#elsewhere

**********

August finds himself with Ivan and of course, Bachdion

At the Ducal Freehold

August's phone buzzes. A text with images: Share these with Bachdion and Dame Bludwen. I'm on my way back. ❤️ The images are photos of Ivan's phone screen with the incriminating messages.

Ivan calls out "Help, I'vee been kidnapped by a Shadowcourt thug and his sidekick"

August takes off his sunglasses and looks to see who's in the area, and who might have heard.

"Sir, I'm not sure this individual understands that he can choose to remain silent for his own sake." calmly.

Bachdion overs the mouth "Right, how do we explain this to the thanes?"

"With the truth."

"Of course' He says and Thanes approach them

"What's going on here? This is a hold, a place of Safe haven" A troll scowls

"Peace, Thane. I am Baron Truthbranch, and I need to see Dame Bludwen. She is expecting us."

He speaks with calm assurance.

A pause, "Ah, yes, I've heard of you, of course, Baron, but this is...highly irregular'

"Dame Bludwen can explain it," Bachdion assures

And suddenly he's holding a squirming cat

"Please take us to her." August says to the troll.

"Please" Bachdion says as he's scratched at

"THis way, my lord of the broken tree" The Thane says and guides them in

"I don't suppose there's a sack nearby?" August observes the helpless struggle as they walk.

"This is HIGHLY Unusual, Baron. I'm not even sure I should be taking your side in this" He says

"I understand, Thane, and thank you for your dedication to duty."

At TAHT Mention the Thane grumbles, perhaps feeling pegged and asks a servant "Can we have a bag , please?"

The servant nods and departs, returning with a sack

"And have you seen Dame Bludwen?" He adds

"I have not. " The boggan says "I'm afraid I've been too busy giving drinks to Baroness Coradel.She is really putting it away"

Bachdion blinks

As does August. "Ah. Where, ah, where could I find my... ah... Baroness Coradel?"

"She's outside of the hold, a bit dangerous , she could get a drunk and disorderly... near the grove near the park?"

August looks bewildered and torn but ... turns to Bachdion. "Sir, will you give me your charge, there, and go to... ah, her? Be careful. You understand?"

Bachdion says "If you're sure," He offers the cat in the bag

He takes the bag with care, but firmly. "I am. Be on guard. We will contact you as soon as possible."

"Be in touch, let us know where you find her."

"I will" he says

And heads out at a satyr racing speed

"Lead on, Thane. Time is now of the essence."

And they search

August, outwardly calm and implacable, wastes no time in lingering or chatting; Dame Bludwen or bust!

And.. has no luck finding her, but he does get a text from Bachdion

TXT: Mylord, found Bludwen. Coming in.

"Thane, I have word on the Dame's whereabouts." says the Sidhe with the struggling sack of cat "Take me to the entrance, please."

The Thanee gives him a Long suffering look

"Quickly." his silver eyes are sharp, intent.

And the thane obeys They go out, and Bachdion is with Coradel? But Coradel wasn't wearing that, and her red hair is back

Bachdion however, looks at August and mouths quickly 'Bludwen'

"Damn." August says, perhaps startling Bachdion. "Dame? Are you well?"

"What's going on here?" The thane says to the 'baroness' whoo just got called a Dame

"A plot, Thane, that you will be a key part of unraveling."

A sigh from the Dame who looks like a baroness "Your wife was righta bout you, you can't obfuscate well" She whispers

August squints. He's seen a good amount of drunk people... does she seem drunk?