#elsewhere

And so, brave Thistle goes out!

Adventure!

Sure enough, thanes are stationed at certain locations, and nod as she passes by on her way to the trods.

She's going all the way, holy snot. Directions and hope! And, perhaps a flame thrower (But that's optional)

Not the BIG flame thrower....

that might be gauche.

She ripples through the trods... more confidently than she used to. She finds herself exiting with company by her side. Another kithain girl dressed as a firebrand

"I know that's SO true," The Boggan girl blinks then looks about "What were we talking about?"

Citrine seems sure, at least.

"I... forget?"

"Oh, well, we're here" While the hold of the Duke of the Golden Sigil is USUALLY at Buffalo, they have arrived at his Winter hold in Manhatten, closer to the pulse of the Kingdom as a whole.

"You think we'll see the king?"

"Probably not, the firebrands here pass on from the others" She says and looks about "This is just Duke KEladans' Winterhold. Used to, you could go to Tara for it... the King's been more reserved since his kidnapping though. We pick up the fires from here. A shame, I would love to meet the High King"

Sigh.

"Yeah. That's a disappointment."

"He's an amazing man" A voice booms in greeting. A troll in fine garments approaches

Duke Kelodin has a fine crown and all the markings of a duke

"I didn't furkin' mean the KING was a disappointment, I just... Aw, CANKLES."

"SO sorrry, Your Grace, we... " the Boggan wilder, what was her name? Started with a D... "we find this a great honor..."

The Duke chuckles at both. He's a silverhaired troll, very old, but no weaker with age.

"We have here over a dozen fires ready to go towards your holds. Who are you, and where are you from?" He asks

"I'm Thistle - Thistlethwaite S Fulcanelli, of Silver Wolf."

"Dyna Woodley. Haventide Hold" Says the boggan

"I've heard of both holds," the Duke nods, "Silverwolf has been most active this last year and i hear wonderful things of it's hawks and hounds and horses. And..." A knowing look "of some very inventive folks there." A look at the Boggan "And Haventide Hold shows that a commoner mews trusts us enough to share our flames, and gives due honor. I welcome you both, please, follow me and I'll give you your charges"

"Well, and you're a commoner Duke, so there's that."

"Met a troll Baroness once."

"There are many who wish it wree not so" The Duke says "Which troll baroness did you meet?"

"Um. Not Breakfast."

"Aussie Breakfast. Brekkie."

THe troll turns, looking at her "Brekke of House Gwydion? The one tied to the Autumnsbane? I heard she had founded a lodge. My word, her name came up a lot .. the poor woman was dragged everywhere keeping Hemlock alive"

"She's a Gwydion, yeah! Jousts something fierce, though."

The Fiona duke nods, giving a troll smile "Well, that's welcome news. Outside my Duchy I understand, but Gardens needs all the help it can get." A jersey joke from the New York stater, not a surprise

Snort-grin.

A chuckle from Dyna

Into the great hall they go, it's full of dark marbel alcoves, most reflective, and in each one, balefire lanterns glimmering with unclaimed blue fire

"Dude..."

"The Alcoves were polished by nockers and boggans, and enchanted for preservation. The Lanterns? they're custom made as well" the Duke nods "Firebrand Thistle, come forth and kneel"

A glance over at Dyna before she approaches the Duke.

He nods for her to kneel, "Not for service to my rank, but for this sacred duty and our shared humility before the dreaming"

She bobs her fiery head once in acknowledgement before dropping down on one knee.

And, he takes the Lantern from the Alcove, and holds it before her "Imbolc, we celebrate, that hope and light go on! Let's follow Brighid's example, crafting new poems and new steel! Let's rekindle the flames of Bale and Candles. To this task, I charge you, I honor you, and name you Firebrand of Silverwolf. Return with hope and light and renewel, so the days may grow long again and Spring find its way"

"Furk yeah."

The fire which blazed brightly but with little reaction beyond patience, seems to perk up with more attitude, perhaps already reflecting what is given . The lantern is passed to her, "Rise and go then, Firebrand. Trailblazer. Tender of the Sacred." And he kneels not to her, but to the flame now in her hands

Despite the profanity that comes so easily to her lips, she handles the lantern with care and reverence.

It feels VERY important to hold

The Duke rises, "On your way, good firebrand. Tell your lieges we remember Silverwolf"

Dyna whispers "it was nice meeting you. If you're ever in the area, visit our hold. Good luck"

"I will! You too!"

Dyna beams, even as her name is called forth