#earthrunes

Of course, Miss Zara was gracious to her guests, and it is to everyone's credit that not one sluagh was neglected for food, drink, a channce to clean up, and new (sometimes old) clothing. tthey met her and greeted her, but did not keep her long, before evenn their nightowls went to sleep in spare rooms. Suffice o say, even Earth Runes is feeling a touch crowded

A few do share rooms though, as much for mutual comfort after trraumatic times as anything else

To add to this, folks are preparing for Imbolc

Vashti adores this chance to dress the guests in victorrrian finery

And so... Lucrima Mourn, walks through the halls looking even lovlier than before

Bootsteps might trigger unpleasant memories, yet in a holding so dedicated to equestrian arts they are unavoidable, if explainable. So the sound of another set is less-alarming. Then around the corner comes the Baron, dressed formally and looking troubled.

He might see a rustle of victorian gown starting to withdraw

though the fact he sees it att all might be a hint she is not attempting deception, just caution

then a pair of eyes peeks out of thhe shadows. Still cautious, but curious

"Ah." he stops on the spot "Hello?" quietly, gently; very different than the BARON from the night before.

OOC <SEND>

A pause, then, ressolution, and out comes the sluagh... the same he recalls having arrested last night. By now, he has likely heard word from Coradel herself or perhaps Rollo that she was released. Lucrima curtseys "Morning, Baron"

He bows in return "Miss Lucrima." softly, and .... yes, he looks embarrassed. "I owe you an apology."

He may -say- that, but she -knows- she cannot trust him.

She is cautious, remembering Coradel did ask she forgive her husband, still, best to see "for, baron?"

He clears his throat "Last night I was, ah, taken unawares by your arrival. To say it was unexpected does not to justice to the situation. Nevertheless.... I should have reacted differently. I was not thinking clearly. I am sorry I did not treat you as you deserve, and as I aspire. It was wrong because I should maintain better control of myself and assume the best of all people until they prove otherwise, which you have not. In the future, I will defend my home and my family, but with words instead of instant actions and I will take the time to determine the realities of the situation instead of reacting. Will you forgive me?" And... he actually goes on one knee.

That surprises her, "My lord, please, rise" her whisper is full of shock at this, a sidhe kneeling? Does he mock her? if not... she takes a deep breath "Baron, you are a Liam, and I am cauttious of trusting the Oathbroken, but ... your wife speaks loyally and well of you. She insists you were not yourself. Your man at arms, thouggh I think him a ruffian, also did mention a prisoner escaping through chicanery wearing your wife's very form. Having faced the hunt of thhe varich, bitten by their fae hounds, lashed by their whips, I cannot pretend the cell you had me placed in was even a tenth as bad. If you are sincere and have learned from this, so much the better for you, and again, any part of this place is better for me"

"But.. " Another breath "For what the worth of a Sluagh vagrant's forgiveness is worth.. and for your wife's sake- I do forgive"

He rises at her request. "Thank you. I know my actions have shown me to be a churl. I hope my actions in the future will earn me a better reputation. My wife.... my wife is truly my better half, my angel. I do not deserve her." with sincere humility.

"I am told you have been shown to more fitting lodgings; I hope they meet with your approval? And our kitchens are well-versed in accommodating your tastes?"

"Your rooms are lovely here, though some of us have doubled up for a sense of safety or to comfort those most trraumatized. I do not know if you are aware but there are 15 of us rescueed by Miss Zara and Sir Earl. The food is excellent, but I am told they did have to ask the Keyclub nearby some of their spoiled servings because they did not expect so many. A few of us have gone to the keyclub, some are leaving this very morning, but a few will remain here for Imbolc as tthe stewardess has allowed" An admission "the tea here is exquisite"

"I had heard there was an extraordinary number, yes." The handsome young man looks repulsed, not by the sluagh but by the bondage. "Miss Zara and Sir Earl are.... remarkable, on every level."

"I should say. Right of rescue is too oftt paid lip service, but Miss Zara and her paramour raced to us as soon as she learned. Of course, she knew young Webster Worthy so that may have made it closer o her, but the rest of us? Strangers"

She rubs at her arms as if cold "I think I would have gone mad had I not been freed soon. I shall never hear a hunting horn without flinching"

"She is a mighty force....." August removes his half cloak to offer it to her. "Are you chill?"

"not in body, lord, much warmer here than iowa"

"Ah." He drapes the cloak over his arm "Did I interrupt you on your way somewhere?"

"Merely exploring, lord, where permitted. I was told that tthere was an art gallery?"

"Of course, of course..... may I show you the way?" he offers politely.

"Please" She says "Miss Zara mentioned some of Earl's works were there. She is proud of him. "

"As well she should be." He smiles and gestures she should come with him "He is very talented. We have several of his works."

She follows him, footsteps silent

"Will you be returning to your home when you have restored yourself, or will you be our honored guest for a time?"

"By now, I fear my property has been seized for lack o payment"

"If I may, Miss Lucrima, allow me to offer EarthRunes as a place to rest while you find accommodations to your liking? For as long as you need. It is the least I can do."

"I.. thank you" A pause "Some of us are concerned. You have a ..Sir Sergei? Of Varich?"

As they enter the galley, she does admire the paintings. Yes, Sir Earl's appeal most to her style

August knows his role here; he waits at the entry, allowing her to explore.

"regarding Sir Sergei?" She reminds? "He is... restrained from acting on his bigotries?"

"He is. By his own good nature and sense of loyalty and righteousness, and the Baroness's request."

"Miss Zara is one of..... Miss Zara is my oldest and most treasured friend. I could not countenance any harm to her, or hers."

"If Miss Zara is your friend, baron, it speaks well of you. thank you for reassuring me about the Varich. I've only met one i ..well, trust is too strong a word"

He nods. "I was given to understand there was one in that.... place.... who objected to those activities. It speaks well of -them-."

"Yes, she was, of course, captured... for her trouble, though her cell was far more comfortable"

He nods. "Is she there still?"

"I realize you might not know."

"I believe she is here in factt, at this very hold. Some of us still distrust her, but she gives us space"

A soft smile. "That is good to hear."

"Is there any other part of the Hold you would care to see?"

"Oh right now I'm enjoying the art. This scene with the haunted corn that contains soulds is adorable"