#earthrunes

Early in the afternoon, a troll comes to call at Earthrunes. It's not early morning, though such it may have been when she left - traveling takes time, especially when trods must be hopped through several steps.

Rollo speaks up "Halt and be recognized"

Danica straightens up. She carries something large and bell-shaped, covered in black silk.

"Th-" A pause. "Danica Marshall by way of Silverwolf, here to see Sir Sergei."

"He's in the kennels" A nod "Huh, normally it's Dame Calanthe who sees him" The burly little fellow IS still a boggan, and she can almost feel his social dynamics starting to kick into gear

Danica does not respond to that, other than her expression, which is already gloomy.

Given permission, she strides through the hold, seeking the kennels.

Not hard to find directions and soon she finds Ser Sergei, he is petting a sleek sight hound

And checking her for briars (Not the redcap kind)

"Ser Sergei." She says abruptly. "I would speak to you in confidence."

"We are alone, save for the hounds.." His eyes move to the thing she carries, he recognizes the shape "Thane Dancia What news of my.. of the Chanccelior?"

She still takes a long moment to gaze around, checking keenly for any hidden eyes or ears, before approaching.

"Calanthe is Chancellor of Silverwolf no more. She has been...discharged of her position."

Just hounds.. are they spies? Don't trust the beagle.

Sir Sergei could give master classes in remaining cool and collected, his voice goes a bit chill "How did this ..come about, if it maybe said?"

And so Danica tells Sir Sergei. It is a limited view of the situation, without all of the details, and from the understanding that Danica took from her view.

A power struggle between the Baroness Nadeen, and the Lady Calanthe.

An order, only half obeyed - seeking to destroy a violent Nervosa that threatened both Lord and Balefire, and had taken possession of the Baroness.

A massive working of Spring with effects not fully known, but which purged the hold of the violent Chimera.

And finally, a mighty calling of da'an by the Lord of the Manor, fate itself brought down to judge Calanthe... and finding her wanting.

The black silk slipcover is pulled free, showing a silver birdcage, with a mourning dove within. It coos piteously.

At that, his face does break, just a bit, for he gazes at her with sadness "The cruelest cut of all- you were meant to be a hawk with talons red" He takes the cage "I shall.. keep her. Not in the ayrie. I would not torment her there whe she would be seen as bait for the falcons"

Danica bows low to him. "I... suppose that shall be my last action in her service. Oathed to serve Calanthe Falkoner, as Chancellor and Lady of Silverwolf. She is no longer Chancellor, nor 'lady', nor of Silverwolf." Finding herself, so much simpler than her sister, divested of her Oath.

"Then, return to Silverwolf, or if you wish, stay here and I will put in a good word for you with the Baroness Coradel. You have been faithful to the last. Any hold should have you"

"I must return. I have my own actions, under oath or no, to answer for. I shall trust your house sister to my fate."

"My house is not known for Mercy, but we also understand necesity. If she is wise, she will enlist you.. perhaps with a proviso. Go then. You have been a messanger of ill tidings, but it is Da'an I must rail against, not you and what is the point of that?"

She bows once more. "Thank you, Sir Sergei." A last, long look at the cage... her expression mixed. Regret, perhaps. Then, she leaves, without more to be said.

And once she is gone, the Varich lifts the cage "I know the heart of a hawk beats in there yet, dear lady. I tried to warn you, about tangling with a woman of my House. Ailil are dragons, but the winter sun is....cold an inescapble. If only you had worked with her ... and she with you. None could have stopped you. But you are a dragon still and I care for you... and you will not suffer insult here. " And he carries her off, leaving an apprentice to deal with the dogs

Tiny black eyes blink at him. If there is recognition within, it is hard to tell. A soft, mournful call. 'coo. coooo.'

He will treat her kindly. She probably doesn't deserve it, but since when have hearts, even frozen ones, cared about that?

*************

The return was easy enough, Earl can affect mortals, though transport took at least a half hour, they did arrive, and once Rachel has been put in a room... Earl wants ot talk to August

"Of course, Earl. What can I do for you?"

"Ah, Rachel was interesting to talk to... you DO know she's a walking violation of the Right of Ignorance waiting to happen right?" He says with a bit of alarm "And I say that coming from a farm that's over half kinan"

"It's... complicated."

A brow.

"Yes, I know she's... problematic."

"You know, it sounds weird to hear folks be evasive when they're not whispering," He comments after a moment "Problematic? That's it?"

"I'm not sure how much of the story is mine to tell." he says apologetically.

"She acts like she's your handmaiden, I mean not in a sleezy way or even 'yes master' way.. but... just saying August, if you want your link to her kept quiet you might want to tell her not to answer questions from every kitahin she meets"

He rubs his forehead "Yes. Ok, I'll tell her."

"You haven't seen Coradel, have you?"

"And the bannerhouse tattoo on the hand?" Like her mother, Rachel has one, when enchanted

"Ah, no I'm sure she's around here somewhere" he says

He nods. "I'll go speak with Rachel now."

"If I see Coradel I'll let her know you're looking for her and where Rachel's room is"

"Thank you." And that's where he goes.

He finds Rachel being visited by Minerva.. if that fledge ISN'T an Eiluned she's the world's nosiest Ailil

"So how did you say you knew baron August again?"

"He saved me from a coma... " Comes the answer

"Pardon me, ladies."

"Baron" Minerva curtseys gracefully

"I was just geting to know our new guest"

"Baron" Rachel smiles

"Lady Minerva, a pleasure to see you. I hate to ask, but could I speak with Rachel a moment?"

"oh, of ccourse, my lord." she steps out of the way and back two paces "I shall wait my turn here shall I?"

"Privately, please."