#earthrunes

The fall out from Coradel's wrath does happen a bit.. pooka seem to be in sour moods, some satyrs too. August can see they're a bit more reluctant to go to court

Stevi, the troubadour, actually doesn't show up at all. Her boggan partner plays solo

Shalimar however seems to be talking to them and coaxing them to not blame the baroness

August might seem not to notice the absences at all. He has other things to focus on, after all.

True. Though as scribe he often keeps records

Oh that. Well yes, -some- note will be made.

And there is the fact he has Squire Tylar, a boggan himself, who is up todate on the latest gossip

"Baron?" he says cautiously

"Yes, Squire?" he looks up with a pleasant smile.

"I'm afraid I've... well, there's some fall out from the recent 'look alike ' contest."

His expression cools a hair. "Oh?"

"Yes, Baron. Apparently some of the pooka and a few of the satyrs are having a negative reaction to the Baroness dictum?"

"How unfortunate for them."

"Shallimar appears to be taking the blame for it all... but there are those who are misusing this incident "

"At least, I think someone outside the court is egging this incident on to be worse than it was?"

His brow knits

August considers this a long moment, then asks almost reluctantly "How so?"

"Well, most of them understand the Baroness being upset, some even want to apologize to Miss Zara for not considering her feelings more. A few thought the dictum was overboard when orders would have been obeyed regardless, but most realize that The Baroness CARES for her friends , passionately. That sort of thing? And I thought it was settling... but then," A frown "It seemed they went out to let the Baroness and themselves cool off, but they've come back more rebellious. More angry about it than before. That's not how it usually works, particularly for Satyress like Stevi. Satyrs tend to heat up fast then cool down"

"Hm."

"The dictum seems to be the real sore point that comes up again and again. BUt some of the gossip that has come in with it seems out of character. Mutterings about how she's gone tyranical, or that maybe it's Bedlam? Steward Delores is curbing THAT Nonsense when she hears of it, but it persists"

August's eyes are going cold-gun-grey with anger. "Really."

"I don't understand it. I don't think malice is involved on any party in the hold, that's why I'm wondering someone isn't encouraging this from outside it. After the frame job on Shaliamr in the Duchy earlier, I have to wonder if this isn't something like that. I wasn't sure if I should have brought this to you when I barely understand it, my liege, but you're my lord so I felt it best to take it to you despite the concern it might cause. "

A slow exhale. August's temper is rarely seen but... yep, this is it. "Thank you Tyler. You make an excellent point. I will take it up with Coradel. You may need to speak with her."

Indeed, the cold ire even has eve his squire, who trusts August with his life, nervous and backing up "Yes, my liege. I'm sorry to bring such talk... and yes, at her pleasure or yours" A bow "Do you have any regular duties for me in the mean time?"

"Keep your ears open."

"Then I'll get back to the gossip now" A bow . It's not his favorite part of being a boggan, but it is part of him

August nods his thanks.

And his squire departs

August settles back to work, measuring his breath and his temper.

And then, a knock

"Who is it?" he asks, uncharactristically.

"Steward Delores" She says "If this is a bad time I can come back later" She assures through the door

"Come in."

She enters, with a bit of food and drink for him "You can say no to the meal, but you do have a tendency to skip them when you get focused" She closes the door behind her "Also I hoped to talk"

He stands. "Of course. Allow me?" he offers to take the tray "I do tend to lose track and try to live on tea. Speaking of which, will you have some?" he offers to serve.

She hands it over, "Thank you, and of course, Baron. I couldn't help but notice your squire come in. Being a boggan it's not hard to guess he's passed on gossip to you. I hoped to get your thoughts"

August pours her a cup of tea, and after asking fixes it as she prefers before reclaiming his seat.

"My thoughts?"

"Yes, " She says

He takes a careful bite as he thinks.

"I will speak with Coradel about what Tyler has said. She may speak with him herself, of course. It may be that the humiliation they suffered was not enough for those two and further steps will be needed."

"Those two?" THAT catches her off guard "Which two are we speaking of?"

He describes the event with some surprise; he assumed she'd heard about the two who attempted to oust Coradel by creating friction between her and the Duchy.

OOC I think?

BIC: "Oh those two.. oh my. I hadn't considered that but they do seem the most likely"

"As they were kicked out by their former liege they have good reason too"

"They were?"

"OH yes... I took the liberty of keeping track of the gossip in other areas, well, Innish helped, Heralds often make fine spies in their way. And I suspect Miss Zara's eyes are on them. Though this close to Thanksgiving it makes sense they could have a window of opportunity. Mmph says a lot that the only two of them who want them for a meal now is each other. I'm not saying it's definitely them but you're right they have more reason than most"

He stands, half the meal gone. "Will you come with me to see Coradel now?"

"If you like" She says "Though we don't have conclusive proof of anything"

"No matters." and he leads her to the Baroness.