#elsewhere

"Please, call me Coradel. And I would hardly come to you with such a suggestion and then fade to the background! I will happily and publicly express my support and belief in such a venture."

"Of course, I also intend to make a financial contribution to the cause." Sip.

"That's very generous, and even for we Sidhe who often live comfortably, a sign of your confidence" Alyvia seems to approve further. "These people of this hold. You speak of them with admiration. But I had heard they were a commoner mews and proud of it. Are you sure I won't be seen as merely the lesser evil?"

"If they think that you intend to claim the hold as your own eventually, then yes, that's exactly how you'll be seen. And it may take some time for them to learn to trust entirely. You'll have to make assurances that this is an alliance, not an acquisition."

"Actually, an Alliance suits me better anyway. I want people who can stand on their own, as long as no one else is yanking the rug under them as it were. But your warning is appreciated. I don't like the role of the villainess, For one, I have too much pride in myself and my House for that. For another, black is SO Not my color"

"Well then! It's settled! We should probably have you make a direct appearance there to discuss it with the freeholder. And it will have to be soon. Otherwise, Baron Ass-Hat will make his move."

"Oh dear. I had so hoped to enjoy cider and a long talk" The Barones sighs "My husband will manage without me for a bit I suppose." She looks to Charreen, "My good knight, would you see that Pineworthy prepares a 'gift basket' that fits. Something that screams 'currying friendship' rather than ' sugar coated take over' or 'trying to buy you'?"

Dame Chareen smiles "Of course, my liege"

Coradel smiles. "Good tone detail, there."

"Oh I'm better with plants than I am with people," The Baroness Alyvia admits, "But I know my basics. Thanks to a certain..." Her eyes light up "Why Sir Bachdion, what is that smile about?"

"Proud of how the ladies I've helped teach are working together, if I maybe so smug" The satyr answers honestly "I've not failed Fiona in that."

Coradel tilts her head at him. "Bachdion, out of curiosity...how many have you mentored into the House?"

"Quality does not always mean an absence of Quantity" he demures but smiles

The other two women ALSO look curious.

"Oh, I would hardly criticize you for Quantity, teacher-mine! But my suspicion is that your contributions to the education of House Fiona might well be legion."

"Not quite that, but really ladies. I don't bring it up for manners. Not everyone wishes exposed ,and I'd never have you feel like just 'one among many'...each of you has been a fine Lioness Ive had the pleasure to see bloom. Also, you're fierce enough without coordinating"

The small pride of lionesses glance at each other with an expression of do we let him get away with not telling? For Coradel's part, she gives a fluid shrug, apparently happy to let it go.

The others concur, for now.

"Mmm the fact he's a bit scared of coordinating is kind of gratifying," The Dame admits

"Well, he's hardly a stupid man," Coradel purrs, giving Bachdion an appreciative look.

"Oh! We're getting distracted. Baroness, would you wish me to go with you to meet the freeholder? Or would you rather present yourself singly?"

"I best do it alone, " She says "We must not swarm them I think. But I will, with your permission, mention that you spoke up to praise them. Which is the truth"

"Please do. They knew I'd be reaching out to secure House support, so your offer will be less of a surprise. Baroness...thank you. I hope that you will come to enjoy EarthRunes' hospitality, very soon."

"Of course I.. ohh wait, let me get you a bottle of two of our cider to take with you. Do you prefer fermented or virgin?"

"Oh, I think the fermented would be very welcome at my table."

Like Magic, Pineworthy appears with two bottles of their best alcoholic apple cider, and one blue berry cider as well

"Oh, my!" She accepts the bottles, passing two off to Bachdion while she carries one herself. "I can't tell you how gratified I am by this outcome. Please do send a message to EarthRunes about how the meeting goes, and let me know what else I can do to demonstrate House support. I think we must be going now, but this has been lovely."

"Yes, " The baroness gives Coradel a kiss, brief but fond. And then a ... longer one to Bachdion. The knight follows. Then she pa rts and says "Safe travels, and we shall let you know it goes"

Coradel returns the kisses in kind, pauses for Bachdion's share of the kisses to be completed, and then they're off.

"Back to Earth Runes, baroness?" He makes sure

"How are you doing for glamour, Teacher-Mine?"

"I might use the fire tonight but should have enough to get us home" He assures

"All right. Yes, my dear. EarthRunes." She slips her free hand into the crook of his elbow and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

"Gosh Daarr" he says in a goofy voice, turning into a bunk and they vanish

Leaving a Fiona crusade behind them!

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