#kc_necropolis

August nods heavily. "I know. I am... not a skilled combatant."

"Sir, do you think she is in the right?"

A long pause. "Mostly."

"Where is she wrong?"

"I cannot apologize for needing to see Cor... the Baroness at the hospital, wrong or not."

"I think I understand that. Your baroness is a Fiona. You've adopted a lot of Fiona ways... it would betray all you've learned of her House to ..well, not strive for her hand."

He nods. "I have the impression that, because of that, we will have to duel no matter what.

"Mmn not necessarily, that might be the one area she would concede on. She does love the baroness as a friend, and for her sake as much as anything she might. I don't suppose she would take your apology for the other stuff?"

"Not so far."

"Why not? Is it because you're Liam?"

A shrug. "Perhaps. Or, she's just really angry."

"mm one is more understandable than the other" He ponders "Any other offers she's made?

"

"Yes." Reluctantly. "But I'd rather not."

"Well uhm if I might, what's the other offer?"

"An oath of obedience." Very reluctantly.

"That doesn't..no, that won't do... even if you're not mistaken, no. It might conflict with truehearts to easily" He ponders then "why would she ask for that? "

He shakes his head. "I'll do it, if that's the only option." The Sidhe sounds beaten.

"No sir, I mean, 'why' why wouldn't she take an apology but insist on either the duel or that? There's something you're missing in the story. I'm not the brightest troll, but I have served at court and there's... always a way to work things."

"My second is a troll. He's trying to work something out."

"Sir Earl? odd if decent fellow, but he's not court trained."

"I didn't want to bring him into it but.... He was the only one I had."

"Sir, is it because she thinks you'll just do it again if she doens't make you swear not to? Or something like it again?"

"I think so." He nods listlessly.

"May I make some suggestions, sir?"

"Sure."

"the solutions I see... One, raise your title, take co rule with your wife, Or Two... try to get Delores the title of Dame, officially, so you will be of equal rank and it easier to follow her orders in more cases if you think you do have a subconscious reluctance to serve a steward. Or 3... go the hercules route, and offer to serve her in three tasks or quests to make amends. See if she accepts. She might send you out to your death, but I don't think she's the type."

"I will not take a title I don't deserve to avoid a duel of honor." Firmly "But I will suggest the other two."

"It's really not up to you to decide if you deserve it or not, sir. Not in the hiearchy of many houses"

"Nevertheless."

"I know, but it's all rather arbitrary, House Dougal might grant a barony because someone made a new turnip twaddler. House Ailil because a political advantage for the house was gained. Gwydion? Because you survived a battle with fury and honor combined and ended up being a hero. I'm not saying your opinion matters NOTHING sir, I'm just saying that I would keep an open mind." He ponders "And if you turn it down because you haven't earned it, well, what has SHE done to earn a kngihthood? Delores I mean?"

"Her service is worthy. And she found the Baroness."

"She was already rewarded for that with stewardship" he says "But as you like. Quests.. might work. Maybe if you quest for insight or something that will help you understand her? "

"Well, leave it up to her mostly I guess"

"I would let her decide. "

"Yes."

"Have I been of help at all sir?" He rubs at his mohawk

"Yes, thank you. I should call Earl."

"If you like sir, it's a bit late, but earlier in iowa" He says "Would you like me to make some soup for us?"

"I'm not really hung...." he pauses "That, ah... that would be nice. Chicken broth, maybe?"

"Sure" he says and goes off to do that.

And soon , Soup will be served