#elsewhere

She savors her drink as her Autumn and Spring Lord considers.

Aiden takes a sip of his own drink and says, “It is a matter of some small embarrassment to me that I can name more higher-ranked commoners than Sidhe within my own holding.” Another sip before continuing, “That cannot have been easy for the lad.”

“It must have rankled his dignity,” Aidan says, “to stand beneath peers who lack his lineage, no matter how well they have earned their place.” He adds, “He bears it without complaint, which speaks well of him, but patience has its limits, particularly in one who has already proven himself in danger.”

She nods "Some of the commoner born knights will have to adapt, but I think they will. Dame Gladiola considers him a friend though they do not always understand one another, there is solid history. Dame D'Lavender may tease him, but I think it has always been with gentleness and never at formal court. Wudlig is more of a crafter than your standard knight ," She sips "Do you plan on pushing the lad towards Seer?"

Aiden considers and says, “I do not believe pushing him will make much difference.” He continues, “If Art is going to be a Seer, he will be one regardless of where he stands or what title he bears.”

“Natural talent has a way of asserting itself,” Aiden says, “and House Beaumayn does not exactly discourage such inclinations.” He adds, “I would sooner give him room to grow into it than attempt to steer him. Why, when I was his age, I would have bucked hard against being driven in a particular direction, even if it was in my interest. The sheer fact that I was told to go that way would make me recalcitrant."

He gives a soft chuckle. "But I may just be strong willed in that way." A less proud man might have admitted that the real term is "pig headed" but of course, never an Ailil.

A smile crosses her lips, at that, " Indeed, you are not a stallion that is easily guided when you already know your path of preference," There's fondness in her eyes, "but the same often proves to be the right path so it is for the best," She takes his hand with her free hand and squeezes, "And you're right, Da'an by design should likely show him what is best for him. I did think that some position, even a temporary one, might let him feel he was not just a knight but one with set duties but perhaps it is best to keep it open. Lavender tends to your horses, Gladiola to your dogs, and so forth. I will say the young Athur has proven skilled at keeping the study and library well furnished. Why just the last week he found a collection of Carl Sagan book, and a hard cover of a Wrinkle in Time. I swear he smells them out at used book stores." It almost makes up for the books that sometimes vanish (Always to be returned mind) when the lad ends up riveted to one or showing them to Thistle.

At the mention of the study, he gives a quiet, amused breath and says, “Yes, I have noticed the library’s recent improvements.” He continues, “Anyone who can unearth Carl Sagan and a proper hardcover of A Wrinkle in Time in the same week has a talent worth indulging.”

Aiden shakes his head slightly and says, “I suspect he does smell them out, or perhaps the books find him, much as those annoying little flitters find our Thistle.”

“As for the occasional disappearance,” Aiden says, tone mild, “so long as they return, and they always do, I am inclined to forgive the wandering.” He adds, “A knight who is drawn to knowledge that strongly will make his own duties soon enough, whether we assign them or not.”

Nadeen contemplates this. She has always considered herself, due to her House as much as anything, good at reading patterns and where things ,and people, fit, but it is true the Varich can also have a blind spot when it comes to certain aspects of empathy. Fortunatly training from Rivervale helped off set that, by Varich standards, she's down right insightful to the hearts of others, but that blindspot does show up again now and then and she , not being an Ailil, CAN admit her flaw, "You're right, of course, and there is even some mystique about 'wandering knights' among the common folk, makes them feel they have people to turn to," She contemplates the growing trust she has , with help from the members of the hold, cultivated among the yeomanry and goodfolk of the Barony, "I do think asking Arthur to give us a few updates of his travels would not be amiss, and besides, he might enjoy a sign of our interest. I would never use him as a spy, he's not the type, but he can be insightful."

A sigh, "A shame, that, but he hasn't a devious bone in his body."

In this, Nadeen sighs, "Not one little fingerbone," In a 'where did we go wrong' moment shared between them, still, it's a minor failing really, "Then again, I suppose Bluebell is sneaky enough for three."

He chuckles at that, "though who can imagine, a pooka as a spy?" A pause, and he looks thoughtful. "Indeed... who would imagine?"

This thought tabled for further review, they return to light conversation and perhaps even another cup of tea and round of pastries. New Years Resolutions are for those without a Sidhe's da'an granted slender physique!

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