#fenixtj

She bows at that, "It would be my honor." She is curious, this wilder girl, about why but it's not her place "Shall we depart now?"

"Please. How did you come?"

"By the trod door, Countess" She assures "The quickest way"

"Let's go." And indeed, she is ready.

And they take the passage trod...and soon arrive at the holding of the Baron, a grand beach house /mansion

It is post Beltaine there too, of course

And so things are on less festive footing. Soldiers move about, servants tend to cleaning.

And one courtier sees them, and bows low, "Your excellency? "

She nods back. "Will you tell the Baron I'm here please, with my apologies for not sending word ahead."

"Allow me," The messanger intrudes "I should deliver my message first, your excellency so you need not have to"

Jess takes a deep breath, nods. "Lead on."

The messenger looks tempted to say something, then merely bows and heads off

And soon they approach Baron Tidemarch who is in his own study, and turns.

The Baron sees the messenger (Is Jessica in view as well? or hanging back?)

OOC Jess is out of sight; the messenger can go in without her.

Jessica hears the messanger deliver the message in full as is her duty, the Baron nods "I see, such support is welcome." But the messenger adds, "Baron, she has more she wishes to convey in person, and awaits in the hall"

"I see." he says then moves to open the door "Countess," He bows "Forgive the disarray. I was not at first expecting your arrival. Can I have something to drink brought to you?"

"Water would be fine, and I understand entirely. Please forgive me for showing up unannounced."

Water is brought to her promptly by the messenger

"Did Squire Vanna's service as messenger come up short?" He inquires

"It did not, she is a credit to Sunkissed Waves."

The squire looks relieved

The Baron nods "Excellent. She is new to my service but shows some promise. How may I serve you, Countess?"

She unrolls the map in front of him. "Let's talk about Renaissance's waters."

He looks over it "What specifically would you like to discuss about it? "

"Tell me about this incursions."

"The Incursions? " He says Then looks at the map "Wait, the nobles who joyride down here is what distresses you?"

"I'd like to know more about it. I trust you with our defense in these matters, so I come to you."

"They are not truly invaders, merely disruptive. They do sometimes show a callous disregard to commoner fishermen but they don't endanger them. Just their catches"

"But our people relay on those catches."

"They do" He nods "But arresting nobles of another kingdom and neighboring Duchy of that kingdom seemed to be adding more chaos to already trying times"

"Might there be a middle ground between discussion and arrest?"

"This seems to offend you" He observes

"I'm concerned."

"My focus has been on the battle fields in the water and I feel that is best. Do you disagree?"

A twisted quirk of her lips "I am operating from a focus on many battlefields."

"But the Mer are at a WAR"

"And we are not?"

"As much as I wish otherwise...."

"We are, which is why provoking yet a third front seemed unwise"

He does not say this with hostility