#earthrunes

"I got some pretty cool toys" he adds

"Still.. wait, yeah? Show me!"

He pulls out a metalic rod with odd runes

"Yeah?" He looks but does not touch. "What does it do?"

"I have NO idea" He says "I knew, but I forgot." zane sighs "It has these marks dedicated to various sex gods"

"Shit, I'm down for that....let's try it!"

"I Have. " He sighs "I wave it around, and it glows but it doesn't seem to DO anything"

"Damn." He is tempted but doesn't even ask.

"I'm hoping I haven't paid a lot of dross for an eldritch dildo" he sighs

"But see the marks? the odd thing is the emphasis on the eyes of the sex gods"

(We co-opt this room for something preplanned)

(With a great big ol' MEANWHILE....)

MEANWHILE.....

Baron Aiden and his entourage arrive at the Mailbox trod in Jefferson City

The thanes have been alerted to expect him, as has Steward Delores.

To find two thanes there. Rollo, a rather TOUGH looking boggan, and Oswald, standard issue troll thane (But in his heart he's a jedi)

They bow and Oswald says "Baron Aiden of Silverwolf? I'm Thane Oswald, this is Thane Rollo, of Earth Runes. We're ready to give you escort to Earth Runes proper"

Aiden is alert as they step through the trod, and Danica has also stepped forward at his side. She gives him a small nod at the introduction, and stands back - still alert.

"Yes. Thane Danica Marshall will remain to guard our passage home, and my fledge, and her canine charge, will accompany us. We welcome your escort." Gesturing Gwen forward.

Gwen bobs her head "Nice to.. I mean your honor..I.. thank you" the trod trip was heady and her old life memories are gone gone gone.. maybe?

Ivan is very intently examining Oswald's boot.

Oswald smiles and pets the pup "How you doing you little ewoK?"

"Focus, Oswald" Rollo says and leads them to a car "This way, your lordship," OPening doors in the limo

A brow raises, and he looks impressed. Not that he looks surprised at such treatment, but perhaps he didn't expect to find it in an alleyway. Sliding into the seat, and waiting for the others to join him.

The Limo seems to get no attention from local mortals. Some sort of veiling against the unenchanted no doubt. Oswald opens the door for the others, and then drives them. Rollo, stays behind.. to guard the trod mailbox it seems.

Gwen says "How is no one notices a limo?"

"The force has a powerful effect upon the weak minded" Thane Oswald says then coughs "I mean.. magic"

A small smile. He understood that reference! Seemingly pleased that he's not as out of touch as others might be. Then again, it IS a pulp-culture phenomena of over 40 years... anyways.

"Magic can be found in many places. In the smallest natural things... or indeed, in limos." He enjoys the ride. "I don't often drive these days. This is an unexpected pleasure."

"Thank you, Baron. There's a wet bar in the back if you wish but we'll be there soon"

"Does the Baroness keep such vehicles in her livery fleet, or is this a special occurence?" Curious, and he does take a small bottle of water.

"No fleet, Lord, but given the new trod we thought it best to make a good imperssion I think" he says with trollish honesty. They leave the city proper, and drive for a few more minutes as the urban becomes suburban, and then... it becomes more countryside. And up a hill they go, a mound seem to be covered in sunlight and mist . When they break the mist.. Earth Runes dcomes into view

Gwen looks up "Wow it's like a fairy hill.. which I guess it is" Could I sound any more like a dork?

Aiden reaches over and lightly pats her on an arm. Perhaps a touch patronizing, but he is also watching the freehold come into view over the hill and mist. "It is quite a sight to behold."

"Thank you, Baron. " He pulls over, "We walk the rest of the way" Oopening doors for them.

"Ivan, do not go nuts" Gwen warns the pup who has been starting at all that grass and hill

He slides out, taking a step away from the limousine and looking over the Barony. She may hear a soft sigh, but it is a small, cool smile again by the time Gwen has exited as well, and Ivan stumbled over her feet.

And the Thane leads them up, it's not far, and they enter the halls... well, Ivan might stop for a pee on a tree but COMEON

A boggan in Steward sash bows "Welcome, please, Silverwolf, to EarthRunes. I'm Steward Delores"

The Baron may seem somewhat out of place here. It's hard to place at first - he's elegant, noble, and well-attired, as is the holding of EarthRunes... there it is. He seems a bit... outdated, perhaps. The Fae of this Fiona and Liam Barony may have the latest fashions - and while Black and Silver are timeless, it does seem that he is a step or two behind in the dance of trends. But if so, he either is oblivious, or unbothered by this fact, and he gives Delores a nod. "Steward Delores, thank you for receiving us. The trod travel was unexpectedly longer than anticipated. I trust that we are still arriving at an opportune time for the Baroness to receive us?"

"The Baroness awaits you even now, Baron. Please, let me have your coats and cloaks placed in our cloak room unless you prefer to wear them. Sir Ivory is waiting as well, as is Dame Claire, of your House"

He sweeps off his cloak, and his sword as well, offering this over. A pause, and he asks, "Would you request my Fledge's spear?" Asking before they might do so and cause her any potential awkwardness.

"Oh" The girl says looks tempted to hold the spear, then blushes

"Please, keep them, as a sign of trust in this case. The baroness may change her mind, but this IS the high seat of her power. " And she motions them to follow

The Baron offers, "I would vouch for her to retain it as an important link to her new self. My own blade is largely... ceremonial. But, we are your guests." And he gives another nod, in thanks, as they are told to retain their weapons. And they follow!

And into the great ante Chamber they go... awaiting them... the Baroness and her own

In the audience chamber, Coradel sits in one of two seats on a raised dais, the other seat empty at the moment. Behind her seat hangs the Fiona banner, behind the empty one the Liam banner, and between them both the Truthbranch banner. She is looking over a scroll, and sipping a glass of wine, but she sets the glass aside and hands the scroll over to a scribe as they enter.

Inish speaks up "You stand before Baroness Coradel Truthbranch, the Siegebreaker, of House Fiona Bannerhouse Truthbranch. Your Ladyship, your guest, Baron Aiden of Silverwolf" The herald it seems

Lounging at her feet is a Magnificent Beast. Aslan himself, if Gwen is one to read fantasy, otherwise straight from the discovery channel. He yawns as they enter, fangs gleaming bright and sharp, and amber eyes on the new entrants.

Aiden starts and reaches across his shoulder - for but an instant, before catching himself. Coradel as an archer herself may recognize the grasp for a bow that isn't there. But, the Baron smoothly changes the motion into a hand pressed to his chest, and a bow.

"Lady Coradel, thank you for receiving myself and my ward. Though she is known to some of yours, allow me to also introduce Fledge Gwen Locklear, Spearmaiden of Silverwolf."

Gwen bows, she's been practicing! The girl's skin glistens like fine stone smoothed

Coradel looks slightly amused by the reaction as she rises from her seat. "Baron Aiden, Spearmaiden Gwen, I am pleased to welcome you to EarthRunes." She descends from the dais, pausing to give the lion a brief indulgent scritch before she approaches them. She extends a hand to Aiden. "I trust your journey was a smooth one?"

The mighty beast PURRS and rolls over at her touch.