#elsewhere

"My own well being is fine" Ruzgala says "This was never about me. Nor did I claim so."

"I might argue that point, but regardless...you have made an outlay of funds for the travel so far, and intend to do more. Lady Lucky Louise, Ruzgala, I would like to see if we can come to an agreement about what is right and what is fair. However, we've got to do so quickly, before the baron gets the ear of the duke."

"Fandango is still here?" Lucky looks about

"Hidden" the troll says

"Now...tradition and practice in Concordia dictate that a chrysalid must be brought to the nearest balefire, be it noble-held or commoner mews. With this many fledges, there are likely to be a range of holds near the location of their dream dances. My argument is that they should go to the closest, regardless. Ruzgala, it sounds like your argument is that they should go only to commoner holds, regardless of proximity. Am I right?"

"My view is that nobleholds have seized, by hook or crook, 8 out of every 10 fledges to the point of starving mews of any chance of mentoring. The noble holds practice ritual indoctrination" The Eshu says

"Hear hear" The troll mutters

"And you wish to be an agent of...redistribution?"

"Some might call it restitution, " Ruzgala answers "What are you trying to guide this too, Coradel?"

"I'm figuring that out as I go, but I think I have an idea. Now, I agree, some nobles go out of their way to poach fledges who should start their journeys with commoner holds. It's not something I've asked my thanes to do, but I know it happens. But you see how easily you were mistaken for a trafficker rather than a liberator?"

"Operating alone is risky, for yourself, for your fledges, and for their potential freeholders."

"The fact you CALLED me that says more about your judgement that MY actions in my opinion"

A hurumph

Lucky says "Ruzgala, hear her out"

"Go on then" Ruzgala motions

"I think my judgment was based on the best information I had at the time. I understand differently now. And...I think I'd like to help. Again, doing this on your own is risky, and it is not enough to make a dent. Also, it means that you are wrongfully taking fledges away from noble holds when that is where their dream dance put them." She taps a finger to her lips a few moments, then smiles. "If we can agree to adhere to the closest-balefire rule, I'd like to see if I can help support a larger-scale effort to prevent the poaching."

"Thank you, but I decline" Ruzgala says "Pass on charity to the small commoner holds themselves instead. Right now I have others to attend to and it is not fair to them to negotiate while they wait"

A surprised blink. "I am trying to do the right thing, Ruzgala, and to help beyond your individual abilities."

Ruzgala says "I believe you believe you," She continues as she walks to the door "But I don't think I'm so limited, save when someone meddles in my work. Unless you plan to abdicate and follow me around for years, I don't think that wiwll continue. Still, if you're more sensitive to commoner hold plights than before, this was not a complete waste I suppose."

"Well..." Coradel stands and speaks evenly to her retreating back. "I suppose I will have to take the initiative to do the right thing without your help." A quick glance to Bachdion.

Bachdion mmmphs "The Baroness is a Fiona, and many of the silver lion have pushed hard for more commoner representation"

Coradel says to Bachdion, "Don't bother her with evidence, her mind is made up." Then she turns to Lucky. "I have your word of honor that you will bring Fandango to the hold closest to his dream dance? I am happy to fund the venture so you need not dig into your budget."

"THat's very kind," Lucky says "And we will likely take you up on that. we'll get him there" She assures "I won't give an oath but you do have my promise, if that's good enough?"

"It is. But we may no longer stay...we must visit my House-kin." A respectful half-bow. "My apologies for the disruption to...well...everything. If I can make it up to you in the future, please reach out to me at EarthRunes." Then she looks to Bachdion again. "I believe time is of the essence, Teacher-Mine?"

From outside there is a yell of pure frustration "BITCH!"

Bachdion mutters "She noticed the others are gone"

A final word to Lucky Louise, "You have my word I will do as I have said. Shall we?" she says, putting a hand on Bachdion's arm.

Lady Luck says "I can't say this went how I wanted, but your heart is good and we'd not have been able to throw off the baron without you. Thank you, Baroness, I'll send word to you about Fandango"

Bachdion takes her arm in return "Lovely hold. Thank you all" And escorts Coradel when she's ready

Coradel is very much hoping that Bachdion still has the juice to bamf them away. A nod that, yes, she is indeed ready.

Bachdion chants under his breath "One two three .."

And as an Angry Eshu approaches, they vanish

Coradel resists the urge to blow her a kiss as they depart.

SO much willpower required!

(End Scene, perhaps tbc)