#fenixtj

"I wish I could say for sure" He adds

"If you could, we'd be most of the way to resolving this whole thing."

"Alas" The Duke mmms "But I do think it likely. And I imagine our Unseelie Baron" A nod to Tidemarch "Might delight in foiling the Blade's desire"

"I am no enemy to the beltaine blade, your grace, but I am not fond of what they think of we Unseelie, and I don't mind a challenge. If I think of more plans to foil them if they are there, I'll send word through the Countess" Tidemarch assures

Jess nods her understanding. "I admit, I'm not over-eager to have -any- secret organization around the County."

Both sidhe exchange looks

She sighs "I know, I know; they're everywhere. But I don't have to -like- it."

That actually gets a chuckle from his Grace, and the Baron smiles

"Would it help to know some are benevolent to your cause?" The Duke inquires

"Would you be surprised to hear that I don't think they think my cause is what my cause is?"

"The Countess plays some cards close to the vest, if I may say so" the Baron says "I am not the only one who has misread her. She holds her secrets well for one with no spies "

"It's not a secret so much as assumption on the parts of others, Baron." she says evenly.

"We of the sidhe kith sometimes do imagine our wishes on the other kiths rather than fully respecting their own dreams," the Duke says "A failing we must struggle with at times. How's your heir, Baron?"

At the switch to talking of his heir, the Baron smiles "A handful. I have...tried treating her more like a childling and less like a political reality. it's yielded benefits to her and me alike, but she can be quite stubborn"

Jess addresses the Duke, primarily "The childlings in all the Freeholds of Renaissance are acquainted, and several have formed fast friendships. There's even been the rescue and return of a Mer childling we can credit to our own."

"Good" The Duke nods

Jess takes a sip of her juice, finally.

It's good!

She lets her appreciation show.

"So we make gains already, decency begats opportunity" The Duke smiles "Not that that's why we SHOULD be decent"

OOC Was that the Baron or Duke?

(THe Duke)

She sighs. "True."

"It works to our advantage, and I shan't lament how it came to be," The Baron says

Jess nods "What's done is done; can't change the past, only the future."

"I think we're all on the same page," the Duke observes "the Baron will send out Calder to the Mer, get his info, then pass it onto you through a messanger he trusts. To see how it goes. He'll patrol the seas as best he can. Perhaps ask Mama capataz tweak for additional eyes...."

A frown from the Baron at Tweak but he doesn't do more than that

The Duke continues "And we assist the mer against Bleedwaters? Do I have that right, Countess?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

"I will make it so" the Baron assures

"Excellent. If there's nothing else, we can return to the party" The Duke says, then looks to the Countess "is there anything else?"

"Not from me, Your Grace."

"Nor I. Please," The Baron rises from his seat and bows "You're welcome to stay. WHile the reaosn for it may not be to your liking, we will have fine minstrels, excellent food, and more"

"I'm personally more concerned that they reason might not be to -your- liking, Lord Tidemarch." she rises "But it's your party, after all. I appreciate the invitation."

He bows again "Sometimes sacrifices must be made, so worry not for me"

(Presses SEND)

Jess will follow the Duke out.

The Duke goes out when the baron does, but moves to the side a bit near a wall, while the Baron takes the center of the room

Jess sticks with Tierone.

Duke Tierone gets their drinks refilled and whispers "I assumed you prefer the quieter part. But the music really iS good"

She recognizes one of the contest winners from yesteryear

Not by name, but that great troubadour contest.

"It is. We had a contest a few years ago..." she murmurs the story to him "It was not an easy choice, at all."

"Oh, that would have been wonderful to witness" He admits "I still haven't gotten a troubadour for my own hold, not a regular one anyway. Maybe I'll try something similar"

"You could do worse." she agrees.

"Would you want to be invited when it occurs? I know you have a lot on your plate"

"I'd love to know about it, Your Grace, but I might not be able to attend." she admits.

"Understood. i won't be insulted if it turns out you can't make it." He assures, and looks over at the ball room as the ladies go in orbit about the baron, "Not a Liam among them i'm sure" Amused

Jess nods with a shrug.

"Nor a lady troll. Typical varich. Deathly afraid someone else might lead, even in dancing" Tierone savors his drink to cover his lips as he says it