#fenixtj

"Yes, " Vaeltilde says and at the mention of dolls she confesses, "I made sure to have some dolls ready for you and your friends in case you did not bring your own"

Jessica notes taht Vaeltilde's inclusion has changed the dynamic. Some of the commoners seem to like the little girl, a surprise given Aesins do not have the 'common touch' . Maybe she has treated them better than some of the other sidhe anyway

"Oh, I am so glad you understand the importance of dolls."

"Of course" the Aeisn says "They are very important for noble women to be. If we cannot even take care of a doll how are we to take care of our subjects?"

She nods. "And it is important to imagine political situations that might happen..."

"Then again, nobles need some taking care of too." Salma offers with a small grin. "If I do not watch over her, our Condesita will be on her knees picking flowers in her best dress, and oh, the stains."

And a inner giggle remembering a bit of boggan gossip about how hard it is to get the BIG countess to dress 'properly' for court functions - proper being, of course, a gown of appropriate pizzazz!

Ariel nods "Friends help friends" not sure she likes being compared to a doll but being as nice as she can

And in the distance, they see the grand beach house/Hold that is The Barony's hold. Ariel looks beyond it to the beach, longingly

Jess glances at Duff.

Duff says "Seems we made it" he says low "Some folks were giving her the ugly eye. Are.. there thallian here?"

"I thought I saw that." Murmured, which requires her to ride closer to Duff.

Duff normally enjoys her close and doesn't mind now, but he's all business "That's a problem. Those things are twisted"

"If Tidemarch is harboring them....."

The girls are chattering away - dolls?

"He might be, or more likely, the Balor in his court help htem on the side." Duff says

"But Kung fu grips don't WORK holger" Ariel says exasperated

"Mmph. Have to address that with him too." a frown.

And then at the front door, a woman in Leanhaun colors greets them "Please be welcome" the lady sidhe says "I am herald Ladonna"

Jessica nods stoically. "Countess Jessica King, Countess Eleanor ap Beaumayn, and our Court-of-Tour."

"It will be my greatest delight to announce you as such, please, be welcome. I see our own barony's heir has escorted you as a sign of respect" She beams

"We could get luchador figurines, they have costumes which is not playing dress up, it is theatrics!" Salma offers to Holger...

Holger ponders this then nods . he trusts Salma when she says different words mean different things

"We were honored by Vaeltilde's escort."

The Baroness shoots Jessica brief and grateful look, then says "Now, Please, herald"

"Most honored by our friend Vaeltilde, yes!"

And the Herald Ladonna bows to all and then calls in "Their excellencies, Countess Jessica King, Countess Eleanor ap Beaumayn, and their Court-of-Tour. ask entry into thy chambers and hold, Baron"

Ariel tugs at Jessica's sleeve "Did you have to ask? I'm a bit confused" A soft voice

Ellie joins Jessica at the front - to her right and one step behind.

The Baron's voice says "Sunkissed Waves welcomes the Countess of Renaissance and welcomes her and her entourage"

Jessica dismounts, looks for one of her people to take the horses and other travel aids.

And Salma drops into a low curtsey several paces behind them, to one side of Ellie, to help increase her consequence by showing support!

And the horses are taken, and into the great halls they go. It would appear the baron has spared no expense at redecorations

Ellie is all eyes

Jessica keeps her eyes front, looking for the Baron.

Ash stands by Ellie and whispers "Show no fear, little Dark Star. We are in the Tiger's teeth, but they won't swallow unless they think we're easy prey"

And Balor symbols, Ailil ones... Daireann... of Course, Varich. The Unseelie are well represented here. It is a court of winter hearts and summer libations. The Beaumayn are like singers in a still plain.

Chin up - tiny, but proud.

Salma and Ariel are side by side, Ariel begins to get nervous and starts to mutter "Ailil, Leanhaun, and balor.. oh my. Ailil, Leanhaun, and balor.. oh my. "

Salma reaches over and holds Ariel's hand - it's nice how these poofy gowns hide so much - a piece of candy snuck over! And a reassuring squeeze.

The satyress calms a bit. then gives a grateful look. It's one thing to be more open minded about sidhe, it's another to go in to a hold where... well, the commoners are clearly waiting on the nobles here. They're furhter back if guests, and only really close if serving.

So when Tidemarch approaches and bows to Jessica, he says "My Liege, welcome to my barony. I hope there were no dangers?"

"A few were spotted, but did not present themselves." Evenly.

"I see." he says "I had hoped none would dare. It is well I sent you reinforcements then"

Ellie studies Tidemarch quietly.

Taras Tidemarch is, well, gorgeous, all sidhe all, but if one tries to quantify the appeal, it would be exotic. He appears to be a mix of Asian, Latino, and yes something slavic ... his dark eyes are as black as dark opals, the folds of them with a touch of the orient. His cheekbones are high, and his hair , at least in the dreaming, is golden. His voile has a vaguely 'Russian Czar on the hunt' look, but with shorter sleeves to accommodate the weather, black leathers with gold lining* *An amber pendant sways around his neck

Yes, probably best Ahpuch stayed home...

"My lord, perhapsss the Countessss would like a refrssshement?" A balor squire offers a tray above his head. His tongue seems to be slightly..forked, but he does not seem embarrassed.

"Ah, excellent suggestion, Squire Brathel" The Baron says and takes a glass from the tray "Wine ? Or shall we have coffee fetched?"

"Coffee, please."