#fenixtj

Such lovely women in fine dresses cater to the Baron It's not openly tawdry, but they deftly show themselves on display

Jess more than likely sticks out; she is dressed well to receive the Duke, of course, but not for a party; her dress is fine and befits her rank, but is functional over elegant.

It is, a servant, who notices them first. the boggan moves to the side and whispers to his liege. The Baron looks up, sees Jessica, then sees Tierone, and only impeccable noble upbringing and sidhe birthrights mask his utter surprise, "Your Grace, Your excellency. Welcome to my hold. We were having something of an event. How may we assist?

'

Jessica nods to the Baron and defers to the Duke.

"Your lordship, please forgive us for intruding on this lovely gala" the Duke says "I take it we have intruded on some personal holiday ?"

"Of a sort" The Baron says, aheming 'there is something of an... event in seeking a partner for my endeavours as Baron"

The Duke looks about to the crowd, most of which bowed, or curtseyed, but stoped, and says "Please, the rest of you, do not let me detain the revels. I am sure the Baron is too polite to tell you all to resume but I am not offended. Please, carry on"

"Oh. Congratulations." Jessica offers to the Baron.

"Nothing is settled...yet" He says. Many of the women in the crowd blush "But, please, your grace, your excellency... follow me. We will have a small talk while the dancing continues'

"If it pleases your grace," he adds

"It does, please lead on" the Duke says and they (Jessica, Tidemarch, and the Duke) exit to a side parlor

Jessica follows.

((Big AFK))

The side parlor is quite roomy. And the stonework is thick and muffles the sounds outside

"May I get you both some drinks?" the Baron asks

"Juice would be welcome." Jess allows.

"The same, " The Liam nods "Baron, am I to understand there is a...contest of sorts for your hand?"

"Of sorts, your grace. I have an heir, a fine one, but it never hurts to gather more resources." The Baron says matter of factly

Juice is handed out, "But surely, that is not why you are here, your grace, your excellency?"

Jess takes the glass and lets the Duke take the lead.

The Duke does, "Baron, The countess has suggested that you are the natural fit for taking lead on diplomatic overtures towards the Mer. You have access to Selkies loyal to you, and a navy of sorts. They seem more desperate for aid against these Bleedwaters. We should seize the opportunity for more allies while we can, to the benefit of both"

Tidemarch DOES look surprised, he looks to Jessica "Countess, I am flattered. I didn't think I was so high in your estimation"

"We have our disagreements, Baron, but I do value you."

"It is gratifying to hear," The Baron ponders "My 'navy' as you call it, is small, your grace. But I do know a selkie I can put to work if hes willing."

"Calder?"

"YEs, he is more loyal to you than I, but willing to work wiht us both and has been quite clever in hard situations" the Baron says "If he accepts, of course, and if it is agreeable to you, I'd like to use him to make further contact"

"By all means." she grants

"Now, as for other options..." The Baron says "If one may suggest?"

"Of course. Baron, this is your operation." she say sto clarify.

"If I were to have right to explore other vehicles that might be interacting with the mer?"

Jess tilts her head, curious. "How do you mean?"

The Duke says "I believe I understand. You want power to stop other vehicles, search and seize?"

"In case they work against diplomacy and security of the seas, yes, your grace" the Baron says

Jess rubs her chin, a thoughtful gesture of habit "Are we talking about... um, privateers?"

"Oh they would be official ships that stopped other ships, Countess" he says 'merely a recognition of my right of demense further into the ocean"

"How would the Nunnehi on both sides of the gulf, and the Mer, feel about that?"

"Only in regards to kithain then" The Baron says "to streamline authority among our own"

(Int Plus Politics or Leadership roll)

/roll 5

OOC NOPE.

Might seem reasonable to her.

But the duke arches a brow and looks at Jessica "it is your county if you wish to give him such authority over his peers"

There maybe a note of warning in the term 'peers'

She frowns. "That sounds like we're adding a lot of layers of bureaucracy, or the potential for them."

"It would make it easier , not harder. My word on the sea would dominate over the baronies that have less invested"

"Baron, honestly." she's asking, seriously "How do you think the other Freeholders will take that?"

"With your authority, how they felt about it, wouldn't matter" He shrugs

The Duke looks a bit amused, "Alas, Baron, she must consider harmony of ALL Renaissance"