#earthrunes

And Coradel must navigate it all

It's inconvenient, but amusing. At least, these are her thoughts as she helps Shalimar manage his bells.

"I was warned the bells toll for me, but did I listen?" He tuts at himself then says "Thank you, Baroness. Every the true bell of the ball yourself." As he is freed.

She gives him a gracious curtsy in thanks. "My darling Shalimar, that actually gives me an idea. It's well past time that we've had a proper ball here, and certain holidays are fast approaching."

"I see, shall I prepare the Dad Joke list? It's growing like you wouldnt believe," He assures her

She takes a patient breath before smiling. "By all means. I'm sure it will find its audience. And...well, as it will fall to me to play Jester for Carnival, I might need the material."

"We shall need a theme."

"Mmm," Shallimar ponders "How political do you wish to get ?"

"I won't shy away from the current themes, but I also don't want it to become maudlin. Hmmm..." Then a blink. "ICE fishing? Perhaps?"

A wink "Or some games involving the crushing of it?"

"Indeed." She's still savoring the unseelie flavors of this time of year, so her grin is the tiniest bit feral.

She notices that a shadow is behind her. A small one... trying to hide.

Shalimar is either unaware, or perhaps happy to play along with the would be sneak.

She doesn't let on, but she does begin walking down the hallway while talking to Shalimar. Her pace is slow...a small one trying to keep up would be able to do so fairly easily, if they're attentive.

"If it were Samhain, I'd consider having some representatives of that specific organization as 'guests.'"

And so someone does... it's not A sluagh, or Squire Nelson ...those are more skilled than this.

"We ARE allowed to crown someone hard," Shallimar points out "But then they'd be in charge. May haps a victim not a victor?"

"Oh, certainly a victim in need of a bit of respite and joy. And power."

Nema Eventide has not yet learned to avoid reflective materials so Baroness Coradel can spot her in a few of them. The girl is very curious and almost certainly Eiluned.

"What was that?" Coradel acts as if she heard something behind her and turns...but slowly enough that Nema can scoot to keep behind her, if she chooses.

She does..and holds up a finger to her lips to Shailmar who is no squealer and plays along. The childling manages not to giggle.

"Oh the wind likely a very adorable wind," Shailmar shrugs.

"Hm. I could have sworn I heard something. Ah well..." And she turns again to keep walking, as before. Shalimar receives a wink.

The pooka says "I hear a lot of things. Perhaps tintinutus? ANyway... we were speaking of the perfect victim... one to teach an ICE hole his place."

The girl follows, but she grows curious now about skulking, but the question raised of who should be carnival queen or king.

"One who has had a tussle with them, or who has a relative who has been troubled by them. One with spirit, though, I think. One who will not shy away from a bit of play."

"Can I rely on you, Dear Shalimar, to arrange for somebody to locate such a potential monarch?"

"I could do it!" Nema says "But I'll need help, of course."

No longer caring that she was sneaking up.

"Oh, my!" Coradel steps away and feigns a fairly good startle. "How long were you there, you sneaky thing?!"

She beams "Longer than you think I hope, Baroness." She curtseys though, "Can I pick the king or queen of Carnival? I know just where to get them to get the theme."

"You do? Where would that be?"

Rather primly the girl says "The Phelps County, that is the mortal County, ICE detention center, it's not so far from here and COULD Be banal, but I think breaking one of their wrongffully taken prisoners would be an excellent queen or king don't you?"

Shalimar chokes "Oh yes, let's... let's do that. What could go wrong?" His eyes bug out a bit.

"I...think, perhaps, that might be a bit more labor-intensive than necessary. Though not, in itself, a terrible idea for a larger quest."

"Oo poo, then someone who is on ICE's list or in danger?" She suggests.

"That seems much more sensible. And perhaps Hume could help you access that list." Which, she reflects, he may already have done.

Hume HAS been active online about this. He finds DHS' 'security' and obvious fake outs offensive on all sorts of levels. / Nema says "I'll go ask him for help, if that's okay?" She curtseys.

A courtly nod in return. "By all means. Do inform me what you find out."

She races off. Shaillmar takes Coradel's arm "Now," He says "About the decorations, My beloved could make laces that look just like..."

And off the two go, as Shaillmar, in his round about way, suggests laces that look like flames and melting ice

(End Scene)