#elsewhere

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Elsewhere in Earth Runes, a different time, Minerva seeks out the Baron

He is, as usual, in his study. Studying.

"Baron," She wears plainer dresses now, a peasant blouse, still fetching but the irony that much of her voile seems to have changed to that mold has not been lost on her, "Have you a moment?"

"Of course." he stands, closing his book.

"Please come in. Will you take a seat?"

She bows when she comes in, then sits down, "Thank you, Baron." A breath "How did you stand it?"

"Stand... what?"

"How did you stand being a titleless sidhe? I know you earned much of it back, by deed, and more, but how did you stand being the least of the least. At least the other kith's worth isn't determined by their ranking. A non sidhe commoner can be a worthy member of society and much beloved. Someone sees a troll knight they praise him or her for the effort usually, a pooka knight all the more, he or she must be VERY brave, exceptional. A sidhe commoner.. it's.. more like 'what's wrong with her'. what bad thing did she do?"

August nods his head back to her bow, and sits following her. And at her explanation, he's quiet a moment.

"Pragmatically. Humbly. Gratefully." he responds finally.

"I'm having a hard time being grateful" Minerva admits "Pragmatic is all that's holding me together"

He nods. "It's possible you'll need to find your own way. Know that you are not alone."

"Thank you. I'm aware. There's, kindness in many, but I've also met some who ... they seem to enjoy my humbling. Was I really such a bitch that I deserve the snickers?"

"Ah." August frowns "That sort of behavior... would you tell me who?"

"No, I.. dont' want a reputation for rushing to a true noble and tugging at their sleeve every time someone's mean to me" She shakes her head.

August nods slowly. "I understand." he genuinely seems to understand, too.

"Although, I might take issue with the phrase 'true noble'." he says with a gentle smile.

"By deed or not, you are" She points out

"I am titled, yes. True nobility, I think, is not based on that."

"There is one point, I think, that might make a large difference in how we individual cope, or coped, with our situations."

"And that is?" She asks

"I don't believe I ever had a real expectation of a title at my Saining."

"Perhaps.... a distant, wistful hope but..."

"You knew you'd come in titleless? " Now she looks intrigued, "Maybe some latent remembrance of your past punishment."

"Not.... -knew.- But the idea I might have a title was never.... -real- to me."

(Unpause)

"See? I was so looking forward to it"

"I thought I would be maybe a baroness... and would be a better choice than Hume. I was so arrogant"

"There is wisdom in that experience." August points out.

"in being arrogant?"

The baron takes a moment before he responds. "In knowing what your ambitions are?"

"ah," She stops "Perhaps in my case they were one in the same. I was an opportunist and the Dreaming took the opportunity I thought a given. I was entitled but not titled"

"Perhaps." gently.

"Now I have to deal with the hopes there is purpose beyond humiliation to my lack of tile. The baroness says this could be a gift, a great mystery, if only I look at that way."

"The Baroness is wise in this."

"Yes, but sometimes wisdom seems very unsatisfying"

"I suppose I need to learn waht doors are open and stop worrying about the ones that are closed. But the ones that are obviosuly open don't seem appealing"

"How do you mean?"

"Well, I need to get a position here to stay. My time as a fledge as done, my three days long since gone. I could ask Steward Delores if I can be a made, but it's not very appealing. I've had my things packed for a week "

"Minerva... you are welcome here. As part of our home."

"As a charity, a very kind one but that will just add more to the disdain I feel from some others, and perhaps to the disdain I feel for myself. I need to find some way to contribute"