#fenixtj

The prisoner remains gagged , bound

"Need anything?" courteously.

GLARE

he does that a lot

"How about this; if you'd like something to make your stay more comfortable within the present circumstances, blink twice."

GLARE

"Okey doke. Do you want to know what the current situatio is? Blink twice if so."

Glare Once

"Okey doke. Someone will check on you occasionally, see if you need anything. But any information you want comes directly from me." she nods, and leaves. As she does, she gives these instructions to the guards to pass along.

The guards bow. One however says "Countess, if our liege dies because of this wretch. You said you had plans He would not enjoy? We would gladly volunteer in aiding his... unenjoyment if it comes to that"

"I will remember that, and I thank you for it." she nods respectfully.

They seem content with her considering it and go back to their duty of passing instructions along

Jess stands a moment, at loose ends.

Then, she moves off to find someone who can point her in the direction of the Baron's closest staff. Kitchen people usually know who's in charge.

She finds, to no one's surprise, a boggan. The fellow has a chef's hat, useful that

"Pardon me, when you have a moment?" she initiates.

"For her excellency? Of course" he bows "I am Chef Waverly. How may I serve? You are hungry, no?"

"No, I'm not. I was wondering... could you tell lme who is.... um, who assists the Baron in running the Barony? His closest advisors?"

"The Baron had many advisors, but few he called a second. It was a delicate game of keeping all from presuming and their intrigues in check. He does have a betrothed"

"Ok... then.... someone who could contact and gather all of them?"

"I Should be happy to take on that duty myself while you eat, Countess. " He says congeniully "You have been here a bit without a meal"

She sighs; boggan-caught again. "If you insist.... I'd like everyone who advises the Baron to meet with me here, as soon as possible, in a conference room or something."

"There is the dining hall, plenty of room but some privacy. I'll pass on your instructions to join them for an impromptu meal"

Waverly smiles like a middle aged cherub at this. Seems he has a way to bully MANY to have a meal

"That's actually a really good idea. I'll eat with them. Um. Where is this dining room?"

"Down the hall, second door to the left, Baroness. Seats about ten comfortably. Do you like seafood or would you prefer hunter's fair of venison?"

"Seafood." she says "A little change of pace."

"It will be so" He bows

"Thank you." and she heads for the dining room.

She finds a seat at a grand table and looks about. This is not the 'main' dining room, but it is nice and the chair she has picked is big enough for a troll

So... she sits. .And waits.

Lovely artwork, not nearly as snobby as she might have expected

A figure enters in, a female redcap in an outfit not unlike an 18th century opera singer. She curtseys "I was told to join you, your excellency. I am Strix Dirgevoice, court bard"

"Welcome, please take a seat."

She does "I should tell you, as a Bard, I'm not always encouragedd TO Speak. We're supposed to speak the truth, and what I say might be an omen without meaning to be"

"Then I appreciate your listening. And, if you wish to give me counsel in private after reflection, I would welcome that."

Strix nods and takes a seat

well, she nodss. She already had a seat but our narrator forgot about that. I fear he's going dotty in his older age. Sad really. He also leans on the 4th wall too heavily... but we knew that

Indeed.

"Food should be coming shortly."

The cap nods

It is not food that comes next, but another advisor

Jess seems content to wait for either.

The next incoming member is a sidhe , a grump, elderly for a kithain. She thinks she's seen him before. He bows stiffly. "Sir Wydan Farsight, Hold seer, your excellency"

She nods respectfully in return. "Welcome, please be seated. I believe we've met?"

"At a ceremony once, yes, your excellency. I was speaking to my House sister, Regent Mitra."

"Of course. She is a dear friend of mine."

"A talented wariroress, not normally a focus in our house, but her mind is keen" He nods

"She is certainly unique." Jessica agrees politely.

The Ferret in the Beret is a bit surprising...