#odyssey

"When we get there, tell your dispatcher you're off duty for a bit. You have a new duty, now, and you'll be coming along with me."

"Yes, my lady" Dordi says quite formally but eyes on the road again "But I am very confused, but I confess. I have never felt so alive in my life"

"Glorious, isn't it? And it's only just getting started!"

"Don't fret, your questions will be answered as soon as there is time, but for now, you must do as I direct."

Coradel knows this dream dance is only just getting started, and so she keeps an eye out for chimera.

"Yes, my lady" Dordri says as the taxi appears to have turned into a carriage pulled by three chimerical goats "I think you clearly know better than i what to expect." A beat 'we have goats"

"They better be fast goats."

And they almost charge the park, the carriage/taxi almost knocking some thanes over, knights and thanes draw weapons, and Dordri holds out a broadsword as she dismounts/steps out "You will not harm the lady!"

"Surrender!" they call out

"Death first" She is ready for battle

And Coradel may have to quell this dramatic willingess to sacrifice herself as this fight they don't need

At the same time, August, Thane Burke (who she doesn't know), Ivan (still in the bag), Sir Bachdion, and Dame Bludwen all come out to witness the scene, partly speed by quicksilver

"ENOUGH!" Coradel calls out in a bright, clear tone as she steps out of the carriage. "Stand down, all. Dordi, with me. Thanes, one of you take us into custody if you must, and deliver us directly to...oh! Dame Bludwen, there you are!" Then a wave to August. "Look what I found, my love!" she says, indicating the newly-minted troll at her side.

August charges forward, one hand on his weapon-hilt, to Coradel's side.

He seems unsure of who the opponent might be, but absolutely sure that he'll draw steel if warranted.

Coradel steps forward to meet him, her hands on his arms to stop him from drawing his weapon. "You gave her the captive and the information?"

Dordri blazes with new dream energy and smells of old oak, of leather finely craftedd into reigns, and.. oddly? A hint of lilac

"I did, and Dame Bludwen confirmed it all by cantrip." he responds "The cat is in the bag." he adds.

"Oh!" At the blast of dream dance. "There we go!" she adds with a smile as she regards Dordri with some pride.

"A new troll?" Burke, son of Bubba, who was a son of bubba himself, says surprised "The Dreaming has blessed us'

Indeed, the other thanes gasp and lower their weapons as they see this new kith sister

Bachdion drinks in excess glamour with a grump's greed and prudence

August blinks, and takes his hand from his hilt. "Marvelous." he agrees.

Bludwen says "You are innocent, Baroness, as is your jester. We should tell their graces right away"

Coradel moves to stand next to the fledge and calls out, "Everybody, I bring to this hold a new bright light! Greet her!"

Dordi is confused, but lowers her guard as folks come forward, gretting her, the trolls, normally reserved, seem especially pleased, and why would they not be? But even non trolls smile and shake her hand

Then a nod to Bludwen. "Dordi, come with us."

"Yes, uhm.. Baroness" Dordi says peeling free from the admirers and well wishers, following as if it feels quite natural

"You must be presented."

Coradel takes August's arm as they move to walk along with Bludwen, Dordi following. "We had a bit of an adventure. Dordi was brilliant."

"Dordi has goats" Dordi says to the baron trying to resist the urge to touch his spit curl then she resolves herself "But it feels ..oddly right"

The Duke and Duchess are already waiting in the main throne room , because the fire nearly hit the roof!

"Dame, is someone available to tend her goats?" he asks in utter seriousness "They seemed to have been working hard."

"I'll have thanes assigned" the Dame says

"Thank you."

"Yes, please. They deserve special treatment. You must name them, Dordi!" she calls back over her shoulder before they enter the throne room.

Then as they come before the Duke and Duchess, Coradel says, "Dame Bludwen, would you be so kind...." she indicates her hair color. "I'd prefer to look more like myself in this moment."

"No need, the dream dance burned the illusion away" The Dame says "You earned Dordi's loyalty in your own form"

They are, however, still very much wearing black leather.

"What on Earth is going on?" The Duke says

She checks her hair, sees it's true, and then gives August's cheek a kiss before releasing his arm and striding forward before the Duke and Duchess, head held high. "Your Graces! I bring before you news of misdoing and reputation assailed, one of the culprits at fault, and a newly changeling who has served heroically even in the midst of her Dream Dance. Will you hear my words?"

You'd be fools not to, she thinks to herself.

"We shall hear them" the Duchess says "You have brought forth a new citizen of the Dreaming. IF that is not a sign of Da'ans favor, I am not sure what is"

Coradel smiles and curtseys to her. Then she stands tall and addresses herself to the onlookers as much as to the Duke and Duchess. "Your Graces, as you know, I came to learn of rumors that my beloved Jester, Shalimar, had been maligning your names in your very city. However, it is not true. The culprit is an imposter. One Ivan P. Taylor. Dame Bludwen, you have him captive?"

She holds up the Cat "I do, a disguise to make a black cat pooka look like a skunk pooka was deployed. I Have backward glanced him. And hsi crimes are as the baroness says"

The Duke nods "So you your jester has no ill intent towards us after all." he looks surprised but relieved

"My jester has been slandered, Your Grace, as have I by extension," she points out, briefly frowning. But then another smile. "I have here also Ivan P Taylor's cell phone, which contains information about contacts who were giving him information about what jokes to make. The treachery goes further than one simple pooka, Your Graces."

She holds the phone aloft so all may see, and then hands it to Dame Bludwen.

"Beyond that, Your Graces, as I attempted to bring this evidence back to your hold, I was pursued by those who attempted to shoot me with, I believe, mortal bullets. It was the Dreaming's blessing that Dordi, guardian and hero, found me and aided in my travel here, combating and evading our pursuers." She turns and gives a grateful nod to the new troll.

Diordi looks stunned