#elsewhere

"Ahem, I have excellent taste in Fiona pupils" Bachdion tuts, "Now, come my dears, let me introduce you. Dame Chareen, this is Baroness Coradel, Baroness Coradel, this is Dame Chareen. I taught Chareen even before I taught you, Coradel. She's a fine swordswoman and surprisingly dangerous at board games."

"Indeed? Dame Chareen, such praise from Bachdion speak volumes. I'm very pleased to meet you."

"The same, and I've heard of you, House sister," A smile "Quite the reputation as a force in the House. Brava. "

A pleased nod. "Thank you so much. Now, Dame, I know I strain the boundaries of good manners, but I'm afraid time is an issue. We must request an audience with your Baroness."

"Please, follow me. I'll lead you right to Baroness Alyvia. When we Lionesses are too busy to play, then it means a hunt is underway" She recites a phrase Coradel has heard herself.

"Ah, you remembered," Bachdion smiles and follows

A smile to Bachdion. "Much about you is memorable, Teacher-Mine."

She follows.

"He does DRILL the lessons into one" Chareen smirks. They come to a lovely sun room that seems open to the sides with greenery invading the interior. There is another sidhe, wearing a coronet of silver leaves, and a lovely long sleeved gown. She's sipping tea and reading a book on herbology

A bell-like laugh at Chareen's joke, which probably precedes them all into the sun room. Once within, Coradel stands, poised, waiting to be introduced.

The baroness turns as Charreen coughs "Baroness, we have guests. One is Sir Bachdion, my old mentor. And this is..."

"DION!" The Baroness rises and gives a kiss to Bachdion.

Charreen's turn to look surprised

Coradel's expression goes from formal to amused. Well, we all have a common denominator, it seems.

"AHemm" The knight says looking amused now herself

"Oh Bachdion, THEM too?" The Baroness smiles after she parts

"I'm nothing if not dutiful" Bachdion assures

"And dedicated," Coradel adds, then she offers the Baroness a curtsey.

The Baroness returns it "Do forgive. I'm married now, but I do remember the baron fondly. I'm Baroness Alyvia, and you are... Baroness Coradel?"

"Yes, and it's delightful to meet you, House-Sister. Please forgive us for arriving unannounced, but we're here on a matter of some urgency."

"Ah, can I at least get you some apple cider so we can drink while we talk?"

"Oh, yes! I've heard such wonderful things about your orchards!"

At that, the woman preens, as much as Coradel might when folks praise her stables, "They're the joy to my heart, but alas, you spoke of urgency" She snaps her finger and Pineworthy appears with apple cider for all. She thanks him "You read my mind, Pineworthy, thank you"

"Thank you," Coradel says, accepting the glass of cider and taking a sip.

If one likes Apple Cider, it must be said it is among the best. If one doesn't, well, it's tolerable.

Is it alcoholic?

Nope

Good thing she genuinely enjoys cider whether it's hard or not. "Mm! What a bright flavor! Is this from this year's harvest, or last's?"

"Lasts" She admits with a smile and goes on a bit about the vintage

Coradel listens and nods and makes appreciative noises as she sips. This is not the moment for her to interrupt.

Indeed, the baroness of this place seems to have forgotten 'urgency'

If she goes on too long, Coradel gives Bachdion a glance. Perhaps he can intervene?

Fortunately, the Dame does "My liege... forgive me, but as a knight I'm more curious about matters of action in the here and now, and there was an 'urgency'?"

The Baroness blushes delicately "I did get caught up. I often do. Now, please, Baroness Coradel, tell me what brings you and our mutual mentor here?"

Coradel nods graciously. "I completely understand about getting caught up in one's passions. But as to the matter at hand...well, I am no eshu, but it is an interesting tale...." She doesn't go into all the details of the fledges, but only tells of the little freehold that is welcoming a new fledge, and the rude lordling who insulted Coradel along with the freeholder. "He has threatened to return and set a member of his holding in place of the freeholder, claiming the freehold as his own holding. Now, you must understand, this freeholder...well, she is a commoner, but she is as bold and passionate about her work as either you or I. I think you'd like her a great deal."

"I've heard of her, but alas, her hold is not in my barony" A tisk "I confess, my 'peer' is a bore, but he has the stronger claim"

"But it is NOT his hold, and I think they'd seek at least an alliance, would that not be more allowable?" Bachdion points out.

"mmmm perhaps" The Barones ssays

"I understand I am sticking my nose into the business of lands outside of my own, but house-sister to house-sister, I think this freehold has a great deal of potential if it could only claim a strong influence, such as yourself, as an ally."

"I admit, my interests are more aboreal these days... do you think they could help with that?" She inquires

"I think it's worth investigating. And I think that if it would help protect their little balefire, they'd be very motivated to learn. I'm sure, though, that you mean fair work for fair exchange? This other baron seems like the type who would exploit the less-powerful, but if you are a student of Bachdion's, then I have every confidence that that would not be your method."

"Of course not" She frowns "Fiona are beloved by commoners because we respected their passion and free hearts. Frankly, I would love to turn more over to representives so I could focus on my trees." She ponders this "But I do need real politik as an excuse as well to do this"

"The Zoo, Baroness" The Dame says "What of the chance of unusual non native trees that might appear in the animal areas?"

"Oh! A bontanical-garden aspect. Yes, I think that would make excellent sense!"

"Will you help back my play, Baroness? " Alyvia DOES Look tempted "I can get further if you show House Fiona is united in this"