#odyssey

She guides them in. Numerous paintings await

"And here, more eyes yet," she observes, indicating the portraits that look out from their frames.

She moves into the room, scanning for Baron Nemauses.

August lingers at the door.

Baron Nemauses image shows, a much younger version of him but the eyes still flicker with the weight of too many secrets and challenges of a rulership against great odds

"Oh!" A little sound of victory as she spots him, and then a sigh that contains a bit of sadness. "Such a good man he was."

"He was not considered very lovable by most, begging your pardon" Bludwen says

"No? It seems you know stories I do not."

She turns to look directly at Bludwen. Apparently, storytime is expected.

"A stern man, not to be crossed, who kept his counsel and his affections tight is what I have heard"

"Oh, yes! And what's not to love, there? He was true to those he cared for, and so of necessity he could not care for all." She considers the portrait again...and then frowns slightly. "Hm. Now that's something I hadn't considered...."

"Oh?"

"Mmm. I don't suppose you have ample skill to be able to cantrip crafted items like this? It's an area I've neglected, I'll admit...and in approaching this I think I was considering the fae nature of the Baron rather than the canvas and oils nature of the portrait."

"I might have some expertise" She says

"Then perhaps you would assist. You see, I have some questions for the Baron...." she says as she starts drawing upon her memories of the man she knew, her second guide in this world after Delores brought her to him. The sound of his voice...the gestures of weary annoyance or fond amusement...

And when she has the image strongly in her mind, she nods to Bludwen, then reaches to touch the baron's painted hand. "My foster, I must speak with you."

The Investigator seems to lend some energy, or at least expertise to the casting

But it is Fiona love that carries the spell

"Ah, Coradel...even now you insist. Such passion" It whispers

"Oh...." A sad smile. "I miss you deeply. And I would spend hours speaking with you if I could. But I cannot. There is need. Dear Baron, I must know...what occurred between you and Lady Wynda?"

"Refusal... she hoped to be elevated, to keep the hold within the house, but she was not fit. I tested her, and found her wanting"

"And to what extent do you deem her likely to attempt a vengeance for that refusal?"

"She would be vulnerable to ambition and might take vengeance in the name of 'the grearter good'" A frown "earth runes is not for her, my heir"

"No, it is not." This is clearly not even a question. "And I will keep her from it. But she is playing the game and causing ill will between EarthRunes and the Duke and Duchess." A pause. "What is it exactly that made you determine her to be unfit?"

"her ranking of title was one factor... her vulnerability to the manipulations of others another, but ..." He looks almost embarrassed "Chiefly? She lacked an understanding of the common folk"

She touches the painted hand again. "Thank you, dear one." She glances at Bludwen, then back to his features. "I miss you. Rest well, and return when you can."

"I chose so well when I chose you, it is my last and greatest tri..." And the cantrip ends