#elsewhere

She shifts from gas to BRAKE. "I swear to god you overinflated tin shoebox, you are gonna behave yourself and LISTEN to me!"

SO glad she has her seatbelt on

The road stretches ahead, and overhead, the bird follows them, swooping easily through the air above the van.

The van whines... literally, the engine sounds like it's a whining toddler, but coughs and submits to the Nocker as it screeches to a halt.

Art just barely manages to grab onto the "Oh Shit" handle in the car and though he thuds against Gwen's seat and yelps, he does NOT go flying into the windshield.

Ivan, who Gwen buckled in securely, gives a WHUFF that sounds like "told you so"

Ahead, a building is in view standing proudly atop a hill, crafted from smooth stone that glimmers in the light and dark wood beams that add a rustic, yet refined touch. Large glass windows reflect the sky, framed by intricate carvings - though these can't quite be made out at this distance. What is notices is two tall, towering and carved stone pillars, and a courtyard... more could be seen if they were closer.

"Ivan, you okay" Art can speak up if he's injured

"..............shit."

A cold nose against Gwen's hand, and his tail wags.

She exhales, hard, and shakes out her hands. "We're ok. we're ok we're ok."

"Okay. We're good. Even escpaed the cops. Now, let's thank that bird if we see it again, and pay our respects to the liege here and request a nighter. If asked, I'm going toa powwow, truth in that, a nd you guys are my friends coming on a road trip. Also true"

Even as they gather their thoughts, a figure approaches and taps on the driver's window!

The fellow standing there has hair that is feathery in shades of grey and white, and his eyes are a bright, piercing gold, just like the bird they passed. His voile - for this is a changeling, they see, is noble courtly garb, though with a few whimsical patterns and touches.

She rolls down the window.

"Uh. Hi." Her cheeks are pink, and her spirals have shifted to a rattled yellow.

"Well, well, well," he says, his gaze flickering between the occupants inside, “Looks like you’ve survived the journey. Barely.”

His posture shifts slightly, and with a half-bow that reveals a pair of small, folded wings on his back, he adds, “I’d say it’s a pleasure to meet you, but I’m not in the habit of lying.” He straightens up, eyes glinting with amusement. “Welcome to Raven’s Rest.”

"Hello, sir, if that bird was you, you have our thanks. "

"Uh. Hi."

"That." She points at Gwen.

The pooka steps closer to the van, his wings shifting behind him. With a sly grin, he leans in and says, "Bird? Never heard of one. Must’ve been someone more impressive." He winks, then straightens up. "But I’m Eli, and I helped you get here. You’re welcome, of course."

He spreads his wings slightly, crossing his arms. "Now, a little appreciation wouldn’t hurt, would it? Perhaps a performance, something to amuse the noble in me? Can you dance? Sing? Play a polka?"

"....no?"

His head twitches turning side to side in a birdlike manner, as he peeps in at Gwen and Art, and hops back with a flutter. "Now THAT's the biggest cat I've ever seen!"

"I could have Ivan dance a bit, he's my dog. I'm Dame Gladiola of House Daireann. Squire Arthur and Innovator Thistle are my friends." She says

"Innovator is the fancy word for tinkerer and common as dirt." A lopsided grin.

Eli seems to be considering this offer, and then is a bit taken aback by Thistle. He gives her a grin and says, "Well, the dirt HERE is noble and sacred, but I suppose you might be allowed to step on it a bit. If I might escort you?"

"Just have your giant cat dance off the path if he has business to do, Lady Knight. A veiled dropping still tracks onto the velvet rugs. Don't ask me how I know, I had nothing to do with it." Eli grins to Gwen.

(In consideration of the pow-wow, Thistle hair is a particularly vivid shade of turquoise.)

Art is rubbing a bruised shoulder discretely, and he whispers to Gwen, "Should I give him the letter, or wait for someone more... uh... " He doesn't quite know how to finish this politely.

"Should I... park this somewhere?"

"It won't park itself?" Golden eyes blink curiously. "Are you off your game, Mistress Innovatrix?"

"I do play the flute" She mentions "And Ivan is well trained so no troubles, Goodpooka Eli"

"It might be Count Eli, if I counted, but alas, I never learned how." He says, with a mischievous grin.

"I would dearly love to hear the flute once more." Wistful, as he leans against the car now. "My granddame, now, she played the flute, and I haven't heard such tones since she passed away. And my great grandfather, now, he was a trained dancing dog, so I simply must see you perform!"

Art is turning the letter over in his hands, waiting for Gwen's response

"How about we leave the car here and we say hi to the Baroness?"

"Oh sorry, Art. We should probably ggive it to the lady freeholder"

"Countess" Art whispers to Thistle!

"Countess."

"Countess Maerid Blackfeather" A nod

"...That's an 'Excellency' right?"

Eli pouts, and snaps his fingers. "I almost had you dancing and playing, didn't I?"

Art squints at the Pooka. "Heeeeey...."

"It is" At the excellency bit

"I'd still be honored to try to play for you, Eli. No shame in a guest hoping to please a member of a household they plan to stay at "

"Though I'm no minstrel" She warns

A completely unapologetic grin from Eli and he winks at Art.

"Your van will be as safe here as an egg in a nest. Come now, my lady awaits."

"It's a rental."

"Balboa, you get to talk. Privileges of rank 'n'at."

"Gee, thanks" Wryly

As they approach up the path that winds up the hill, our friends see that the grand entrance is flanked by two towering, intricately designed stone pillars. Each is adorned with traditional native motifs—spirals, feathers, and the likeness of an eagle soaring high above. GWEN recognizes that these seem to be Plains Indian works - possibly Osage. The courtyard beyond is round with smooth stone pathways around a central fountain, where water gently cascades over rocks, its sound soft and peaceful.

Around the perimeter, colorful wildflowers bloom in harmony with carefully placed native plants like yucca and prairie grasses, vibrant against the smooth stone.

Tucked into the corners of the courtyard are two tall statues—one a graceful Sidhe noble in flowing robes, the other a proud Osage warrior holding a spear. The two figures stand side by side - neither has any discernable facial features, seeming to be more symbols than of specific individuals.

"Wow" She mutters under her breath

Thistle doesn't have the lore, but she DOES have sharp eyes that take in the quality of the carving, the grace and flow of the relief, the intricacy of the details...

The freehold itself is a sandstone mansion that glows warmly under the Oklahoma sun. igh arched windows and delicate spires show noble refinement, while the carvings - now that they can make these out - are intricate and seem to be native symbols—feathers, bison, and flowing water. It blends together in a way that is complementary rather than fighting for prominence.

Her calloused fingers itch to TOUCH.

"Yep, Eilunid." Art says to the girls, as he points to the fountain - it features a raven clutching a star, and water cascades from below it to fill a polished basin with a pleasant sound.