#elsewhere

"But at the same time I . I don't want to be one of those guys who adds to your workload if you're already full?"

"Most curious." He whispers. "It is said that those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it, however, as a scion of your own house, does knowledge of the past affect the portents for the future? Or just how one interprets them?"

"My own pondering aside, I must ask, are you interested in the rich history of Carthage, or here to learn of the current history being made on high?"

"To answer your ponderinng with my own view? My House is a secretive one, ,but I find knowledge grants insight that's useful in interpretation , and history in particular can shape cultural symbols which make frequent a vision"

Vali then continues "As for your question sans pondering? Honestly I came here for the former, but you make the second sound at least as intriguing. As I am the intruder, I will be glad to hear of what you are willing to sshare of either and thank you for it"

He gestures towards the chairs politely. "Would you take tea, or other refreshment?"

"I would be honored, though I hope my clumsy ignorance of your kith's ways doesnn't offend," He takes a seat "Tea would be welcome, Mister Aberdeen."

Soon there is tea to be had. Not rushed, that would be an offense to the tea, but neither prolonged, in respect for the visitor's time. An elegant, paper-thin bone china teacup for the Historian, and a rather standard looking coffee mug for Vali.

"No offense meant. I really must find a purveyor for proper teaware in larger sizes. I would fear that with one of my china cups you may be more concerned with it's fragility than enjoying the blend as is proper."

Sugar is set out, but no cream. In deference to the visitor, he takes his tea black in his dusty cup, rather than adding anything spoiled.

"None taken, "A touch of sugar is all

A small sip.

"Of Carthage, I could fill your ears, though but for a short while. Certainly not to the extent of it's Tunisian namesake, but we cling to what little heritage we may claim. Simple folk, living their lives without major ripples in the waters of fate. We are one of only twelve villages in the state of New York that still operates under a charter, you know. There have been fires that sought to destroy the town, but we persist."

A thin volume pointed to on a dusty bookshelf. A Brief History of Carthage, by one E. Aberdeen. "A copy can be procured, if you have true interest."

"I do" He admits "But I'll buy a copy if it's for sale , you have to make al iving after all" A nod "Yes, once Iroquois country I'm told or am I off a bit?"

"Iroquois, yes, but also Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga... Sometimes it is a shame that History is written by the 'victors', though I am loathe to call such a victory by modern understanding and sensibility. A rich pre-Colonial tapestry, torn down to make way for the newcomers."

"It is not for sale." He says with a thin smile, "But I will gift you a copy. It is enough that there is someone with interest."

"My thanks then," he answers honestly

"In sooth, it maybe time to seek retirement." He sips from his cup. "Time moves on, and the Winter Sun does not shine kindly on my kith."

"Ah, you speak of the Baroness Nadeen"

A sip

"Lady Nadeen, now Baroness of Silverwolf." He says, clarifying the title.

"That got out fast" he observes "I know that's a point of pride for your kith, but.. wow. I'm impressed"

"I have made it my business to keep on top of current events, especially such that may affect myself and mine own." He says, primly, and then offers, "...mayhaps there was also a certain Knight gone errant, celebrating with little discretion. I believe that shots were called for, betwixt herself and her Lapine companion."

"God bless satyrs" He observes with a snerk, then he says "Mister Aberdeen, I won't insult your intelligence. It'll take only a middling amount of research on your part, if that, to learn I'm from Rivervale lodge. The same lodge that fostered the Baroness. I hope that doesn't dampen the pleasure of my company?"

Another savor of a drink

"Ah. What brings you hence as such an... opportune time? That is, from the Baroness's view. Perhaps not so opportune from others." He asks, though his eyes drift to the Beaumayn emblem Sir Vali wears, as though that is answer enough.

"A car mostly" he answers , unable to stop his full humor "I can tell you that while she has her biases, she is... fairer than most Varich to your kith, which is small comfort given the low bar the rest of the house sets I admit. But I'll make you a deal, Mister Abernathy, one that might be of interrest to you"

His thin brows raise, and he sets his teacup down. "Oh? Is that so?" Clearly his curiosity piqued.

"Yes. It is possible that this area is not friendly to members of my House. Certain shadowy interests? Well, they and Beaumayn have rarely gotten along. If I give you a means on curtailing Varich excess , locally, would you be willing to alert me if one of my House siblings is in danger if any come through here? Perhaps even look out for them? Within reason"

Thin lips press together thoughtfully. "I would not decline such a means... no, in fact, I would be rather interested. Despite being of an age to retire gracefully, I am rather fond of my town, and my office. Would I had reason to stay in a modicum of safety, I would prefer it. We sluagh, once we become comfortable, are oft loathe to uproot."

"Trolls are not so different. I am only recently a graybeard, and already I feel a.. well, more affixed than every to my chosen home." Vali nods, thinking of Rivervale "I will trust you will be honorable in seeing to your side of things in the coin you feel is best. Indeed, the local sluagh denying the enemies of Beaumayn news of any of us visiting here would be a form of protection as strong any troll shield. " A breath "if Baroness Nadeen should ever let her bigotry grow abusive or tyrannical to your kind... " He hands over a phone number "Call this woman. Inform her of your concerns fairly and equitably, ask her for advice or perhaps even a lending of her voice if she thinks i would help"

He accepts the number. "I would know who it is I am calling, before I blindly place faith in an out of state number in exchange." The sluagh whispers, though still polite.

"More than fair, that is the number of our Hearth , Dame Kerri Davidson. She is among the rulers of our lodge, and had much influence on the fostering of Nadeen, as did the Chieftain, but of the two, I dare say the Hearth is more devious. We eeach of us have elders that can vex us no end no matter how high we rise in life, because we respect them, and worse , wish their respect in turn. I do not suggest you call that number lightly but should the Baroness's biases become unjust to a tipping point, Dame Kerri will either talk sense and curb the Baroness through lecture , shame, or sense... or find someone who will. "

"To be able to speak on behalf of, much less make even tentative claim to the Hearth's response or willingness to assist... I believe you mislead, a touch, Sir Vali, to claim that you are simply, 'Of Rivervale'." The Sluagh says... but he accepts the number, sliding it carefully into a folio.

"I accept your proposition."

"Humility is both a virtue, and a damn good form of protection in itself" Vali smiles just a bit, "And thank you. If you would like my number as well should you wish to pass news on my own Housemates in the area, I'd be happy to offer it as well. Alas, while the Baroness might respect me, I do not have the same pull with her"

"Both I will accept. Though, it would be a most interesting occurrence should the Baroness of Rivervale herself bestir to take the Baroness of Silverwolf into check. I do expect that there would be some reticence to accept such from the other House that claims sway."

"Oh, probably another reason I suggested Dame Kerri" A nod "Besides, the Chief is rather busy with local matters." He hannds over his number as well, "I do not promise this secures your place but I truly do believe it helps protect it. You seem a reasonable fellow. Now, the book you offer will tell me the mortal history of this area. However it occurs to me that if I heed you, I have a chance to hear of the kithain history here, recent and otherwise"

"There is soon to be a Saining, though it seems to be a private affair. A more likely opportunity would be the Auction that approaches. The guest list has cast a net of powerful and influential Fae. I suspect that if there is to be an announcement of her new Title and Status, it may be at such an event."

He sips his tea, and continues. "More to your earlier mention... It is rumored that a certain power who has of late... flown from this Barony, may have had dealings that were perhaps, shadowed in nature. There are prices to be paid for all knowledge, and though she is said to be a master of Chicanery, much of her work leads suspicion towards another Art... that of Delusion. Perhaps her debt had come due."

He sips at his tea. "Pure speculation, you understand, on my part. Rumours are plenty, but I do not expect an opportunity to have a direct ear into this freehold. Outside of the freehold, however? Shadows linger where inattention lies. You do well to watch your step, Sir Beaumayn." A warning, not a threat, based on the tone.

"Delusion?" he fights the urge to give a low whistle, so not to hurt his host's ears, "An art ripe for abuse. And.. "His brow knits "Her use of it explains much. I thank you for the warning as well. I suspect the Baron will be more attentive than before. Whether an Ailil will truly curb the.. shadows or not is hard to say. He's a complex man I hear"

"I knew of the Baron that was. Arrogant and prideful, though that may go without saying. Ten years restrained... what affect may that yet have? Shall he continue a life of quiet restraint and introspection? Or shall his earlier qualities re-emerge? It is yet to be seen. Perhaps the new Baroness will find that she has more than she bargained for, once the Sun brings his true self back to light."

A brow "mmm perhaps he drinks straight out of the milk carton. Don't tell me if he does by the way. I can't afford that level of secret" A bit of humor leaks out again "I think I see your point. I am no friend to.. a certain grroup of shadows, nor they friend to me. If they ever get too underfoo for your liking though. I might have allies in.. curbing them. As discretly as we may. As for the Baron? I hope he doesn't claim membership?"

A pause, and a tentative shake of his head. "Not that I have any reason to believe. His interests lead.. or at least, led towards Divination, Prognostication, and... they say, attempts to wend fate to his own desires. If he sought their support, it is not to my knowledge. In sooth, he has sought little other than privacy."

"Things may get more social soon," he says, and doesn't doubt the slaugh suspects it already "But perhaps not as social as a certain she dragon would have liked."

"What she would have liked is unlikely to have served any but herself."

"Or so one might say if they were given to speculation."

"One may wonder about the mews. Managing falcons, even.. or especially, of fae nature, can be a full time job. Perhaps they will dissolve their Falconry efforts and sell them off to other breeders and fanciers."

"But that again, is speculation, not history." He observes, and takes a moment, sipping tea, to consider. Reaching under his desk, into a drawer.. a hidden lock clicks, and the sluagh pages through a ledger.

"PErhaps a nnew falconerr will be needed"

"Bluebell, Pooka, lagomorph. Nominally seelie. Came to Silverwolf to escape mortal obligations... an arranged marriage by family."

Another page. "Briar, once called Beatrice. Adopted into the freehold after a 'Children's Home for for recalcitrant childlings' was disbanded. Unseelie..."

A third page. "Thanes Danica and Linnea, twins, as oft run in strong Troll lineage..." He trails off, and the book closes, a finger holding his page.

"Perhaps I bore you. Ah, one phone number, however welcome, can only trade for so much other information. Information is an acquired taste, much like tea. The value lies in the desires of the consumer."

"On the contrary, I find it most interesting, and.. I think I see why you value it. No noble exists in a vacuum. These are the people who will shape the lieges as much as the lieges shape them"

A small smile. "Perhaps when you have more to trade, we can discuss further."

"Ha" A grin at that soft laugh wolf teeth flashing "A fair point, Mister Aberdeen."

"Is there aught else I might assist you with, Sir Knight?"

"Probably more than I could reasonnably trade for sir, but the book and our existing deal will have to do" He offers a hand "At least for now. My thanks sir and i'll be out of your hair"