#elsewhere

For the Baroness, it's as if the passages were clearly open and easy, and now she makes it so for the loyal firebrand. They come before the flames. Silverwolf does well , it thrives, but this time of year, the flames do seem a bit...tepid.

They need renewal

The Baron waits. He trusts their people to handle the trouble outside. For now, it is the fire he watches. A nod of respect to their firebrand, and he watches as his Baroness takes lead in Winter

The nocker cups the flame in her hand, and it dances in her palm as she transfers it to the Bale proper.

"Words are traditional, say what feels right from the heart" Nadeen advises

"Brighid reminds us there's light in the darkness, and fire brings new creation."

As she says this, for a moment, in the bridge of magic flame she sees an image of a smiling Brigid, pleased beyond words... the flame finishes it's travel, and the Bale Fire takes it in ...

And howls with delight, as it rises with strength!

A fresh grin breaks out!

Insight strikes her, as if maybe the Dream of a goddess of craft was pleased with some praise, or maybe it's agift from the bale? Maybe it's just the holiday's magic ? Maybe it's a reward of being a firebrand from the dreaming itself1

But she has ideas flow to her body and soul, and for a nocker, that means crafting!

A spark in her eyes, the grin pulling off to the side as wheels turn.

"You got here before Imbolc in plenty of time, there will be quite the grand celebration and you will be there for all of it" The Baroness beams with pride "there will be music, and food, and oh so much more."

Danica comes in, and bows, reporting to the Baron. Thistle can over hear words like "Thallian" "Captured" "Drugged me." "Fine now"

The Baroness is more focused on the fire, and on their firebrand "Thistle, gaze upon it, you did this. You restored the Balefire. WE are proud. " The sometimes frosty Varich has thawed completely it seems.

"Now, go to the kitchen, your favorite foods and such await... and we'll want to hear everything that happened that you remember" The Baroness says glancing now to the thane and Baron talking of a prisoner

"And not-cake!"

"Thanks, Your Ladyship!"

"Thank you, Firebrand Thistle." A nod "Enjoy your parfait. You earned every bite"

She bounces off to seek her just desserts.

And while Gwen and others talk to her, her mind is perhaps deservedly distracted! For she has dreams of fire, and what she can make with it!

(End Scene)