#earthrunes

and she's gone, leaving a truly ... odd looking rabbit on the table

Zara collects it. "I meant what I said about Miss Halina, August. Stopping the Varich's..." Nose-wrinkle. "school must be aught done by the sidhe, not the sluagh."

August looks grave as he answers. "I agree that something must be done. The place falls under the Kingdom of Grass, but an entirely different Duchy. I wonder why Coradel was called.... hm."

He followed Lily with his attention even as he spoke; now he looks at Zara, his gravity, if anything, heavier.

Not just called, called by the Countess, who rules the seelie side of the year; the Countess Ruxandra is herself sluagh

"I do not like admitting there is something I can't do... but..."

"The Varich were hunting my cousins like terriers after vermin. Not even the dignity allowed a harried fox."

August nods. "Of course, Zara. I will speak to Coradel; she is as incensed as I."

He clears his throat. "Zara, is... Is Miss Lily well?"

"Ah... aye? Why wouldn't she be?"

"Her brother left a year ago this month. I've been considering asking the Steward is we should, ah, pack up his room here but.... there didn't seem to be a need, per se. Their family has been in my thoughts."

"Ah."

"Well - the room is causing little trouble."

"And... for a dreaming quest, well. A year and a day is not unsuiting..."

"True. I don't want to cause them any pain."

August nods agreement.

"Well, I should get this list to the Steward. Thank you again, Zara."

"Always a pleasure, August."

He offers her a bow and heads off to find Delores.

Delores has coordinated the staff

August delivers the list. "How else may I help?"

"Lord Hume is gone? " She reads it "Oh my words. Coradel is going to kill him twice"

August does not offer his thoughts on that.

"Daria, oh sained or not she's wild.. and no wonder Selena is near useless"

He waits patiently for orders, not wanting to put pressure on the Steward.

(VERY patiently.. 😮 )

"Sorry , Baron... I'm just.. have a piskie maid who is crying in her room. As for what you can do? Call Sir Ivory in from musing? We need more folks on watch here"

"Is the maid injured?" curiously "Of course, I can call Sir Ivory; I'd beg a few moments for him, so he doesn't have to leave things, ah, unresolved at his location."

"I fear she's heart sick, Baron"

"And as you see best"

He nods and takes out his phone. "Is there anything the bannerhouse can do to help her?" before he goes outside to dial; reception is spotty in the Freehold despite Hume's best efforts so far.

"Besides kind words? not that I know of."

He nods. "I'll call Sir Ivory." and he exits to do so.

"Ah, Ivory. August. Can you return to the House?"

"You may, yes, of course. Please see Ms. Delores on your return."

"yes, sir. All okay?"

"Yes. We just need a few hands on deck. Thank you."

"Be heading there soon." and he clicks

And August returns to report the same to Delores.

Delores nods "Thank you, Baron."

"You're welcome. How else can I assist?"

"Well, I... I don't suppose you want to report to Dame Claire for guard duty?"

"If that is what you need, of course I will." he bows and heads off to do so.

Dame Claire raises a brow when she's told "but you're a baron"

"I am."

"I .. well, we can put you on garden Patrol, the soft guard job, exterior front gate, or prison watch. Prefence?"

"Wherever I'm most needed." He -does- have combat training and has defended the manor before.....

She says "Front gate. Dress warmly"

"Yes, Dame." and he gets a coat before heading out to the front gate.