#rescuemiriam

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"There is a tiny little room off the grand hall - I hadn't seen it earlier, just this past week. There's a table..."

"Odd...I didn't know of that, either. Well, that sound perfect."

"It's quite luxe. And -red-. You'll see..." She leads on.

"I do note that the banners have all changed...." She sounds a bit wistful. "I do miss the Baron. I still expect him to be here, somewhere."

"I can imagine...."

"But you have us - Magnus and I, Bachdion, Delores... and... August, yes?"

A warm smile. "And August, yes. I think...I know we will find ways to make this work, Deryn. Already we are so much better than we were before we left. And...I am so sorry for how that happened. Leaving it all in your hands on such short notice. But...I think if we hadn't...things might not have been repaired between us."

"A quest for love is a very Fiona thing." She shrugs. "And you did have me as heir, so...."

"Still, it was an unfair thing to ask of you on such short notice. I hear, however, that you bore it well. The driver who brought us home is a satyr, and gave a glowing report." When they reach the small room, Coradel takes a moment to appreciate it, then settles into a seat. "So...please tell me, what has happened in my absence?"

"We held vigil for the Baron. It was, I think, appropriate and respectful, and followed the memorial for the dead with a celebration of life... ah... a new year's party. I think they needed to let loose a bit."

"I mentioned - a lot of interest in Imbolc, but not just for troubadours. We had a wonderful boggan... he stayed for a few nights, and I encouraged him to return for Imbolc. Guitar, but he siad he knows other instruments..."

"Oh." A nod, but it's a sad one. "I should have been here...."

She takes a focusing breath, and nods. "I'm glad. I think that will do much to strengthen the Barony, as Pennons did with warfare."

"We have an letter from a Bard!"

"Really? About Imbolc?"

"Oh... I did try to be both politic and gentle, but you also have a suitor. From Caledonia. A Dougal Baron...."

"Well, Imbolc or in general. Would you be open to kinain in the household? Rivervale has a few, and they're well integrated. There are ways to maintain enchantment..."

"I...wait...what? A suitor?" A bemused look.

"He seeks a political alliance, and does promise to be honorable. He's an entertaining fellow, and I quite liked him. Baron Hew. I am tempted to see just what he charges for armor..."

"Nonetheless, I said that your heart might be required for any match. He does want to fight the shadow, and I've no doubt he could be a mighty warrior."

"I...see." She thinks about this. "Does he still press his suit, even after you spoke with him?"

"I think he deserves the courtesy of an audience. And... I was uncertain where you and August stood, or may stand."

"Of course. Yes. Well...I won't be meeting with him today, at the very least. That's...I will need to talk with August before meeting Baron Hew, I think."

"Understandable. I did try to point out there are other opportunities here... the Duke and Duchess have been cleaning house." She clears her throat, wings flicking.

She notes the fidgeting. "Oh? Tell me more." And she leans in a bit, a curious and amused expression -- what's making the sparrow jumpy?

"They are seeking a new Count. Or Countess."

Her feathers fluff out, and she tries to keep her wings settled on her shoulders.

A slow nod, and her grin broadens. "I thought they might. Whom are they considering, do you know?"

"Ah. Well, I did tell her that I... you need good counselors... that I have a duty here, and that..."

"Well, I am not a Countess.."

She blinks...and frowns. "She...the Duchess...she asked? And...you turned her down?"

"I can't just renege on a duty! I agreed, didn't I? You need an heir, it is not yet safe to have an uncertain line of succession..."

"You...but...Oh, Deryn, such an opportunity as this...I don't think it's wise for you to miss it. And...I do think you'd make a fine Countess." A look that's perhaps a bit more maternal than she's shown Sparrow in the past.

"You are right, though, about succession. But you do have a brother, remember." She grins.

"You might be a bit biased." A soft grin.

"But... but I... I do understand, to, how taking it could make... could help here.... "

"Biased, certainly. But not blind. You're born to lead, Deryn, and you know it as well as I. You House has created obstacles to you being given the chance, but you have the knowledge and the skill and the heart for it."

"Hmm...I should also point out that, if the Duchess is interested in having you as a Countess, that is a fine bit of reputation for Liam to claim."

"Beaumayn and Gwydion are houses that look softly upon us, as a rule."

"And, I think, they know the loyalty such trust would garner."

"Good point. It seems the Duke and Duchess are not foolish. Deryn...if I can free you from your obligation and heir without leaving a gap in succession, would you consider this position? I can only imagine good coming of this."

"There was a whole list, Cora."

"Perhaps. And yet, you are on that list. If you could...would you?"

"I suppose I must? Especially if all is in order here. I would have to talk to August about the house, of course. And I doubt I could do school..."

"Oh." She frowns. "But you've wanted to do school so very much. Is...the college is within the county, isn't it?"

"I'm not certain. It's not far from the house - August was so thoughtful, or maybe Caesar... it's walkable, maybe half a mile...."

"Deryn, please don't assume you can't do both until you try. You never know...one might strengthen the other."

Her feathers slick down and she shrugs. "Duty comes first."

"Fine. That includes your duty to yourself. And I have absolute trust that you can manage both. You may need assistance, but that is what your court will be for...as well as your father and Magnus and myself. We are here to support you, and I will not see you clip your own wings."