#elsewhere

"Hear, hear. Hear, hear." He cries in the mockingbird's tongue, and then flits ahead and out of sight.

"I'm sure you did" She says softly. Every word pried on, every motion recorded. At least, that would not be a surprise when an Eiluned noble tells you she will uncover your secrets. I feel violated with every step here. I should love this place, but I'm growing to hate it

As Gwen heads back into the Countess's hall, she finds that she was correct, and the Countess awaits her, though she is seated informally on a couch and gestures for Gwen to join her in the small study. It is not as regal as the previous audience chamber, and quilts on the backs of some of the chairs look both handmade, and remind her of her mother. The countess is wearing more casual voile, perhaps relaxing for the night, but if she was interrupted, she doesn't appear upset.

“I understand that you wished to speak with me? Please, make yourself comfortable. Unless I have given offense and you wish to challenge me—though I hope not, as I am no fighter, and the one who would champion me would easily be skewered. I am far too fond of Eli for that.” Though her tone is light, it is sincere and not mocking.

A brow lift "I mean no disrespect to Eli, Countess, but If he's your champion you really should reconsider getting a guard dog." She bows formally "No, it is I who owe you an apology. I came to this area on a private matter, unaware that the scroll of introduction I'd been handed already filled you in on more details than I myself was ready to give up. No wonder you felt tasked to pry when I give you a missive so open when I did not forth come. Please, this is MY quest, and thus any insult given you comes from me, and me alone. My friends, and they are dear friends, would say otherwise I am sure, but it is how it is. They don't understand what being a troll is about, nor a Daireann in the hospitality of another. Your subjects have been generous and welcoming, but ... for me, the stakes are so crucial that I am deeply driven to my core to protect one dearer to me than life itself. I cannot explain in small words, there is nothing small about the situation or the passion behind it. I will instead trust you to understand, and not take advantage, and I am sure that might come across as insulting, but it IS something far too many would seek to use to their advantage so I cannot shake my nature regarding it. Ask me... anything, and I will answer to try to make amends."

The Countess tilts her head as she listens, her gaze never leaving Gwen.

“I am not offended, Dame Gladiola. Truly, I understand your need for caution. And I would be amiss if I did not regret if my curiosity seemed too prying. I may be Eiluned, but you are a guest, and should be respected as such. Take a Dairrean to remind me of MY duty.

However, there is something I would ask of you—what is the treasure you seek, and why? What is it that drives you so fiercely?”

Eli gives a chirping laugh. “She means to say, it never occurred to her that anyone would keep such a missive SEALED and not read it!”

The Countess gives a sharp glance at Eli, but he merely gives her a cheeky grin in return.

"It's true, true!" He chirps.

A flush of embarrassment, and she hopes the Countess is as kind as she appears to be, "I seek Wíȟaŋbla Owíŋža . For my mother's sake. She ages, a thing all kithain but a few face... but she also grows heavy with pain , not just her hip, but all of her. This.. this she should not endure. I will use the Moonflower belt, I shall pay the price. And I shall restore her health." No shame here. She states with with quiet passion.

The Countess leans back in her chair, her fingers steepled in thought as she listens intently to Gwen's words. A small smile plays at the corner of her lips, her gaze calculating, but not unkind. She lets out a soft sigh, as if she had just heard something particularly satisfying.

"So that's it, how intriguing," she says, her tone almost purring with interest. "Of course, I will instruct my people to help you if possible. Within reason, of course," she adds, holding up a finger to emphasize the caveat. "And when you do find this belt, I would ask for a full accounting of your quest, as you remember it—should it reach into the Dreaming—and the details of what cost is assessed. That will be payment enough, for you see, knowledge is the coin I value the most. And while Treasures are always, well, treasured, I am YET spry and nimble, and have no need for such boon, were it even worth the cost to me."

Her eyes lock onto Gwen's, her expression still tinged with a curious satisfaction. "Would you agree that this is a fair exchange?"

"Spry, SPRY!" Eli adds, giving a wiggle of his hips.

"I swear, I will have you plucked and roasted."

"Just to be sure I understand," Miscommunication has plagued her constantly since she came here and she wants no mistakes, "You offer your resources, within reason, and the aid of your people, again within reason. When I find the belt, in exchange for that help, you wish a full accounting of the quest as best I recall it , given the mists may play their part, and what sacrifice I make. If that's it... I agree, with a proviso" She says "If secrecy is demanded by others to make retrieval possible, then I will put my mother's recovery first priority and leave those things out as well. Will that be satisfactory? If not. I understand, but I won't betray a trust agreed upon."

A pout, and she looks as though she might object, but Eli clears his throat. She gives him a long look, then sighs, "IF secrecy is demanded of you, and I find I must know more, I will seek such on my own in such a way that brings no retribution upon you nor your beloved mother." She says, dryly, though it seems the tone is for the Mocking pooka and not Gwen.

"Standing between an Eiluned and her right to HUNT a mystery strikes me as a very unwise thing to do. I accept." She bows "And I thank you, your excellency."

"Wise words, good Knight. And thank you. I would not have a Dairrean of your reputation go back to your dragon lord and tell him my hospitality is lacking. It would be the political death of me."

A smile, and she inclines her head, a dismissal.

One last bow, and with a grateful nod to Eli on her way out, she leaves. Ivan flashes a canine smile at the Countess and pooka, wags and follows

As she leaves, she overhears this last from the Countess. "And you... WHY do I put up with such insolence?"

A smug retort from the pooka. "Because I am your spy, your lover, and your conscience, but you only have to pay me one salary."

The countess gives a throaty laugh, and the door closes and Gwen hears no more.

Gwen goes to the room she's been given. She needs a bit of solititude before dinner. And, Art and Thistle will probably appreciate a bit more private time

Indeed, the guest house they have is well appointed, with a kitchenette, several private rooms, bathing facilities.

Art has returned to the library - taking what Gwen said to heart and pouring his effort into research.