#goldfinchfreehold

Sylvi takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "I don't like him," she repeats. "But I know I'm biased. I think...I believe...that we can do this better than a noble can. That Goldfinch is better with commoners in charge." A pause. "But what if I'm wrong?"

Siv says "Sylvi, I'm no Gwydion, and mean no disparagement but... this doesn't sound hypothetical . What's going on?"

A smirk. "I think about this shit a lot," she points out. "I just don't always talk about it."

"Uh huh" Siv looks dubious , but goes on "If you're wrong, you're wrong, if you're right, you're right. But I do know one thing: If you're wrong, or right... you're NOT alone in thinking so. Tell me something, without goldfinch where are the common folks who have been tramuatized by bad nobles or poor noble leadership going to go? I'm not one to cry out for a 'safe space' when I get me knickers in a twist, but the fact is, overplayed or not, not every non noble FEELS safe at noble holds. And not just the outlaws or the malcontents. Goldfinch might do 'better' as a noble hold, or it might not, but if it became one... it would NOT be better for the ones who counted on it as being a place they could be themselves without worrying about this lord or that lady. House Fiona is 'commoner friendly' so maybe that's part of this... but it's not going to bloody sink the monarchy if there are some semi democratic freeholds here and there. So...maybe you shouldn't worry about 'would Goldfinch be better under noble rule' and ask yourself instead 'Would Goldfinch's PEOPLE be happier under noble rule?"

"Well...I mean...that's what I mean when I say 'Goldfinch,' kinda. The balefire needs to be protected, but without its people, it's not much."

"There's your answer then." Siv says

A blink. "But...it's not an answer to the question, really. If I had to swear, that would endanger Goldfinch because I'd have to do whatever he said, right?"

"Nay," Siv says "For one thing, Oaths can be tweaked, touched up. What if you swear to him but only as a protector of the hold, not his vassal? What if you make sure he swears to you first... it IS normally two sided eh? And his oath makes it clear if he endangers Goldfinch th deal is off? Sylvi, you're one of the most devious minds I know, and I mean that with respect. You realize Guile is a virtue. Now, Hemlock is Gwyd, and he's going to know if you're lying, but I have seen you 'game the system' before when right is on your side. Don't doubt yourself so much that you assume it's a black or white thing. I've never known Sylvi Davidson to not mix in a bit of fabulous color in ANY situation; black and white, yes no nonsense be damned. "

Another blink. "Well, that's a hell of a compliment. Thanks." Sincere.

"I guess I never considered the liege could swear first. I always figured that was part of the point -- that the person of lower rank has to sort of give up everything in a show of trust."

"That's clever...." she ponders.

"You're welcome. Look, I got no right to mock your fear of swearing to a noble. Tis down right shame ful HOW FEW oaths I've sworn. So I get it. I do think my time at Earth Runes taught me one size need not fit all." A nod "But you seem to be stressing about a hypothetical that's never going to be. Mum is Chief, and you and she have a great set up. Why would that change?"

A pause, then a shrug. "Change happens. Hey, you want a drink from upstairs? I think we've got Sprite and Dr. Pepper."

"It does, but..." At the offer of a drink, she realizes "I AM kind of Thirsty. Sure, either would be fine."

"Be right back." She heads upstairs, leaving Siv to charge up at her leisure.

And Siv relaxes by the fire as she waits for a drink

(Fade, perhaps tbc)