#odyssey

August offers no opinions here; clearly this is the Duke's responsibility.

The knight blanches before the Duke.

The Duke mutters more about how it shouldn't be possible, then turns to the Baron, "Baron, our... esteemed apologies. We seemed to have lost your sluagh"

"Oh, she is her own sluagh." August assures him.

"Pardon that was a poor choice of words on my part. Regardless, we do not know where she is at this time"

"Well. I take comfort in the fact that she very likely -does- know where she is. One does not find Mistress Zara unless she wishes to be seen." he says confidently.

"So it would appear" The Duke ponders "For now, would you be my guest at our hold while we look for her?"

"In truth and all honesty, Your Grace, I am eager to return home... but I feel a sense of duty to be part of the outcome for Goodfae Darespark and Lady Rathbone."

"Their crimes are grevious, but I will allow no mob justice. My researchers will see if they have criminal pasts in other lands. That may affect things"

"Of course, Your Grace, as it should."

"Then join us while you wait for news of the trial, you have free run of the hold as my honored guest, as do your friends"

He bows. "Thank you, Your Grace."

And they make their way along "Oh, speaking of your friends, where are you two Eshu allies? We figured you'd know of at least one as she was ahead of you"

"Ah. Yes." August fumbles a moment "Ah... in the fighting and the effort to stop the launch I fear I lost sight of her. I'm not sure where she is but I'm sure she'll turn up. The younger of the two... ah.... I have not seen her since about the time Zara became your guest."

OOC Let me edit then.

"Ah yes, at the time I did not even know she was my guest" he admits

(Int plus Enigmas)

/roll 5

Suddenly it clicks what happened to the missing 10 or eleven chrysalids. Ruzgarla must have taken the three carriages elsewhere instead of back to the Duke's hold.

Whether she intended to do that BEFORE August made her angry about a dictum is unknown. But she has likely taken them south.

OOC Believe or not, August figured that out! Thus the 'fumble' referenced... but I understand wanting to be sure.

OOC Yes, he is fibbing to the Duke.

OOC: Gotcha!

OOC: so NOT so suddenly and quite awhile back it clicks 😉

"Perhaps if I ask another sluagh to pass word of apology to your librarian friend, she'll hear of it" He muses. "As for the Eshu, hard to pin them down period"

"If your court has a Troubadour, Your Grace, a song or story might reach them." August points out.

"I shall see to that" He nods

"Ahhh.... perhaps focused on the eshu; sluagh don't tend to have the same taste in story-telling."

An amused glance "Believe it or not, I have a variety of kith in my duchy, and I've learned a thing or two myself, but I thank you for the good intentions of the advice. You truly are a considerate gent. I'll say that." They make their way back to the Ducal hold promptly. Waiting for them is the Duke's ward.

The childling curtsies adorably and gives a look of pure innocence.

August bows in response. "Your Grace."

"It is so good to finally meet you, Baron. You've caused quite a stir" the little girl says sweetly.

"My apologies." completely sincere.

"It is alright, but I do hope to hear the story, wilders think we childlings can't handle anything' A LOOK at the Duke

"Attacks from GOlem and ravenous chimera is no place for childlings, my ward" The Duke informs her

August wisely decides not to get involved in this conversation.

The wisdom of the Liam is rightly known through out Concordia.

Cauly hmmphs like an offended troll, but cuter, then smiles again "I'm glad you're all safe. "

"I understand there was one casualty, who will recover. For the most part. Da'an has been merciful."

The little girl does look distressed "We should help that one's family"

"We shall" The Duke promises.

August nods in agreement, not that the Duke needs his.

It seems the Duke appreciates the support none the less "Please, Baron, allow my ward to show you to a room. Pardon, My manners, are you hungry?"

"Ah, it may have been some time since I was refreshed. A chance to change and hydrate would be welcome."

"Of course, Cauly if you would?" he asks

"This way, Baron. You can shower and we'll have fresh voile for you , then you can come out an eat" The duchess takes his hand in her little one

"Thank you." he bows to the Duke, and goes with the little Duklet.

Said Dukelette takes him to a room that is not central, "I figured you would want a bit more privacy in case you had a certain visitor show up hissing mad" She wihspers to him "She escaped."

"I'm not surprised." August says evenly, if quietly "I will see her when she wishes it."