#earthrunes

Reports from Truthbranch missions:

Scarsdae reports there was a nasty fire, tragic loss of a mortal family, but it would appear a Kinian and kithain Household has taken in the survivor, an eshu girl. And the arsonist was punished by a Squirming of Sluagh. A TV Script writer dreamer is not cranking out feel good sitcom ideas at an amazing rate. The noble situation is still somewhat in flux

Ivory reports that young Gwen is safely sained, and seems to be a knight and Daireann. Dreamers are still too scarce for his liking, but he's got to be cautious nosing around as an albino sidhe liam isn't subtle . The hold in the area is now ruled by a Varich and the same Ailil lord who appears to be restored. He's learning more from Gwen when he can.

BannerHouse Truthbranch is welcome at Darkgate, mostly through Sir Colton, the Storm there, who has convinced the Chieftain that someone neeeds to defend mortals while the hold focuses on the darker and shadowier forces.

Sir Carowyn admits he has grown to be truly locked into his relationship at Rivervale, he tries not to be a burden to the lodge that treats him so kindly, but he also considers Jaymes there a good friend as well as part time employer. He reports of Goldfinch, a commoner mews allowed by the Chieftain Brekke. It maybe a bit more unseelie and a bit more casual with mortals. He's keeping an ear on it's actions in his way. So far though, it's a reason to rejoice as it is musing mortals too as a recording studio for dreamers with musical aspirations.

He reads all with studious seriousness, and makes a few notes off on the side to compose suggestions later. He rarely orders or commands, but encourages and supports. Sometimes, he has advice.

Dame Temerity's letter explains of a great triumph in the rescue of a dreamer from a leanhaaun. There's a spot of blood on the paper that has added 'worry not about the stain, tisn't from me"

This makes him pause, and frown. A secret message of some sort?

He rises and takes the letter to..... someone he knows has a strong willow whisper.

Turns out, Dame HOnoria isn't half bad. He finds the wilder dougal working happily in their workshop

""Baron?" She looks up from her tinkering , the clockwork heart girl smiles "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

He nods. "Dame." respectfully "I wonder if you might perform a willow whisper cantrip on this?" he indicates the spot of blood on the letter.

"Blood? mm yes I've worked with it before" She takes it from him "A moment please. What should I ask it?"

"Hm. Shall I write them down?"

"Please" She nods

He jots them down:
1. Does the blood come from Dame Temerity?
2. Is Dame Temerity in need of help or is she badly injured?
3. Where is Dame Temerity?

He frowns, feeling this is somehow insufficient but..... he passes the note to Dame Honoria.

She takes it, and nods and casts , taking a screw driver and pretending to use it on the paper, but not actually.

She asks each question in turn...

the first response?

"The blood comes from a foe who tangled with a liam knight, boy he got mangled"

The second response "Tis but a scratch"

The third response 'Somewhere between Charm and Charmless'

"I wonder where Charmless is....?"

"Perhaps they mean on the edges of the County of Charm? Near baltimore?"

"Mm." thinking "Perhaps. It is... ah, surrounded, if you will, by other counties within the greater Duchy."

"You're guess is as good as mine"

"Still, it sounds as though she's not badly injured."

"If at all."

"Thank you, Dame. You have alleviated my worst concerns."

"Sounds like she's having fun, actually," The Dougal gazes at the letter still, "Of all the pooka I know, she's the one that is the oddest to me, and that's saying a lot" Then a blush "Welcome, Baron"

"Is there... anything else?"

"No, mlord. It just occured to me speaking of Temerity as Odd, should she hear of it, could get me quite a fierce duel if she took offense"

"I will not say anything, Dame. I think I understand the tone in which the word was said. You... you can defend yourself, though. Yes?"

"Have mace, will parry" A nod

"Good." a smile "Thank you."

"You're welcome"
She chimes "oh, my lord, there is one more thing"

"Yes, Dame?"

"I'm working on a ..well, you've seen clay pigeons? Often used for shooting ? I've created a launcher and ammo... the targets have a shape allowing them to twirl a bit eratically but slower... and I've painted bullseyes on each. I was wondering if you thought the Baroness would be interested in putting it up for Pennons?"

"She might. You should speak to her about it."

"Thank you, I will" she smiles

"Good."

With a smile, August returns to his study.

And finds Innish looking for him , the Herald goes "Oh thank goodness. They're back, Baron"

"Who are?"

"your squires.. they're back, poor things are exhausted and dirty, and a bit mussed. The Steward insisted they be cleaned up fed, and rested, but also said you should know"

"Where??"

"Well, right now i think they're at the eating stage still... dining area"

He nods. "Dame, thank you." and heads there.

His squires are in fresh new clothes ,and they do look exhausnted and hungry.. even Velvet nearly slurping her soup