and I haven't. No, I mean, how well do you tolerate one another? You attend County functions in each other's company, and I haven't seen outright derision from either directed towards the other. But I can't imagine it's easy to spend so much time with a partner you don't much like."

"It's my duty, and he is a sidhe... ruling is part of his dreaming. I would endure much worse than him to see to my own honor and responsilbities, and he would endure much worse than I for a crown.,"

"But there are times I see things I can admire in him"

Coradel leans her chin on her hand. "But then, what of love? Of romance? Certainly you two are no match, and I understand that, but what will you do when you do find one who brings you delight, or even simply temptation? Or have you already found and managed such contingencies?"

"Coradel" A fuss "That is a very personal question"

"Indubitably." Coradel smiles. "You don't have to answer, certainly." But her posture indicates that she's all ears as she idly stirs her tea.

"The Count has his paramour, a Gwydion formerly of your court." Mmph "But I speak too freely. And as for myself? well, I shall not go into details. I am a woman of title, that alone allures some."

"Well, yes, and I hope that his interests do not complicate your life, as I do think his paramour is a fine person. And I don't mean to pry, Excellency, or at least not to pry too far for your comfort...but I do hope you get to enjoy some happiness along with some measure of power. One without the other can be a hollow experience."

"Fiona" She tisks, "Yes I am aware you well in your prying and wish me well, but I am fine thank you. If there is any kith that can thrive in sorrow, tis mine. But I do not plan on staying in sorrow when it overcomes me. I assure. " A sip, then a tilt of head, "You're a good woman, Baroness. Not merely a good ruler. You truly want others to be happy. I see why Sir August burns for you, you stir not just his blood, but his conscience. "

A soft smile as August is mentioned. "We have always complemented each other well, he and I."

"Yes, we should rejoin the men. They'll fear we'll ploting" She rises, "And it's best to let them wonder what we said"

"Oh, let me put on my most innocent face," she gives a wicked grin as they rise.

"Oh very nice..." Approving and the Countess and Baroness slip out to rejoin the menfolk who by now are imaginging any number of things.

Good.

(end scene)