#earthrunes

Adam is genuinely surprised and touched. "This is great, Baroness! Thank you, My Lady." sincerely.

A flicker of something in her expression, then a nod. "Make good use of it in Sir Sergei's service."

"I will, My Lady." he bows.

"Now..." she opens the case she and the Baron received earlier. "This is a most impressive fang. Tell me where you got it?"

"Oh. I killed it. I mean, I helped. It was from the Linnorm. Careful, the poison is pretty much dried up but just in case....."

((At least, I -think- it was the Linnorm....... it was a chimera, anyway. And he did help kill it.))

"This...this is from the Linnorm? I have heard of the battle..." She looks it over, more impressed than a few moments earlier.

((If I recall, it was him and Oak, and that was it. He gets to claim killing it.))

"I'm honored you'd remember it."

"Adam, this is a great momento of your deeds. Are you certain you wish to part with it?"

"Yes, Baroness. I'm sure."

She gives him a steady look for a moment. "Then...I thank you. It will go on display in the hall that leads to the stables."

"You're welcome, Baroness." He bows "I'm honored again."

She nods and closes the case once more. "Happy Yule."

"And to you too, Baroness. And the Baron." He offers.

"Thank you." Another nod, and he seems to be dismissed.

He takes the hint, and withdraws.

August rejoins her, carrying two goblets and offering her one.

She accepts it, offering him the case in return. "You saw this?"

He nods, taking the case to look it over again. "I saw you speaking with him."

"The fang is from the Linnorm he killed. He thinks the poison is mostly dried," she adds as a caution to him before sipping her wine.

"We should probably check that, though." August declines to touch it, examining with his eyes. "A battle trophy? Made into a weapon."

"Mm. Not something he should part with, but he insists."

A faint smile. "You accepted." he reminds her.

She gives him a look. "I tried to get him to take it back. This is something he should save for when he is truly fae and swearing to a liege. So...I shall put it on display for now, clearly identified as his trophy, and offer it back to him when that time comes."

"That's very thoughtful of you." he approves.

Another sip. "If I had refused it, it would be all tragic puppy eyes and despair."

"More practical than thoughtful, I think." A pause. "He may not completely understand the difference between addressing me as 'Lady' as opposed to 'My Lady.' He is not sworn to me, nor I to him."

"Perhaps it is wishful thinking on his part?"

"Perhaps," she agrees.

"Would you take him?"

"If he were fae? Fully sained?" A pause. "Perhaps. Much depends on what his nature proves to be."

"It certainly -seems- that you will, at least, share a House. I think the reports are that he prefers athletics and combat to study and magic."

"Oh, I agree, it seems he will be Fiona. But that alone does not mean I must accept him in an oath beyond house kinship."

A wry look. "Do you oath to every Liam you meet?"

"You know I do not." mildly.

"Exactly."

She rests a hand on one of his and gives a gentle, loving squeeze.

He gives her a shy smile. "I struggled to think of something for you this year. I hope my choice will make you happy."

A tender smile in return. "I hope mine pleases, as well. It has gotten to be quite a challenge, hasn't it?"

"A delightful challenge to have. To find a way to tell you how much I care about and adore you. To show you."

"You know that you need not give me gifts to do so, my love?" Her eyes sparkle.

A soft chuckle. "I like doing it, though. Shall I show you your gift?"

"Oh, I think now is a perfect time, yes!" She finishes her wine and sets down her goblet. "Shall we?"

He smiles and sets his down as well as the box to step behind her and wrap his arms around her waist; the normally reserved Liam becoming a bit demonstrative. He turns her to overview the hall and murmurs in her ear. "The evenings with our friends.... when it is safe to do so. To be out in public with them, sharing time together. And afterwards, in private, if all are amenable." He turns her gently to catch glimpses of Vince, Bachdion, and Leonora. "I hoped the effort would please you."

She enjoys the rare public embrace, and as he turns her, she moves as gracefully as if they were dancing. "Oh, it does indeed," she says softly. "Thank you, my love." He can tell from her tone that she values that he not only accepts but welcomes these interactions. "Time with our friends is precious indeed."

He kisses her cheek. "You are very welcome."

"Mmmm..." she tilts her head to claim a kiss from his lips. "Perfect."

Claimed, with interest.

"My gift for you, my love, will be in your study. Sadly, I think it's not quite so clever as yours."