#odyssey

"Your horse, Samson? I have seen him, fine animal, he could out last many of my horses for stamina, but he's not really a racer. If you wish, sometime I could loan you one of my Arabians... and we could compete" The Duke offers "THey are some of the fastest steeds.... " A sigh "Only one I know of goes quicker"

"Really, my consort," The Duchess fuses, "Do let the Trolls have their things"

"The trolls? What equine treasure do they hold?"

"Oh here we go" The Duchess sighs

"They possess in RIvervale some fine fae steeds, but the one I speak of wears a star on her brow and moves with the speed of thunder's passing" The Duke says "A fellow Gwydion owns her, thank goodness. I hear rumor she liberated him from some Ailil. Well done there, still, such a mare could be the gem of my stables if she would part with her"

"I am familiar with Rivervale! I don't think I've seen this steed, though. Then again, it has been quite some time since I visited that Lodge. Have you made an offer?"

"I have been told by Count Hemlock I'd have more luck asking Dame Dagmar to sell one of her limbs"

A bell-like laugh. "Well, perhaps...are you familiar with Lady Captain Siv Waveborne?"

"Didn't you bring her into the house of the Lion yourself?" The Duchess inquires

"I did have that honor, yes! Well, she is daughter of Rivervale's Baroness. She is also in possession of the most amazing ship. Your Grace, if you were to invite her to visit here, you might encourage her to coax her mother to loosen her grip on this prize."

"I would not cauise ill will with a house sister" A pause "But perhaps an honest offer"

"I would suggest nothing less," Coradel says, toasting him with her glass.

"I shall contact this lady captain and see if she can aid" he nods "Thank you, Baroness"

"My pleasure, Your Grace."

To one side, a quill scratches quietly.

"Baron, you seem so quiet" the Duchess says "Are you ssure you're comfortable just listening and taking notes?"

Coradel grins and takes a sip of her drink.

He looks up, and nods respectfully. "Yes, Your Grace."

"Well, we shant force an introvert to extrovert," The Duchess says "That's the province of a wife" amused

A wink to the Duchess. "It's often a fun challenge."

"Well, we all have our interests" The Duke says, then sighs "I fear either my consort or I must return to court. Shall I leave it to your ladies? and of, course, Baron August?"

"Well, Your Graces, I have enjoyed the time to talk, and I have delivered the information I thought vital. Perhaps we should all return to mix and mingle?"

August carefully blots his work, rolls it up, and cleans his quill.

Coradel sets aside her empty wine glass, and moves to August's side, touching his cheek fondly.

"Let's, and leet us put on smiles, that too will be a victory over those who thought to separate us" The duchess leads them out

for a grand return for Graces and Baroness and Baron alike

"That will be easy to do, Your Grace," Coradel says, smiling with pleasure as they follow the Duke and Duchess back into the party.

Applause as Earth Runes and Hawthorne reunite more ways than one

(End Scene)