#odyssey

"Good. Still not enough."

Not one, a half dozen, a Balor Lord in armor, for his colors are obvious. However seeing what he sees, he bows to Aiden despite the fact he too appears to be a baron.

Gildas says "Damn it.. what IS good enough?"

Dagmar stands up taller, glaring at the newcomer.

The thanes flank the mystery lord, but at Aiden's small nod, allow him to approach. Aiden steps forward, "We are in the midst of a duel. Please state your purpose."

"In this grievance you claimed against me, you killed the innocent. I would have you stand against me for each of those you killed."

Straightforward, neither rude nor welcoming.

Brekke is aware of the approach, but she does not change her focus.

"Stand against you? You want to duel you again?"

"Were the innocents slain your people, Shacklebreaker? Can you claim them as your wards, or of your protectorate?" Aiden asks, though his attention is upon the Balor.

Brekke gives a grim half-grin. "You may call what you offered 'a duel.' You may offer the same, as best you can, ten more times. But I see it clearly as your punishment...and far less than you deserve."

Dagmar looks over at Nadeen.

Nadeen does not seem surprirsed by the Balor. But she does seem caught off guard by Brekke's comments

Brekke looks to Aiden, and then to Nadeen. She honestly does not know the answer.

Nadeen bites her lip, then says "Forgive, Chieftain. I believe we should see what the Balor lord wants"

Gildas says "Then thrash me ten more times as you like but I... eh?" As Nadeen speaks up

Dagmar grimaces again. Symon likely can see that her muscles are drawn as taught as harpstrings.

Brekke is still for another moment, then nods and steps back a pace. Finally, she turns enough to acknowledge the Balor.

Aiden's jaw is set, and he seems to have come to some decision - but he holds his statement until the intruder speaks.

"I am Baron Hardbliss, a son of House Balor " He hisses, his tongue serpentine "I come to challenge Lord Gildas ."

Aiden raises a hand, and comments, his tone deceptively mild. "There is a challenge in place that is not yet complete."

"I see" Hardbliss says "I confess some dissapoointment"

Brekke considers the Balor, a brow raised. "I would know your claim against him."

"What? A challenge... I do not even know you" Gildas says and TRUTH

Symon, hovering by Dagmar's side, is watching in carefully constrained excitment.

"I come to challenge him on the basis of incompetence... for right to his bale" He motions to a second, who , slowly, pulls out a Countess Pennons allowing the challenge "He must accept the challenge here or now or yield his hold" The Pennons is that of the very Countess who has supported him all this time

Gildas' eyes widen "I am betrayed!"

Gwen's like "holy shit.." And takes some of Briar's popcorn

Jaw jut and glare. Another look at Nadeen. THIS? Is this the plan?

Symon reaches and rests a hand on Dagmar's arm.

"wait for it..." is his whisper.

"Symon, he..." She whispers back before stopping herself. Scowl.

And then the pennons ..fades..... the facsimlile cantrip endinng. Hardbliss gapes

AIden is taken aback, but quickly recovers. "It seems you are lacking your key."

And Nadeen and Kenna exchange a look

Hardbliss stares "how is this.. she promised me a..."

And both unseelie ladies look pleased

Aiden realizes what was meant to be betrayal and coup has fallen apart. the politics are interesting. This will surely reflect badly on the Countess in question

Brekke looks from Hardbliss to Gildas. "Interesting. And yet the duel has been claimed."

Gildas says "Without a Countty pennons he can make no claim on me"

ANd that is the law.

Julius, to one side, is taking furious notes. No boggan he, but he will be sure that news is spread.

That's when Brekke sees Kenna draw forth a Count Pennons she recognizes. That of Hemlock!

Brekke's eyes widen at that sight.

"Baron Aiden, Chieftain Brekke. The Balor Claim is false. But I DO have a Pennons of Count. I now demand what Hardbliss demanded of Gildas, and this pennon is no fake. Chieftain, will you allow me to 'play through' ? Better yet, will you or Dame Dagmar champion my claim?"

Kenna's voice is almost triumphant, for this is revenge that has taken time to build and might even be justice as well

Aiden raises a hand, clearing his throat.

Brekke nods. "I will, Lady Kenna, and gladly."

And then she looks to Aiden.

Aiden glances to the younger Dairrean, and it comes clear. Looking to the Chieftain, he speaks.

"Baroness Shacklebreaker. The right to the duel is still your own. Lord Gildas has conceded to ten more bouts. I would say, that 10 chimerical deaths would be fitting, for the innocents he has slain, precious flowers doomed to bloom only once, yet mown down in their prime.

However, if you choose to yield to the Lady Kenna...." He ponders this, and offers, as though bestowing a gift. "I will postpone the completion of YOUR duel until the resolution of hers." A cold smile to the Daireann that abused his hospitality.