#earthrunes

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August approaches the incoming lord....and realizes it is none other than Duke Ewan Wolfsblood himself. He was invited, but few expected him to show. His vassal, Count Jude, may have pulled a favor or asked a boon to arrange it. The man is well placed among the progressives in his House , though a Progressive Gwdydion is about equal to a traditionalist Fiona by some standards.

"Your Grace." He bows low.

"Allow me to invite Baroness Coradel to attend you.......welcome you."

"No need, Sir August. One at a time if you please. Besides, I see she's currently trying to sway House Eiluned. I am filled with sympathy there." Gentle humor , he is a wilder still, but so close to the cusp of grumphood that it is amazing he has not passed over, "The Count asks I send his regards."

"My regard to him in return, and his lady. I thank you for coming."

"In truth you may not thank me when I tell you the ill news" A frown

August visibly steels himself. "Please, Your Grace. Tell me."

The Gwydion looks troubled, "House Gwydion is less unified than it was. At one time, falcon might struggle against falcon, but if an outside force threatened or a need arose from the common folk, we acted as one. We were considered dangerous for our rages if honor impugned, but some Gwydion seem less prone to rage and more prone towards vindictiveness. IT does not sit well with me. But.. well, Pride , even pride that is justified, is a failing at times. I fear House Liam has pricked the pride of more than a few Gwydions of late. And I fear Liam may feel a bit of a backlash for it"

August takes the news gravely. "I see."

"Thank you for saying, Your Grace."

"Duke Tierone has scored a coup, you see. Carving a Duchy for himself- and for House Liam. " A shake of his head, "I like the lad, I do, but Countess Danya may not complain, others are insulted on her behalf. And then there is Duke Topaz... to some it seems like he is forced to admit he cannot achieve the job the HIgh King set for him."

A pause. "Yes, Your Grace."

"Speak your peace, Sir August. I haven't lost my temper and tried to kill an ally in years.. and I did apologize to Jeremy after"

"No, Your Grace, I have nothing else to say. This is all.... so far above me. Thank you for your warning."

"I can tell you I respect what you are trying to do, and it seems a good banner House with a strong seelie component. Thus it would be an ally to House Gwydion- if only we would put aside some infighting and hurt pride. I will try to sway them, but when the vote comes? I can't really say for sure. YOu'll need to get others and their votes instead to be sure. Does it go well?"

August responds with a blank court mask. "I will seek to make it so, Your Grace."

"This , I thought a given," he says "But, if you do not mind some advice? "

"I would be grateful for it."

"House Daireann has it's cruel side... I know, my wife is one" A smile "But they are proud and honorable over all, and very impressed by hospitality. When their representive you hope to sway comes, I advise telling a tale of vengeance regarding yourself or one close to you, and showing courtliness and hospitality to them but also to a lesser. You may never sway them on honor, for they assume, Oathbroken, that Liam have none. We Gwdyion know better, but there you have it. Show them Justice and call it revenge to make it palatable, and show hospitality even to the lowly to show that you have two things that are in common. They may forgive what they see as the lack of a third." a beat "And ... is your wife educated in languages and philosphies somewhat? "

A delicate pause. "I am so educated, Your Grace?"

"Yes I know, you are profoundly infamous for your education," A slight.. smile? on the other wise somber face.

"Lady Coradel has.... other educations than language."

"But your wife must show not just her physical prowess, she must impress him with wit and not just charm, with intelligence, and not just strength. The primori is testing her even now. It doesn't matter what the subject, but she must dispaly a mental accuity. She may not be of your Banner House technically... but she has your confidence. He is seeing if she is the weak link"

"though he would never be so rude as to word it so"

"She will do so." Firm, and clear.

"You won't be allowed to answer for her, but you might be allowed to hint to her that test is ongoing. " he inclines his head, "Forgive me, I wish to visit a House sister while I'm here"

"Yes, Your Grace......"

He bows and when the Duke has moved on, looks towards Coradel.....?

The Duke warns him "Besides, it appears you have another guest, one I wish to avoid. I wish you endurance." And the Duke moves off.

August pauses in mid-start. "Ah." And he looks......?

The Balor have arrived!

hisssssssssssssssss

August looks around the room, momentarily distracted.

The lead balor is dressed almost foppishly, like a french nobleman at Versailles. He has a weapon, a sabre with a serpentine hilt. His mustache is almost comically standoffish. He does not appear to have a physical flaw.

August steels himself, and steps forward to meet them.

"hheheh .. legion commander Kravas Kackle...ap Balor, of course. Do I have the honor of greeting Sir August Truthbranch himself?"

"You do." He steps forward, with eye contact and a sharp nod.

"You may bow, sir knight, my rank is military but equates to atl east a Viscount" A grin "Bow for me, good Liam. I would meet one who was the cause of Paler's demise" his voice is high pitched and he giggles, chuckles, and 'hees' a lot

The two book end balors with him seem more serious , and heavily armed. They eye the place as if expecting an attack

August bows but maintains eye contact and only gives enough to be polite.

"So precise. You're the fellow who helped murder poor Paler by getting yourself kidnapped. You are a clever damsel. Of course, that lisper was quite mad- we shared so much in common, but he did have to go. Still, despite THAT small favor, why in the name of our dear red eyed grandfather would you think we'd ever help you?"

August straightens, and answers honestly. "I did not."

Low laughter "oh my... oh heh heh.. you.. this is wonderful. Then I am confused as to my being here"

"Allow me to clarify. I do not think you will help my cause."

"But you think you might win my vote? trade? Bribe? I am listening to such."

"Forgive the question, but are you the one to decide Balor's vote?" Politely, if coolly.

"I have influence equal to the others I see here in swaying my House." A look about "Quite a cavalcade of influence you've invited for this pennons. "

"Yes."