#elsewhere

Baron Doiléir Rathmist ap Eiluned feels glorious. Samhain is closing in, and the Barony of High Reeds maybe harder to control, but has also become more interesting. Even the mortal student body seems to adhering to an unseelie code without realizing it

Productivity and study maybe done for some, but others are finding new passions unrestrained and this leads to creative outbursts

While a certain sluagh is vigilant about her chimera...

Oh the tithe has passed, and...then some. The Chimera are safe...well, if anything can be safe. Bronte reads and seems to have forgotten her trauma.

A gwydion apologized for intruding on the household.

But continues to investigate the baron himself.

How she's faring with the Unseelie urges her House would deny..hard to say

Well... Samhain will come to all

Her neighbors are acting more rambunctuous... a certain satyress has flirted with Earl...but she flirts with everyone and doesn't press too hard. Jacob has been a true pain in the ass, but as a brother that's his job. Thankfully, cotton candy oils still make him recoil.

And Zara has learned more. There are shady dealings at the Pocket both terrible and wonderful... but she has learned even they have standards. No slavery ,and items that enforce slavery on fellow kithain are frowned on

Good for them. For if there were...

Yes, well, yes.

She also has a visitor, one quite welcome. Clem DeBuke, Chieftain and beloved cuz to Earl.

And bringer of news.

"Where to begin" Clem says "You want to know about the Dragon Skallstryke, the stuff going on in Mexico, or..well, hostess choice"

An elegant eyebrow. "Yes."

"Hand me another one of those little cookies and maybe I'll fess up," Clem sips the tea she's been given. It's not her preference, but she knows Zara prefers things done properly, and information exchange goes best with tea. Besides, that drop of lemon and honey is really good

And the cookies are fresh and delicate little confections

"I almost feel dainty eating these. But I am not telling Cadman. He'd tease no end." A mmph, then she says "Well, Caesar having knocked up no one but THREE Kinain girls has a lot of folks grumbling about satyrs. Way I see it, they're grown women. Sides, he's gonna provide for the children when they arrive."

"They made choices. And a few satyrs about will liven up the farm."

"Well we have one, childling though. Ariel? Sweet girl. " A nod "Pardon me for starting with farm affairs first. Looks like the nobles are backing off some...cept for a few... Eiluned are just not able to help themselves. " A shake of her head, But the Scathach have been polite and we've allowed them to sleep at the farm now and then for cover. Modernest house, works for us. Biggest news is the Dragon. How much have you heard about that trouble?"

"We saw him, I believe."

"On quest."

"Oh right... sorry. " A nod "Earl mentioned that... and that Clurichaun ... sweet girl by the way. Yeah, well, it gets more clear, but not better. We need three ... a Mountain, A Storm, and a Hearth to do battle on behalf of all. They could die, but if we send scores and scores of trolls they surely will. Legand and omens alike confirm."

A bite of her lip, "Rivervale's going to send Chieftain Brekke. I ask myself who is most powerful of ours and... " A a cough "I'll be sending Emmit"

Zara frowns.

"Allow me to aid him."

"Aye? I am a better soothsayer than he is."

"Zara, omens indicate only trolls can defeat this fellow. It's why they can't just tell Hemlock to get off his ass"

"Fine. And I may aid him, I may smooth the skein..."

"Well, you can't BE There when he fights, but I'll ask him what he thinks of you girding his da'an" Clem lowers her face, "I maybe sending him off to die."

"Fine kinfolk I am mm?"

"Thou art the Chieftain."

"Yeah." She says "I wanted the job, didn't I?"

"But I will do all in my power. And so shall you."

"that's true" She admits, "Well, if they fail, then the dragon comes on Samhain.. picks a lodge, and wipes it off the face of the Autumn world. Good news is those plucky little wilders at Rivervale got their hands on some sort of lance... to match the sword Vali got, and arrow Hearth Kerri got. Dragonbane weapons every one. He'll feel it"

And she relates the tale as she heard it second hand regarding the Dragon lance.

Zara may feel pleased for she taught Gerd tea, and Siv and she have adventured

"So - bless the weapons. Bless the fighters." A frown. "And when all is done - pray."

"Lot of that," She nods, "It's eating me up. Cadman says pretty much what you said... a chieftain who can not choose who to send is no chieftess at all.. .and I am right to make the hard choices and everyone understands. "