#fenixtj

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Taras Tidemarch ap Varich, Baron of the Sunkissed Waves, is the first to enter for the meeting. An odd reversal. Often he seems the most reluctant to present himself to the countess hold and her direct authority. Though he is always courteous.

Refreshments are set up, the Balefire room is polished and presentable for company, and a certain low-key effort to impress has been made. Jessica, in formal voile, greets her guests. "Baron. Welcome."

The baron is not alone. a Childling is with him. The Baron bows "Your excellency"

Of course , his own Champion, a hulking Unseelie troll thorogg is back as an honor guard

The boggans (and Salma) fussed over Ellie - her blonde hair is an artwork of braids, and she wears a confection of purple and lavender satin.

Jessica nods to the young lady with him. "I am Countess Jessica King."

The blonde haired girl could not be much more Unmexican, nordic to the core, yet not a troll. The Baron says "Ah, may I present Baroness Vaetilde, my ward. Present yourself, baroness."

"I am Baroness Vaeltilde , though I Have not yet earned a deedname, I am of House Aesin. I shall bring glory and honor to the Sunkissed Waves" She says it loudly, braids shaking.

Taras whispers to Jessica "I had not wanted an Aesin, too straight forward a House. And she seems eager to make a Deedname for herself, whatever that is, but she does like being by the sea which I suppose makes sense."

Vaetilde does not know why the Countess won't recognize her. Tension grows. Is she being rejected for reasons she doesn't comprehend? Does the Countess have that authority? Must she duel for her place? Women of House Aesin are not supposed to be warriors as a rule though that rule has been relaxed into a custom. But if she has to stab someone to prove something, well, fine. They'll take it outside and she shall lay low any foe she can. Okay, perhaps not lay low. She's new at this. Why won't the Countess answer? It feels like it's been forever? What did her mentor Varich WHISPER to the Countess? ARRRGH

Jessica nods. "Welcome to Renaissance, Baroness."

Vaetilde gives a curtsy, then gazes at Ellie curiously.

"It is a pleasure to be here" She says simply and then steps back

"Indeed," Taras says "I hope your Beltaine went well, my liege"

Ellie, in turn, studies the other childling!

"May I present Countess Eleanor Hyacinth de Violette of House Beaumayn."

"It did. It was.... productively eventful. I trust yours was as well?"

A proper formal curtsy. "Your lord and ladyship."

Vaetilde makes a nose wrinkle at mention of the House but gives a head nod

A trollish eyebrow.

"Ours is a mostly unseelie hold, so perhaps some parts of the celebration were different, but yes, over all enjoyable . A good time for embracing custom"

Servants come forward offering wine and the like

juice for the childlings

Jessica nods. "Please feel free to relax as we wait for the other guests."

Sayda's voice is heard "do it , Phobos, do it, pllllease?"

"here we go," Mitra's voice resigned.

"FROM THE FIEF OF GLORY'S RING, Baroness Sayda , heir to the Pitt! Grand Daughter of the Feathered Dragon, and all around cute kid! WIth her, Regent Mitra ap Mitras ap Eiluned!"

Glory's Ring? Well, why not..... Jessica moves to greet them.

"Oh, she's here!"

Sayda bounces in, excited and dressed in her best. She is a Clurichaun, no shining host, but the twinkle in her eyes shine. The Latina girl's darker complexion contrasts with the red in her hair of her fae mein most exotically.... she wears a colorful dress of greens with a fiery copper accent

"Jessica!" She moves to hug the Large Countess.

Mitra coughs "Sayda, it's a FORMAL court" Reminder.

Jessica returns the embrace. "Welcome. Dame Mitra, welcome." She offers her hand.

"Oh," Sayda stops herself, curtsies, "Your excellency." then hugs Jessica again "You look very nice"

Mitra bows to her liege, then moves to take her friend's hand

Sayda turns to see Ellie 'Oh, HI! My name is Sayda" She says in good English with a heavy accent "You must be the new girl I heard of. I hope everyone is treating you nicely? Jessica is wonderful" A pause "Pardon, COUNTESS Jessica is wonderful."

"Countess Jessica is very nice, yes. I am Countess Eleanor." She extends her hand, palm down.

Jessica lifts a brow, looks at Mitra, and at the childlings.

Sayda kisses it, then rises, "Did I do that right? I am still learning courtly things" She does not seem offended at all.

"Very well done, yes! You are a warrior?"

'Well, somewhat, the Pit is Fenix's angry young sister they say. Oh she's a scrapper, and we clurichaun are not afraid of a fight. I Think that's why I ended up tied to it. Da'an and stuff. So I've been learning to fight from Dame Mitra and Shard...but it's not just punching and slashing.. .lots of ceremony we're learning about"

Vaetilde approaches the other two girls and 'hovers' so to speak

"I was learning fencing. Sir Gerald says it's best to play on your talents, so speed is better than strength for me."

"Oh yeah, when you're smaller like a cluraichaun you have to adjust to." she nods

Mitra looks at Jessica "Interesting"

"Aesin are often mighty warriors, too."

"We are at war," Vaetilde says with a nod "ANd our warriors are among the best in all Changeling kind. House Aesin cannot afford to be soft. "

Then, as an admission to give something 'back', Vaeltilde says "It is wise that you both are learning to defend yourselves."

"So.. we are allies then. Against the Darkness."