#elsewhere

Thea, out and about at a mini golf area, while Vali, Tiffany, Adelaide and she play... with young Theon watching.

It is possible there's several thanes nearby ready to take out any threats

It is 100% definite there are guards and thanes aplenty, plus a captain of the guard.

Meaning the whole place has likely been reserved!

Tiffany says "Just one of the regular joes we are"

Theon is not yet two years old, but eyes bright, he claps at the whirling windmill

Theon Brek.. just one e one k.... Gardener... the name was SO good until that bit in the middle

Akanthea seems a bit puzzled by the whole thing, but she takes some instruction.

Ack, Flee the Dread Sovereign

"It's like golf, for those with ADHD," Vali explains "And no long game. Thanks for seeing us. We should visit more but it's been superbusy"

"Has it?" with fondness

"Mountain Duties, Teaching Duties, and sometimes I actually get to write. Apparently my job includes record keeping...which is ironic if you remember my sad attempts at early penmanship?" Vali smiles

Tiffany leans against him happily "For the longest time I thought you'd been trained to write in code"

Adelaide looks sympathetic at that. Her own calligraphy classes were challenging at first

"Mmmm...." she nods.

"How have you been?" Vali inquires as he lines up for his shot. There is a creative sense of whimsy in the course, a nocker kind of energy

"Mm?" She looks over as if she missed his question.

Lady Sage, her ... well, advisor? Personal bodyguard? Something more? Leans in and murmurs to her.

Vali masks his concerns with a trollish stoic natur

Adelaide however smoothly interjetcts while Thea gets updated "Oh it's been grand, Sir Vali. There is preperation for Beltaine. I've been allowed to assist"

"Yes." with a sigh "Beltaine and a return to Talon's Rest." with disinterest.

"I really don't know Talon's rest so well," Vali admits "Been a few times. I take it you prefer New Agengard?"

"Of course. It is where my memories are. But, needs must."

Tiffany's ears perk at the memories word but she puts a smile on her face "Oh yeah, having a summer and a winterhome sounds rough"

Akanthea lifts an eyebrow. "As a part of the change of seasons."

Ack, Flee the Dread Sovereign

Tiffany bows a bit at that, no harm meant to her former liege, "Damsel does have fond memories of New Agengard"

"I do," Vali smiles as they move to the next 'course' this one resembling a star pattern ... mmm some mystical accuracy in here

The Countess (No need to Flee) regards, and kens it.

Within the star shape are tripple spirals, the five points around three spirals make an interesting and challenging 'course' to get the ball up, but also denote a kind of balance within a balance.

It is not strong in glamour, but could easily be used for bunks for soothsay and weather working

"Who rules here?" quietly, but for her party's ears.

She lifts her eyes, scanning the grounds, kenning for Fae.

Adelaide says "We're in the Barony of Heart's Fording I believe," Then lower "Aberdeen Maryland"

Vali says "I thought it fell under your domain?"

Thea's kenning is cultured, cultivated, and precise. Her guard have 'secured' this area, but not too far she can 'feel' another fae soul, active and awake

Gripping her club, she walks away, seeking.

Lady Sage is her shadow.

And habit being what it is, Tiffany falls after with professionl war stance

She sees a hunched over figure.. the voile is a tattered cloak and cowl and whoever they are, that person is moving further back into shadows

The Countess of Charm has little difficulty following and finding this one.

Indeed, this is HER domain, she knows , feels every inch.

They corner the figure trying to get to the gates

"Stop." a mild suggestion from Akanthea with the force of a command, albeit gentle "Who are you?"

Once you go Skunk, all other women are junk

Lady Sage has taken a watchful, defensive position, scanning the perimeter.

The figure stops, and turns, teeth and glare... a scrawny old crone of a redcap has a very withering look indeed "Name's Arsenik"

"Hello, Arsenic. I am Countess Akanthea of Charm. There are my court. What do you here?"

Once you go Skunk, all other women are junk

Arsenik grumbles and bends her knees stiffly and slightly, enough to bow kind of, she knows she's out numbered "I'm a grump, mostly I scream at clouds and make life unpleasant for folks. Retired if you mean a mortal job"