#odyssey

She nods.

"I'll whisk all out as soon as possible" earl assures

A soft sigh, and she melts against his side.

"Had August not been so stubborn, the Nocker would have been held liable for the Balor's machinations."

"He is a good man."

Earl nods "Better than this place deserves I think" holding her gently with one arm as she nestles in

"By far."

A young girl approaches, the Duchess. "Sorcerer DeBuke? I'm Apprentice Cauly. I'm also a Duchess, but I am told you don't like those titles. I understand you're helping the people here, and I wanted to thank you." She offers up a flower made of bronze. It's expert work.

Emmit looks down, surprised, "Well, you must be the charm offensive I've heard about." he smiles and looks at the flower, "This is very nice. Did you make it?"

"Yes sir," She nods "And it's not just for looks. I understand you are a farmer. This flower puts out a chimerical scent that is pleasing to bees and other pollunators"

Emmit takes it "Well, I can't be so rude as say no to that. "

"Thank you, sir" She curtsies

August, called away on some business, returns; notebook in hand. "Duchess." he bows.

"August, I believe that Darespark shall recover with Uncle Emmitt's help. Hopefully fully."

"Baron" She curtsies a bit back

He rises, nodding to Zara. "I'm glad to hear it, of course."

OOC Does August remember meeting Emmitt? All I can recall is Emmitt blanking August's memory during a trip to the Farm.

(They've met since in Earth Runes)

OOC Ok, thanks.

"If Master Emmitt is done, I would like to thank him, and see Darespark."

"I am done" He nods

Then he adds "August, be gentle with her"

"Of course; she is a victim in this." he assures seriously "Thank you for your work here, Master Emmitt. You have aided Justice, and I hope your Daan reflects it." He nods and goes off to see the nocker.

"As do I" He nods

The Nocker in question is in her chair, crying her heart out, and shaking violently

August knees down, coming to her eye level "Can I get you a glass of water?"

"it was all a furkin lie... and the things I did for that lie... "

August offers his handkerchief (of course he does).

She takes it, and fills it with feminine snot

cauze she's a furking LADEEE

"Thanks. How did... how did you know?"

"Your intensity did your Kith credit... but it felt off. Enhanced. And once I learned more about Baroness Rathbone's previous activities, the more sure I was."

"I don't like pooka" She admits "Always pranking my gear, think it's funny. So when she said she'd been set up by them... maybe me being a pookaphobe made it easy for her to furk with my brain and heart? Maybee... I deserved this"

"I do not believe so." gently "Her choices and actions are her own, and well documented. I doubt you were the first, I'm sad to say."

"I guess not, but I'll be lucky if I'm not kicked out of my Bannerhouse. And those poor fledges. I took what should have been a joyful rebirth, and turned it into furking B movie horror material"

August nods gravely. "You did." simply.

"I will stand by your side before the Duke. Is there anything you can offer him to help your case? Information, testimony?"

"I guess testamony," She nods "Rathbone... used me to hurt a lot of people. She can't getaway to do it again"

A pause "And I suppose I can name the other five balor in the Duchy disguised as other houses?"

"If this information is true, I believe the Duke would value it."

"There were meetings, sneaky shit. Even love smitten I wasn't a complete idiot"

August nods. "I would argue that you are not an idiot at all."

"I'll tell his grace even if he has me im;prisoned for furking life. "

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that; I will argue it should not. Are you ready to see him again?" August stands.

She nods "Ready as I'm gonna be. And... Baron? Thanks for being my Shyster" She means it as a lawyer "I couldn't ask for a better mouth piece"

"You're welcome, but I hope to do better. Shall we?" he motions to the guards and with their escort, they return to the Duke and Court.

And they return to the Duke

The Duke says "Counselor August, are you ready to give your OFFIICAL Report ?"

"Your Grace, I am ready for our expert to report, and be examined, if there is need. And I believe Goodfae Darespark would like to address the court."

The expert, Softplum steps up, and repeats her assurances "She was not in her right mind, or right heart."