#rescuemiriam

"I'm afraid I have seen more storms rear up from what I thought were blue skies. It is hard to trust them."

A sympathetic look from Delores, "Oh that I understand. But ...well, when I first found coradel, I had no idea it would so enrich my life. My own hadn't been easy. I don't talk about it much, why trouble folks? but ...good things started happening. Partially because she's even more impulsively kind than she is recklessly passionate. But I also ..well, when I found that silver lining, I grabbed it, expecting it to be barbed. but it wasn't. It wasnt all easy, I had to work, but if I hadn't grabbed for it, I wouldn't be Steward. You may have too many good things to pick easily, but please don't let that stop you from picking for your own happiness. You'll do right by people no matter where you end up or what you do. So focus a bit on your own so you won't grow to resent them. " A pause, "I guess I'm saying, I believe in the Truthbranches. All of them." A big smile

"Cora is special..." A sad smile, looking after the pair. "And August seems happier, too."

"You're special too. Don't forget, my kith has their own gifts. I saw you turn Hew's overture into a possible alliance no matter what happens. I saw you find the better musician hiding behind a braggart who wasn't that good. I saw you sort and work with dilgence and I saw the respect those here who barely knew you start to gain. " A chin lift, "Or is Delores the steward a liar?"

"I wouldn't dare! Not Delores!"

"Good," Mollified, "Because I have never lost a duel with cleaning products. Evah." then finally the smile escapes.

"While they.... whatever... think I can go sneak a brownie?"

"We'll make it two brownies each. You're skinny, and I don't have to worry about being light enough to fly" She assures, "You want them brought to you or will it taste better if you sneak it?"

"Oh, sneaking, absolutely!"

"i'll create a distraction. Move fast. the cook has a sharp tongue"

She laughs. "You're the best!"

"Work in progress, but one day" A curtsey as she goes to make a distraction... "Ooo did you hear about ..." gossip ensues

And brownies are purloined to go to the guest room she's been staying in....

And she finds the guest room has... had more personal touches put in! It's blue and silver in this room. There's a painting of one of her favorite artists in there. A touch of life in a house plant. These weren't there before. Did the hold grant this itself? Or did the staff do this to show they cared?

A little smile at the room, reaching out to touch the frame.

Ha. the frame is oak. how fitting for a liam.

She shakes her head. "Boggans. Delores. Must be." She flops on the bed, wings flared out to either side, and eats her stolen brownie.

Oh, it's so good. Stolen and hot is the best

A flutter of feathers as the dark sweet hot taste, and (END SCENE)

Not long after, the manor occupants notice a sudden burst of brightness in the Balefire, and all gleams with silvery edges for a brilliant moment.