#odyssey

Emmit comes in, looking a wee bit unimpressed, and doesn't bow, offending a lot of folks. The Duke takes it in stride, and sees him privately so his knights don't try to take the 'unruly farm grump' to task. Which Zara knows might lead to a lot of gibbering knights sucking their thumbs so best they don't.

Earl winces as Uncle Emmit is not putting on his best manners.

Zara is not.

But then, the sluagh hasn't used a title once.

(Perception Plus Alertness for Zara, Dif would be 8, but as she's a sluagh, it's back to typical six)

/roll 7

It is hard to learn all, the spider sisters are protocalled out, and thanes form a line that even Zara has to finagle, but... here are the snippets she does get...

Emmit makes it clear that if it were not for his favorite nephew taking sympathy on the COMMONERS in the area, he'd not have come.

Emmit also makes it clear that while it may have been Nathair's doing, the Duke's treatment of Zara (for it is HIS Hold) was abominable. The Duke points out he is trying to make amends, Emmit suggest he TRY harder.

(No one messes with his favorite apprentice)

And Lastly, Zara learns the price is STEEP. The Farmhold will take some of the imbolic fires from this place without allegiance, debt, or any recognition beyond a debt 'paid'... there's something else Emmit asks for, and gets, but THAT she can't hear for he writes it down.

The Duke sounded apologetic, well, as much as a sidhe gets. But details beyond that elude.

Emmit comes out, looking a bit more mollified.

Earl asks his Uncle "How'd it go? You willing to do it?"

"Well enough, though I have to say, Earl, I'm not a fan of these places," A soft snort "But sounds like this Nocker's been messed over so long she needs someone who knows what they're doing to help. Young August has good instincts, it seems."

"Thank you for coming. You were the only one I could think of that I would trust..."

"She may be housed, but she's still a commoner."

"And I fear I have a soft spot for Nockers." A weary but wry little huff.

Emmit nods, "We all make poor choices now and then" A teasing look at his Nephew's spurs. Earl sighs, but Emmit goes on "More important to me, how are you faring, Zara, dear? Shameful situation like that being thrust on a proper young lady." \

"They did not hold me for long. Too many friends of Paler here." A faint grimace.

"That security leak is on them too" he adds, "Murray would have tossed such out before they put a second foot on the property."

Earl nods "Helps that Murray hates people"

At that, Emmit smiles just a bit, then nods.

The Duke is talking to the Seer now ... zara overhears "Why is this mirror so important? I Have real crimes to deal with"

The seer is mumbling "I have relied on it as a tool more than I have perhaps admitted prior"

The Duke gives him a long suffering look, then says "We'll see what we can do"

"The boggan - she sees what I am, methinks. Her nose is keen, she smelled my wards. But, I think, she understands the value of discretion."

"There is a pooka, Antony... he was a page to Nathair, and thought him a Dougal. that boy has been shunned for the association, though he knew naught."

A small smile at what she overhears.

"Earl told me about Antony, I guess we'll take him on the farm. He'd probably have more fun there..." He states "If he's willing."

"or he could go to Earthrunes" Earl reminds

"That too" Emmit says

"He can choose. Vashti would cotton to him, I imagine."

"The Seer is the one who crafted the tower prison, you know. And dictumed me."

"IS he?" Emmit glances over at the Seer, and mmmmphs "Wonder how he'd feel if he forgot what dictum was for a few days"

"Uncle Emmit" Earl says, but oddly, doesn't seem to be that into preventing it

Zara smiles. "Oh, I am content."

Earl (and Emmitt) both know that smile.

Earl smiles a bit in return.

"Well," Emmit also sounds pleased, "Knowing you, and how self sufficient you can be, Zara, I can't say I'm surprised"

"The poor thing seems quite distressed."

"My heart bleeds" Earl mutters

"Bless him" Emmit adds

"Later, you must tell me of the price of your aid..."

"Sure, next time you visit me at the farm" He says, shamelessly using as a lure to get her to visit. Grumps are ruthless

"Hopefully soon. August is nearly done with his work, and then we may leave."

"Mmm" A nod

"I tired of this place some time hence."

"I can see why. Bit hoity toity for my taste" Emmit replies