#earthrunes

"Oh, no - not the commoners causing trouble, but the commoners being targets."

"I doubt they shall appreciate it," Marzanna states

"Aye."

"Look, unless you got something else to ask me," Krash says "I was told there was a pretty good buffet here. I'm gonna go tend to it. You need anythin else?"

"There is good food, aye."

"Thank you aggain, Mister Krash. I needed good memory, strong eyes, and blunt honesty. You have more than provided" Marzanna says

"Thank you, Mister Krash. Do enjoy the food."

KRash says "Yeah sure." And he rises and looks around, "Huh... is that a first print hardback copy of Carrie by King? Son of a... nice collection" A glance "Second Print Moby Dick? Love that one. Nice find" he turns and leaves

Food apparently still more important than literature, but he does appear versed

Blink!

Marzanna also looks surprised "Most curious. I ..did not expect that"

"Never underestimate." Nod. "More tea?"

"yes, please, now that it is just us, Bronnte, and the ladies, we may.. discuss things in the sluagh way"

And tea, and soft whispers of conversation oh so proper, are had

(Fade to conspiring)

"Coradel?" Sir Bachdion sees her in the hallway "What's this about a VIP guestt?"

She pauses in her furious stride, redirects to intercept him, and wordlessly grabs his arm and pulls him along. In other circumstances, he might suspect that she was in the mood for a quickie. But no...there is rage in her features, and her jaw is clenched tight. She keeps up her pace until she finds an empty room to bring him into and close the door.

And he follows... hoofs at a fast click clack , he closes the door behind them, and says "That bad eh?"

Her lips still pressed together in an angry pout, she thrusts the ducal letter at him.

He takes it and read it "fill a vacuum?"

Then his eyes narrow "Oh for .. how can they just insist that..." A huff

She folds her arms. This is a proper snit, Fiona-style. "How dare they?! After all August and I have done for them!" Her volume is low, but her tone is venomous. She flicks a finger at the letter. "This as much as declares that they don't trust me to make my own decision about who my heir will be!"

"They were fond of you, but I think it is Sparrow the Duke and Duchess felt most indebted to. "

"Well...well...without me and August, Derynwydd would never have been, so there." She wants to pace, but the room is really too small for it.

"Agreed, and the Duchess is a Satyr, so imagine my dissappointment in her being so rushed" A sigh

"It's not FAIR," she hisses petulantly.

"It isn't. Perhaps tell them you already have an heir chosen, if only you'd known? By letter. The Duke is a Gwydion though so you don't want to lie to hsi face"

A frown. "But surely...surely if I pass, it would be expected that August would assume the leadership of EarthRunes after me?"

"Mmm yes I would say so, but..." He looks over "Mmm the letter does seem to treat the 'your' as a plural when it says 'your heir'. Perhaps they mean when both of you are gone"

"Well, that's the first point I intend to make clear. August succeeds me." A firm statement. "After that...." A pause, and a frown.

A frustrated sound. "Blast it."

"Ah yes. Tell me, what's the boy like?"

"He seems to be Dougal. Some sort of...clicking..." she makes a vague gesture "...thing in his back, when he bows. We had to fit out a room with wifi specified as a need. Certainly polite. Seems to be aware of his position as a pawn, says that there are several of the same rank who seem to be being farmed out as heirs to various holds. So, bright enough. I'll learn more over lunch. I want August to be there, and perhaps you could join us as well?"

"Of course. Should we invite Honoria or Agincourt?" Mentioning the only dougals tthere

She shakes her head. "Not yet. Not this first getting-to-know-you meeting. I want him to feel decidedly outnumbered, at least for now." Her tone is vindictive. "It may not be his fault he is here, but I don't want him too comfortable too soon."

He takes her hand "If you want to burn off some energy... " he leaves the offer hanging and open

She squeezes his hand briefly and offers a half-grin. "I'm more in the mood to hit things than anything else. But mostly I must find August and tell him about this." She does give him a quick kiss on the cheek and reclaims the letter. "I will see you at our lunch." And she quickly departs.

And he chuckles "Sword practice later then"

And watches her go

(End Scene)