#odyssey

Niamh speaks up. “Now, of Art, and Naming.”

Art jumps to his feet, then bows again, awkwardly.

“I have the permission from the Baroness of my fledging Hold to pursue naming here, if your Namer is willing. However, if we do so, there may be questions raised about where I was sained, as the local Countess already is expecting me to return for saining with her Namer.”

“She is Eilunid, and may not easily let the mystery go.”

"And we absolutely do not want to endanger your secrets."

Gwen nods "But we are willing to NOT talk about any saining. We are not sworn to the Countess, and I think the Baroness and Baron can appreciate that if they don't know details then they can safely say they don't know"

Saoirse considers this for a long moment, and exchanges glances with Niamh. “You have agreed to this?” She asks the child.

Niamh answers in a serene, wise voice “How could I not? He is due a boon, and he already asked me for his name. Fate has warranted it so.” Then, in her own childish voice, “And I do love Saining. It is special. Every name I have discovered is in my heart.” She presses a hand to her chest with a small smile.

A pause "I... have another idea but it might be weird and might not matter but... what if Art was sained at Sea? Litteraly? I mean, wards up and all, but wouldn't that throw off this location from being snooped? Even a few miles out ight make a difference"

Saoirse turns to the trio. “Your worries are valid and appreciated. Niamh is the authority when it comes to her sorcery, but I must speak for my entire clan. I…”

She stops, and considers.

“But what of the cake? We have already commissioned it.” A small smile.

“We will have the saining. Sidhe have come before, and will come again. Even a countess cannot face the power of a Volcano.”

A smile at mention of the Cake

Elsewhere? Saoirse may just be another Selkie. But here, in her seat of power? She may be a queen.

Art looks to Thistle and Gwen.

"Cake is very important."

A look at Art "Up to you, Art. I'll back you as much as my oaths allow, and I suspect they won't come into play. "

"He was sained during his Fior challenge"

"We just stick to that, right?"

A nod

"I mean, Da'an is da'an, right? who are we to mess with it?"

Niamh smiles. “A Fior is a challenge of Courage, Wits, and Artistry, is it not? You’ve had a hand in championing two of the three alrrady. Perhaps we should ask you to compose a sonnet to the sea.”

Art swallows. “Um. I… I guess… I could try?”

The little girl hides a grin as Art sweats for a moment.

"Art can draw. He draws his visions."

Janice offers, “He showed skill in managing to have Greg and I arrive in time to see Thistle’s final challenge.”

Saoirse considers. “To navigate by the stars also shows skill that few have mastered, let alone when dropped into an unknown sea.”

"And that could have gone very badly with that boat."

"Yup. I held it steady but Art was the one who knew which way we needed to be pointed"

Niamh relents. “You may consider yourself worthy. But if you DO compose any sonnets, I wish to hear them.” She grins!

Citrine holds her hands over her ears.

A look at Citrine "Hey, Silverwolves suffer together" a smile though

Zip, she vanishes into Thistle’s pocket.

Smirk.

"Okay, she's gotten smarter" Gwen admits to Thistle

“We will hold the celebration tonight.” Saoirse announces. “I know you are all eager to return home.”

Janice adds, “Greg already told me that we can book tickets back for each of you, unless you had another plan? We’ll return, and soon, but we have much to set right in Watertown.” Smiling at her little one.

Belatedly Art says, “Heeeey.”

Realizing he might have had his potential skills of sonnetry mocked.

"My lieges will reimburse you, I'm sure, thank you, Janice" A nod

"Right, it'll take a little time. And we'll want internet here, for Dad..."

“Nonsense.” Janice answers firmly. “It is easily within our means.”

"My lord and lady have their pride, Janice. If they do reimburse you, please accept it graciously..." A whisper "And use the money to spoil your children rotten"

Looking espically at the baby

The baby who is asleep! Thistle has a good hold.

Janice rolls her eyes heavenward - “If they insist, I will not offend their graciousness by refusing.”

gladiola smiles at that, "Thank you" And a look at Thistle with the baby "My word, everyone wants to snuggle her. If Louis were here he'd probably suggest selling tickets. One ticket for one minute of getting to hold the baby"

Art blinks, something has occurred to him. “We’ll need to pass through New York on the flight home. The City, that is. Goblin Town is there.”

"And you'll be sained by then" A nod to Art. If they expected a fight against the idea, they don't get it. Not from her

“But we probably owe it to the Baron and Baroness to go home first and report.” He adds.

"And give them a party, too."

Saoirse rises. “I must complete the planning, and see to other duties. Please be at the beach at the appointed time. And yes, there will be cake.”

Janice starts to reach for Miri, but then asks Thistle, “Would your mind putting Miri-Bri down for her nap?”