#earthrunes

When the story is done, Caspian says "Thank you, Vince the Verbally Victorious"

he bows graciously

"Oh, Caspian! Thank you...that is a relief, and thank you to bringing me to that relief through a well-crafted telling."

A little tug on Vince's tale as he is less than gracious.

And a wink at him.

"Now, do we know where Captain Siv is? Is she recuperating at Fenix, still?"

"We must go to her." He declares.

"She has gone to see her parents but I understand will head back here. She doesn't know how hurt any in that group were," He says "She bade me beg apology on her behalf"

"Oh, of course, she would have to see them. Her baroness mother must know of her tale. And no, Vince, we mustn't interrupt their reunion...but rather plan a celebration for her return." A smile.

"SUCH a celebration. I shall have to start the donations for charity immediately."

"I think she'd like that," Caspain says "A celebration to al ltho took part. I trust Dame CLaire, Dame Temerity and Dame Leonora, under your and Vince's leaderhsip were a force"

"A force known only as Vince Force Five!" He declares.

Another tail tug. "Who's force was it again, Vince?"

A chuckle.

"ANYway..." Coradel says. "Yes, a grand celebration. We will have to find out when the Captain is expected back, and we will surprise her with it. Oh...and I should check when Zara will return, so she is properly warned that it may be loud."

"She'll appreciate that"

He purrs and does not answer. They know the answer.

"I would arise and alert Delores, but...it seems I have a cat in my lap." Yes, Coradel is immobilized.

"Well, for a promise of a night's rest in a guest room here and a chance to collect more of the story from ah. .non pooka sources, I'll carry the message for you, Baroness" A smile

"Done and done, Caspian, and thank you again for the well-told story. Please make sure you see Baron August to tell him the parts that he missed."

"I will," He says "You know, Coradel, as a DeBuke, I'm not supposed to bow, but you're so very pleasant, pretty AND Kind I think I would anyway" A smile and a bow, then a 'shh don't tell' motion

Coradel beams and puts a hand to her heart in appreciation of the rarity of it all, returning the bow as best she can from a seated position with a big lump of pooka in her lap. "Your secret is safe. Ish." A wink.

Vince ponders him. "For a DeBuke?" He sighs. "You may keep him."

"Vince, one day I shall try to tell your story, but I fear no one would ever believe it." Capspian says

"The best stories are so." He says, sadly.

"And everyone knows, I have the best tale in town."

"Shallimar disagrees" A smile and out the Eshu goes to deliver messages and speak to Sir August

"Shalimar!" He shakes a fist!

Coradel laughs at the two of them. Then she idly strokes Vince's hair. "How are you feeling, Whiskers? I didn't want to mention while Caspian was present, but...you're still in pain?"

A long sigh. "It is good that I am a beast, for otherwise, it would prove... unbearable."

"Hmmm..." Coradel begins to suspect deception. "Funny how you've put a braver face upon it up until now."

"If only someone could draw the poison from the wound, with yon tender lips..." He mews, most piteously.

"The hydra bite defies all healing."

Wait, wasn't he shot? Not bitten...

"Oh, how odd..." she plays along. "I didn't think the hydra came close to you. Perhaps it had an invisible head that I did not see?"

"Tell me, dear Whiskers, where might this wound be?"

"I seem to have forgotten. But oh, it pains me. Enough so that I cannot think straight. Mayhaps you could help me find the wound..."

A soft knock at the door

"I might be persuaded to practice my brief knowledge of vetrinary medicine...."

Then "Enter!" she calls.

Delores enters and bows "I understand we're to arrange a celebration of victory, my liege" Delores seesm in fine spirits and happy to hear this news

"Delores, did you also come to salve my wounds?" Surprised, delighted.

Coradel is seated up on the floor with Vince sprawled decadently across her lap. "Exactly, Delores, a celebration for those who have already returned and those who will return soon. We'll need word of when they will be back, for I wish to surprise Captain Waveborne."

"I suppose I can just summon her back whenever is convenient. But let's leave her a day or two to enjoy family."

"Very kind, and it gives me time to make it grand. I'll have the troubadours prepare a selection and Vahsti dresses. If i Might ask, is there a theme you want or just the spirit of celebration?"

And Delores looks to Vince "And Vince, my remedy for your woulds would be trying an old mix of castor oil and charcoal powder. I've noticed after a few spoons of that most men swear they feel better thanks"

A laugh at the prescription, then a thoughtful look. "A theme...well...victory, of course, but...oh, that is tricky. Any thoughts, Whiskers? Party themes?"

"Naughty-cal." He suggests?

"Well, that would certainly suit the Captain, though she is not the only guest of honor."

"Well, no. I shall be there as well." Pondering.