#fenixtj

"I had some issues to work out."

"I think I can relate. When I arrived it was confusing. No one knew what House Varich was "

"The other Houses seem to have accepted you."

"Ha" A smile "A hold changes everything."

'"Isuppose that is true."

"No. For a time folks thought I might be Eiluned."

"Really?"this seems to puzzle her.

"I do not strike you as the type eh?"

"Um. I don't know. I'm not aquainted with many Elunieds. I suppose Icould see it, in the sense of your reserve."

"Yes, they mistook my gifts for curiosity" a pause "or, more likely, the Eiluned themselves knew better but wanted to study me"

"That sounds....."

".....creepy."

"A touch" he says

"Hmmph."

"How did you come to take Vaeltilde as your heir, if I may ask?"

"A compromise" he says

She nods, listening.

"There was much pressure from many lords and ladies of VARIOUS houses to take an heir of their House. " he says "Aesin seemed like a compromise you might accept, yet was still Unseelie and thus would not have those Unseelie here offended. "

Jessica nods. "Ellie and she seem to get along well. I know the girls were eager to see her."

"She does not have many friends here. It is hard to find ones suitable. The last time we had a childling here ready to be her friend, it turned out to be a spy."

Jessica glances around the room; they are alone?

They are. As he shows her his own works of art , "Made by local dreamers" he comments

"Baron, there is something serious I must tell you about."

He makes a gesture, circular and seems to THROW it at the door "Go on, anyone trying to slip close will have the urge to knock"

She nods, and tells him of the sluagh Duff discovered.

"There was one of those THINGS in my hold?" His eyes flash.

Does she give a description?

She avoids a description for the moment. "Baron, I understand your reaction." calmly "But please, let's focus on Vaeltilde's safety. I sent the sluagh away, he's not here any more."

"I should have been performed before this, Countess. You know that the sluagh hate and seek the death of Varich"

"Vaeltilde is not Varich, if she had been, he might have slit her throat"

"You are correct, Baron, and I apologize for the delay."

He paces "So there is an attempt coming for her. Sluagh hope to USE my heir to garner acceptance? Unless this is a double bluff" Pacing "The irony. Maybe I should have gone with the Balor heir after all"

"You have my support, Baron."

"Countess. This is not a good start to our mending, to learn that the sluagh I could have questioned for the truth, to be sure, has escaped ."

"I can produce the sluagh."

He stops "Can you? Of course you can. If you would I would appreciate it"

"Baron, I would like your word that the sluagh will not be harmed by you, or yours."

"And we're back to barriers to our mending. "

"I can't hand anyone over to be tortured, Baron. Work with me."

"What if he his found guilty of conspiracy against me or my heir? He walks off without punishment?"

"No." firmly.

"I would desire your input on his punishment, of course."

"Very well.. you may see to the slaugh's punishment if punishment is required"

Jess nods. "Thank you. And you'll question him without harming him?"

"I intend to dictum him to answer if you must micromanage, COuntess"

"Your word would be sufficient, Baron." mildly "I think that sounds entirely appropriate."

"I will double the guard on the girls"

Jessica nods. "Honestly, Baron? Yes, the sluagh is a concern but I am more concerned about those behind him. Your heir, and my own, are not safe. Childlings should be safe."

"In this we agree" He says "Countess, I know my House seems cold, but we do care for the young ones. They are the few embers of spring in the Winter we walk"

"Now, information gained from the sluagh may change the look of things, but what steps can we take to help protect the girls?"