#odyssey

"But...but he wouldn't."

"Even if you're Gwydion, he couldn't!"

"Like, sure, fine, you won't be heir? But it's not like you wanted that, anyways."

“No liege is obligated to accept any they do not choose into their vassalage.” He says, softly. “If such was the case, I would not wish to stay, unwelcome. Or if my house compels me to seek other holds? I won't know. Not until I know.”

"But you have to stay."

Gwen looks at Art and frowns "Arthur, the Baron is a good man, and I'll even say he tries to be a fair man. And the Baroness cares about you and is proud of you.. we all heard on the phone and she had nothing to gain by saying so. I don't think she'd drive you out even if you were a Liam. She's worked with them"

"I mean, yeah she's got a thing about sluagh ... she tries but we all see it. but you're a sidhe. As for the Baron, he IS allies with a Gwydion chieftain. And Dame Dagmar has his respect too. " Gwen is loyal to her lieges, but she also knows them, or feels she does "Thistle is right, you might not be heir but... you would have a home there just like now. "

"Well, if you aren't welcome, then I ain't staying."

"Because kicking you out speaks to the Baron's character."

"Especially after all the bullshit over trying to keep you from getting Sained on time."

Gladiola frowns at this

"Darkgate would take a Liam or Gwydion, for sure."

"Guys, loyal knight to the baron and baroness right here. Can we bash them a little less when we're talking theorticals?"

"Or the Countess - Eiluned's a seelie house."

"I'm not bashing."

"You'll furkin' know when I'm bashing."

Art turns a little pink, but also shakes his head. “I wouldn't ask that of you. Whatever happens? We're still friends. And I cannot leave my mortal family.” He looks perhaps a bit surprised to admit that last to himself.

"Nadeen lets the two sluagh stay."

"Sure feels like it" A look to Art "Fine. We have another reason to have the Saining HERE. If you're of a house or something that you feel wouldn't be welcome, we learn early. Saining here, then, hopefully, party there. "

"The sluagh are not sworn vassals of Silverwolf. If I am not either, I'll still be there for you, no matter what court I answer to.”

He nods to Gwen. “I know. I just can't help worrying. It's.. nerves? Right?”

"The Countess called this your Fior, and we're going home triumphant."

"I had nerves before my saining too, and so did Thistle " A look to her to be sure she's right on that, then back to Art "But darn it, tell the namer here your concern it will draw interest, if she still wants to do it then LET Her. You did earn this boon. Hel, you earned it with MY challenge and your own thanks to your ideas."

He nods slowly. “Thanks, Gwen. That makes sense.”

"Well, want us to go with you to tell her your concerns and see what she says?"