#earthrunes

He laughs "Blunt, but of little use to me. You are not homeless, in this regard you are above many vagrant Liam"

"But what really do you have? What influence beyond the ear of a wife? "

"Skill with a pen, Your Grace. I have quested successfully in the past, in good company. I believe the nobles of my House hold me in good regard. I have some mortal means. I am not afraid of work, or challenges. I am studying law, and will use that in both parts of my life."

"To your credit, I have no doubt you do. But you come with something else, Sir August. Limitations, the rigid restraint of your Court and your misguided idealism. There are lines you will not cross nor even put toe up against. I have scribes, I have those who would quest. True, you might be more expendible to me, but no. As for lawyers... trust me, we have that."

August nods. "Yes, Your Grace."

"I am not inthe habit of being honest, honesty rather shows a lack of imagination" He chuckles. The other two Ailil laugh lightly, "But I can tell you that I gain more, three trods my House did not know about, from you not making it than you making it. Can you top this?"

August thinks furiously. "I cannot make a promise, Your Grace, except to say that it is possible and I would make every effort to at least meet such an offer." A pause "Ailil might see this as an investment. Not something that pays now, but will in the future."

"I am sure you have considered the motivations behind the offer you recieved."

"Ah, now in the latter you show some plebian cunning," The Duke says "Yes, one must consider the Balor. They are not always the sanest of allies. However, they _ are_ an Ally."

"Your Grace, forgive my ignorance. Why do they want you to have those three Trods?"

"They don't. They just don't want you to have the Banner House 'more'" He says "You've made enemies , Sir August. You and your bride had a hand , rumor has it, in killing one of them. Not a valued one, but the principal applies. Still, let me ask you something, is it true that House Liam has some means of summoning a specific sidhe soul to arrive in any body of their choosing?"

August jams that court-blank mask down hard. "Forgive me, Your Grace. If I knew such a thing for certain, I cannot be sure my House superiors would wish me to say. I have heard of such things, though."

"I am willing to ask for you."

The Duke waves his hand "No no, if they have any wit at all they'd hide it" he sighs "And I can see now you would make a poor spy. This whole thing is not worth my time."

The Baron Longshadow gives August a look while the Duke looks in his wine, and then says "Indeed, your Grace. I do not envy you wasting time at the Parliment for such a minor vote. Not when it means you will miss other more advantageous opportunities"

Color is high in August's cheeks, but he maintains eye contact.

"Indeed," the Duke sighs then glances at the Baron, "I am allowed to send a proxy. You seemed to have volunteered."

The baron makes a sour face, "But your grace... this is beneath me "

"And not I? No.. you will place the vote" The Duke shakes his head. "It is settled. You know how I would vote yes?"

"I do know how you would vote, your grace, " The Baron says and bows.

"Your Grace. Is there anything I could do to win your support?" Evenly, calmly.

"No, I'm sorry, the 'maybe' or 'perhaps' is not without merit, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush as they say for good reason. The Balor offer me a bird in the hand, you offer... a chance for two in the future ... and i'm just not sure that good, Sir August."

Sir Neachdainn nods, "You will be off then, your grace? I am fond of the baroness but she will.. press and perhaps even pester if you remain."

"Yes, well, extend my apologies. Tell her I am tending to Pennons in Northern Ice today. A prior engagement" The Duke tells the Baron and Knight of his House "Victory to you both. Do not shame the Dragon."

THey bow low. And August realizes he has lost the Duke's interest.

August bows as well.

The Duke Departs... and Sir Neachdainn looks at Baron Long shadow very curiously "I am.. stunned. Are you going to do what I think you're going to do?"

Baron Longshadow glances at August, "I made a promise to you once, did I not?" His voice low.

And he removes his helm. August... remembers that face. The choice he made. The trod... the Gwydions defied to keep even unseelie alive.

August blinks. "You.... you did. I think."

The Baron nods, "If anyone asks, you must stress the Duke was against it and you expect to not get his vote. Else it will be undone. You hear me?"

"Yes, My Lord."

Sir Neachdainn is muttering "of course things fall his way. Makes me worry the Dreaming loves Seelie."

The Baron clasps Sir August's wrist, "You aided my people. I do not forget. May your banner house thrive."

August grips his wrist back. "Thank you, My Lord. I wish you victory."

A smile, "I warn you, lord. I'm a gloater." And he nods, "I go now to the rounds. " And he moves off.

"It's not really fair" Neachdainn mutters "Intrigues... politics... and it comes to this? Gah."

August looks stunned.

'I suppose if I tried to milk you for this, the Baroness would sulk and Dame CLairee threaten to disembowel me. You are an annoyingly fortunate man, Sir August" Sir Neachdainn says "But he's right. You must act as if my House is dead set against you. You are a friend to sluagh. I know you can keep a secret."

"I will." Firmly.

"In that case," he says and in a slightly louder but not so loud it's forced voice "I am sorry, SIr August. We tried."

"Thank you, Sir. Will you excuse me?""

"of course" he nods

Feeling exhausted, August looks around for Coradel.

And.. off he goes.

(End scene)