#earthrunes

The day after Thanksgiving at Earth Runes. Already the changes are being felt . Sparrow's departure leaves an emtpy regent's room. Dubh the Gray tenured his own departure. Catir could not help but go as well..insisted. And Isis and Enri held a party for her with the other childlings.

August can see a mix of pride and sorrow in the faces of the staff and those who serve here. Some look at Derrywynd's art in the gallery (She always preferred to work big) and other spots with meloncoly but they also boast about her exploits

"I heard the Balor grew great demon wings! And had a sword made of burning cold iron! And he was like 'I shall rule forever, they are my Slllllaaves'"

There's no question that anyone who looks on the Baron knows his heart swells with both sorrow, and great pride and joy.

Ladybird, who does not speak English, is moping after August.

One childling tells another "But Sparrow drew her sword of light... and she said "You have caused enough tears.." andshe SMOTE HIM"

And Jennette walks over to Ladybird and pets her, then says "Baron August.." Quietly so not to disturb the Childlings "When will Ladybird be taken to Bright winds?"

Sir Sergei might do it, but he is gone for hte day with Adam to some fete

"Within the week." Quietly, as is his wont. "I suspect Baroness Coradel might wish to go with me."

"Good." Jennette strokes the dog "I don't see her future, but I have hope. And I know she will serve it well. I..send her Ludmilla and my love when you see her will you?"

He nods gravely. "I will. I know she cherishes both of you."

"Yes. " glance at the children telling rather exagerated stories, then back "Ludmilla says the childlings will be a bit sulky but she's got them telling stories to help them deal with it. I suppose there's a wisdom in that."

August nods. "An excellent tactic, I think."

"It's natural we should grieve for her departure..." Jennette says

"WHOOT! Sparrow is flying!" A voice says, Leonora whirls through the halls

"Then again" Jennettee says confused "there are others who respond differently" a look

"Fiona." he murmurs quietly.

Leonoara walks up "She just seized a hold from those Balor bastards and made it her own. Who does that? Just walks over to a new place, sees the Serfs and tyrannay and goes 'naaah' and just bam... FREEEDOm all over the place? Derrywynd Sparrow Truthbranch, that's who!" She offers her hand for a fist bump!

August smiles softly and hits her fist bump. "It might have been a bit more complicated than that but.... we can all be proud of her."

"Of course we can, we should have a big party to honor her success. She'll be too busy to come, but we shoulds et up a huge ass party, get the music going, and have every send her some good vibes and happy thoughts for her! Maybe a zoom meeting sort of set up so she can see us.. or whatever the dougals and nockers can do"

"I hope there will be frequent traffic between the two Holds."

"Oh there will be." She says "I already bullied Bachdion and Sir Earl, our two wayfare masters, into going there. Paid for a little trip"

"Derynwydd must have been glad to see you all. Or you, if the gentlemen didn't accompany you."

"Oh I haven't been there" she says "I sent them out there m yself.. with the power of money" She explains. "Nearest airport is a 122 miles away... SO... right now they are being dropped out of an airplane and skydiving ..chutes should work and they can probably fly if they don't...to land in the town"

Jennette stares at Leonora "Mon Dieu, you're serious?"

August rubs an eyebrow.

"Like a heart attack" SHe smiles then says "Though Earl was a big weenie about it. I had to bribe him to get him to go along"

"Leonora..... why?"

"Because they cant flicker f lash there until they've been there. They had to get there. This seemed the most fun way"

"Define 'Fun' " Jennette mutters

"Of course. Silly of me to ask."

"Look, they're going to be fine!" Leonora says

And she grins "And Sparrow will have friends and family just a flash away... "

"It is some distance away. By length as well as height."

"What's your point? Flicker flash can get us to the top of the Eifel tower in Paris if they've memorized it"

"I know. I meant only that they'd need to drive quite a way, or fall quite a way."

"Oh that.. yeah.. well they can fly too. I gave them dross"

"I'm sure that is a great comfort to them." soberly.

Jennette sighs "And.. of course, you warned the many paranoid citizens or at least the ready to arrest strangers guard that you were doing this? Or.. perhaps SPARROW?"

"Leonora!" Coradel comes striding up. "What's this I hear about a skydiving expedition?"

"Oops" Leonora says

"Baroness!" Leo turns and hugs her "Hey, congrats on a kick ass daughter" wink "Yeah, I've sent Bachdion and Earl to be dropped near Sparrow's new placee"

The baroness looks, yes, just a bit PUT OUT.

August crosses to her and offers a kiss on the cheek.

"Oh" A pause

But she accepts the hug. "Yes, a drop that sounds like a LOT of fun, and I would have liked to know!"

And she accepts the kiss from August and gives him one in return. Maybe she's not really all that mad...just dramatic.

"Ladybird misses Deryn." he mentions quietly.

"Well... " Leo says "MY thought was that we get them to know the area and they can get you to it." A pause "And Lady Bird"

"Hmph. I could have gotten there by chute as well, then made another trip. Ah, well...another time. And yes, we'll certainly escort Ladybird there." She crouches down to pet the dog and rumple her ears.