#earthrunes

After the discussion with the Varich, a brief visit to his wife... August goes looking for more to do. He is not the diplomat his daughter can be, nor the charmer his wife can be.

But he has no choice, as head of this Banner House, he's expected to fight for it in any field.

Outgunned and outdone, he nevertheless fights on. He may lose, but not for lack of effort.

By now he's seen most representives of the House... at least that his daughter and wife haven't. HE can double up and talk to them as well.. but someone is missing, where is the Ailil?

August scans the room, just to be sure. Perhaps he has gone to prepare for combat?

Well, he hasn't met the Ailil Rep, merrely the knight who advised him.

August looks for the Representative, then.

Sir Neachdainn approaches August, "I fear all is lost. I found out why my House's representive is late"

"Is there a problem?"

"Yes, The Balor representive met him on the trods and.. made an offer to buy his NAY vote" Neachdainn says "The Balor are actively trying to buy a loss. This changes everything"

August pales a little, but lifts his chin. "What did your representative say?"

"I talked him into letting you at least make your case, but he doubts you can top the Balor's offer. Here he comes now." Neachdainn nods.

August nods and turns to see.....

The Duke enters in, black and silver, and his garb indicates he is no warrior. Behind him, an escort of a fully armored baron who must be here to compete. The Duke has a haughty patrician look, piercing dark eyes.

August takes a deep breath and approaches to deliver a bow. "Your Grace. Welcome to EarthRunes, and Pennons. I am Sir August Truthbranch."

The Duke looks to the Baron to his side, and the Baron says "You have the honor of being before Duke Mhatha Dragontongue, Ruler of the Duchy of Strongscales. And among the inner council of the House of Winter Kings."

August bows again.

"And this is Baron Ultan Longshadow," Sir Neachdainn says, apparently as knight he is expected to introduce the Baron as the Baron has for the Duke.

Another bow.

"Good to meet you for the first time, Sir August. I have heard so much of you," Baron Longshadow says. A touch quickly "Your grace, may he address you directly?"

"I suppose it will save time," The Duke says, then looks at August "Sir August, imagine my surprise to find Ailil voices in a Duchy ruled by Gwydions and Beaumayn. "

Sir Neachdainn smiles "Dame Claire is a confidant of the Baroness who rules here."

"Ah. Ah. Yes, My Lord." August blinks at the Baron, then answers the Duke, adding. "She is a valued member of the household, Your Grace."

"Of course she is, she's an Ailil" The Duke says smugly

"May I offer you refreshment?"

"Yes, that would be appropriate I think" The Duke says

"Wine will do" he adds, "The Baron prefers the white I think"

"And red for you?" He asks.

"Yes, that would be logical deduction, very good" The Duke says

August bows and goes to bring back the glasses; he doesn't bring one for himself. He offers first to the Duke, then Baron, then Sir Neachdainn.

"My thanks, Sir August, you are a gent" The Knight says.

"Thank you, Sir."

"I thank you also, Sir August" The Baron says

"What's this, no drink for yourself?" The Duke says raising a brow

August nods as well to the Baron, his gaze... curious. Then, to the Duke. "Forgive me, I don't really have a head for wine."

"Oh the jokes do write themselves," The Duke says "I hope you have a better head for offering then. Let us be blunt, my spies inform me you do not have the votes, and are not likely to get them without more than a few unseelie houses"

"That seems to be the case, Your Grace." August nods.

"That being the case, what of worth can you offer House Ailil?"

"The mission of this banner house is to foster and protect love among mortals and Dreamers, thus stimulating Glamour, Your Grace. Glamour has worth."

"Lovely, and you do this first for the mortals, and then for all Kithain?" The Duke says

"Mortals, Your Grace, although if Kithain wish to learn from and apply the methods for themselves I would celebrate that."

"Yes, well, you will excuse me if feeding hens sweet corn instead of regular corn harbors no interest to me. Liam do this anyway, yes you hope to do it more efficiently, with more focus, but it garners my house nothing. Glamour is Free, Knight of the Barren Tree. What we cannot get from the eggs, one can get from the drumstick if need be. Surely you have more to sway our vote than that."

He tuts

August nods. "May I take notes?"

The Duke looks at his two fellow Ailil, "He mistakes me for a school master. " Then he turns, "Sir August, are you to be the head of this Banner House or no?"

"I am."

"Then you need no notes. You need but agree with me, then command your Banner House with firm hand and will it so. And you needs must tell me what you can offer, I am not here to prattle off a wish list like a child on santa's lap"

"What would you have me agree to, Your Grace?"

"What. Can. You. Offer?" He repeats.

"My Indebtedness."