#earthrunes

"Precisely! So...fine, no 'duel' but a 'contest' between the two holds. That is, if Kylie is successful in her current endeavor."

"However, if Silverwolf desires to take insult instead, well, we may need to use the promise of breeding as a negotiating point."

"I Hope so, frrom what I understand, this window may close. " A concerned look "For the pups, I mean"

"Oh? Then...I suppose they will have to offer something of even greater value for our animal's services. Do they seek a sire or a dam?"

"I expect that if you do obtain one of their pups, you will seek to echo their breeding efforts?"

"Well, the deal was based on the trading of pup... " He says . Clearly he wants a piece of this project. "So if the window closes, we may lose it entireely. "

A bemused look. "So...you wish me to agree, even if Kylie brings back word that we are in the midst of a nocker war with Silverwolf?"

He paces then "I hae to lose this over a nocker tiff. Could we go to war with them next year?" PROBABL joking

"Now, now...I'm sure that it will all resolve well...even if that means defeating them utterly in the duel and taking one of the pups as tribute."

He brightens "that would be delightful. Thank you, Baronness"

"Of course! I will keep you informed of developments as I learn them."

"Much appreciated"

"Well, then," she says with an air of completion. "Our interactions with Silverwolf increase. I wonder what else this relationship will bring about. A good day to you, Sir Sergei."

"And to you" He bows

(End Scene)

August finds himself being visited by Bachdion

"Sir." August stands, at his bannerhouse 'round' table "To what do I owe the honor?"

"Oh, just a question... Carnivale is soon.. do we have a mortal for king or queen?"

"Ah, yes....." he goes to his bookshelf in the chamber and traces the spines with gentle fingers until he finds the one he's looking for.

"Let's see.... " he walks to the table as he flips it open, searching.

Bachdion joins him if allowed, looking over his shoulder

(Of course he is!)

"Korey Burdet is in his early twenties. A lively young man, he comes from a wealthy background, lives in a houseboat on the Missouri, and tends to worry a lot."

"Marianne Horton is in her seventies. She comes from an impoverished background and is very shy. She lives alone near the river. Apparently she has a tendency to always say the wrong thing, alienating those who otherwise might provide company or assistance."

"Carla Michelle Twil is a 22-year-old golf caddy who enjoys cycling, football and horse riding. She is stable and careful, a bit moody. She is Guinean sports science at college. Physically, Carla is in good shape. She is short with cacao skin, black hair and black eyes. She grew up in an upper class neighborhood. After her mother died when she was young, she was raised by her father; came to the US for college."

"Interesting list.. do you have a preference between them?"

"Ah... no." he blinks " A preference... No, they are all suitable candidates."

"They all seem a bit .. socially challenged?"

August nods. "Korey seems to have many substantial advantages, but tends to isolation and anxiety. Ms. Horton has an almost pooka-propensity in her speech; I've checked, though, and didn't see Fae blood or soul, there. And Carla is a stranger in a strange land, working hard to achieve the American Dream."

"Mmm heh... Carla might be cofused to dream she's in a Monarchy with herself as the monarch. "

The studious Lian nods "Any of them might, really."

"Mm well with three applicants I won't make anymore "

"Make..... more?"

"Suggestions for applicants" He nods explaining "You have 3 to pick from, that's ennough"

"Ah!" comprehension. "Thank you. I do try all year to find those that would benefit."

"They certainly need a break" He agrees "Maybe itt will inspire them even whenn they forget"

"That is the goal." He agrees.

"Perhaps the Baronness will have a preferece?"

"Perhaps. I will certainly share the information with her."

"Ah. How are you, Sir? How have you been? Would you care for a glass of wine?" such libations do exist here, although August is having tea.

"A glass would be wonderful. I'm fine. Got to meet some visitors from Silverwolf"

"Ah?" He goes to pour a glass of wine, and freshen his own cup of tea. He brings both back, and offers Bachdion a seat.

"I'm afraid I didn't have the pleasure."

"Oh, Dame Gladiola requested I flicker flash her enterogue back home. In addition to the troll kniht, there was a sidhe lad, a nocker lass , ttwo childings centaur and pooka"

"the sidhe and nocker wilders were fledges"

"That is quite a crew." sip.

"es, well, with dross" He sips his wine "It wasn't too had. Odd, lots of Never too. "

"I recall them being charming, in a flighty sort of way."

"they are, harmless usually"

August nods. "I hope your own Carnivale family bides well?" politely.