#fenixtj

"Baron Tidemarch..."

Diego says "He's holding up with a cane, but says you wanted to talk to him? And he thought coming in person would be more dignfied"

She rolls her eyes. "Have Phobos and Demos returned?

"No."

"But as Tidemarch has no escort, he appears to be putting himself entirely in your power. I don't like nobles, Jessica, but either he's actually supplicating a bit... unlikely, or making this a demonstration somehow"

She nods. "I'll see him in the court room." where she usually greets and passes decisions down.

"I'll have him wait there" Diego says "Bread and water for him?" Hopeful

"No. In fact, get him a chair. But not on the platform." she nods to Olgar and Emmit. "Sorry. Please say good bye before you go, and stay a long as you want, ok?"

"I'll be going soon" Emmit says "But I'll be sure to say good bye before I do" He assures

Olgar says "Called the wife. I'll stay for the night. "

Diego has gone to set up a chair

"Thanks." she says, and then goes to the more formal space, entering on the platform. She doesn't take her seat, though. She waits for the Baron.

The baron is there, waiting patiently, a chair provided. He rises when she enters, "Countess. " A bow, though he leans on the cane "You wanted to speak to me. And sounded wroth. I am confused as to why, and thought a private meeting would help prevent a miscommunication"

She nods a greeting and motions. "Please be seated."

He does. "Your redcaps are currently... my guests. They attacked the door frame to the cell, eating around it to take the prisoner we had agreed was to be mine. Or so I thought. You had said to me '"I'll take the redwater with me back to Fenix.". And I agreed to that. You later wanted them both. I had not agreed to that, but was going to turn the second over anyway after I had my own investigation. I did not realize the urgency until your missive started coming in"

He has in his free hand a scroll "I have here a copy of what was learned from the first prisoner by means you neglected. Use of Chronos and Soveriegn. I wanted to use torture, but could not without appearing in open rebellion of you"

She comes down from the platform (she hates calling it a dais) and takes the scroll to scan it.

It has quite a lot of details. Location of where a nunehi 'cell' is hiding among them

She nods as she reads.

Names are included.

Including the captive's name?

Indeed. Apparently he prefers to be called 'Shadow Hunt Begins'

"You are correct, Baron, in that I would have handled this differently and indeed intended to do so. I appreciate your declining to use torture, though. And... I will not argue with your use of the Arts What state is Shadow Hunt Begins in?"

"Physically unharmed, your excellency and fit enough for a duel with my champion"

"Mentally?"

"Mentally? I dare say he feels humilated and angry at me. I am content with that. " A beat "May I ask if I'm to be compensated for the damage done to my cell door by your redcaps? They ate AROUND the weaverward"

"Yes, we will compensate you."

"What do you think of the duel taking place at the Pitt, and the invitation of our local Nunnehi and the mainland, should they choose to come under a flag of truce?"

"I thank you. " He frowns "I prefer my own hold for the duel, but... the Pitt might be a better locale for the interests of fair play. So I yield in this. As for the mainlander Nunehi, our enemy showing? No. It puts our people at too much risk of asssination or attack. It is one thing to try for peace... it is another to put childlings and elderly at risk"

She nods. "I have concerns as well. Perhaps we should ask Otem? Or even Shadow Hunt Begins if he people would honor a temporary truce?"

"I ask that ShadowHunt begins be left in my custody. I do not trust sluagh not to free him"

"One was already caught trying to get the secret of his people's poison"

"Will you give me your word that he'll be treated as my guest there?"

A frown "You are too generous in my view, but you are also my liege. Yes. He will be treated as your guest. And if it gives you comfort, assign a thane or knight of your choosing to visit or station there so it can be verified. I do not think it needed, but it might give the right optics for your desire"

"If you give me your word, that is enough."

"Who will be your champion?"

"Consider my word given. As for my champion? I've not yet decided . I have three candidates "

"I'm interested to know who, but I can wait for your choice."

"if I were of better Health, I might do so myself. " A shake of his head

"I've kept you from rest long enough." Jess says "May I keep these notes?"

"Of course, your excellency. I have that information recorded. " He rises slowly, "Countess, if I may say, we do not agree on many, sometimes I dare say, MOST things, but you offered direction, FIRM direction at that, to my people while I was incapacitated. My hold is not as... free wheeling so I think you took the right approach in doing so. They may not have understood you but they at least understood that, and I think it was ultimately a comfort to them and kept order. I also am looking over your notes for the Court petitions. Some are set to be going your way by your choice. But let me know if you have any other follow up on those, as suits you"

"Thank you, Baron. I will but for now I'll say that you have a fine Freehold, one to be proud of, and a strong Barony. I congratulate you. Do you have transportation back to Sunkissed Waves?"

"I do." he says "I would not say no to an escort to show respect to my rank and safety. I would be a fool to act as if I were in the best of shape in recovery"

"Unfortunately, my Captain is not here to do you the honor but I will certainly provide you an escort." she says dryly.

"AH yes, well, I assure you, your dedicated redcaps will be heading home soon" A twitch of amusement in his lips

"I am glad to hear it, Baron. I hope you will make the ... misunderstanding.... was not theirs."

He arches a brow at something "I will inform them all is clear now between us. Being redcaps they may have some... resentment, but I did make sure they were each well fed. "

"Thank you."

"I'm not devoid of hospitality. I rather like redcaps to a degree. My bard is one. She spoke well of you. Ah, but I should go. "

"May I walk you out?"