#rescuemiriam

"The count is... unsubtle. And may, at times, be a hammer when a quill is needed. And Aesin do have difficulties with commoners - he seems amenable to letting the baronies deal with them primarily, and he was good to my squire."

"May I suggest something? Because it seems... the weaknesses of one candidate are countered by the other. Seelie and un. Warrior and scholar. Sidhe and common."

"With so many nobles - more than hearths to take them - perhaps there is merit in the old ways. A ruler for summer, and another when the wind grows cold."

"oh sweet dreaming" The Duchess says "I... you're not talking a political marriage? They'd never agree to it"

"Not a marriage - you needn't be consorts to be co-rulers."

The Duke stares at her, "My House is a...traditional one, Baroness. What you propose is..." A loss for words

"A very old tradition."

"For I would be hard pressed to pick one against the other. They are two sides of a fine coin"

"I am not sure other Gwydions will see it that way" He says troubled.

"House Beamayn also is..veery Seelie. do you truly believe it won't iinvite ShadowCourt influence in the long run?"

"You asked my advice. And... I am Liam, sir. Do you think I recommend an unseelie lightly or easily? I have fought thallain, and nearly lost my soul-kin to attacks fromt he Court. I would not advance their friend."

"And if a grain of welcome would keep the unseelie from seeking a shadowy hearth..."

"Well. There are unseelie I would trust far less than this Aesin."

"And your heart is noble as any of my own House," the Gwydion says, "I did not mean to suggest otherwise, Baroness. It is..hard to wrap my head around. But... it does have some merit in that it would...politically speaking ,indeed yank the rug outfrom under the shadow's recruiting efforts"

"Exactly."

The Duchess ponders, "I... admit, I'm abit worried about what this could lead to, given visions I've had, but, on the other hand, some of those visionscould mean this is a good idea or will lead to...yes. I am willing to risk it" A look to her husband, "We have to sway the Count and Countess to agree to it. "

Her husband nods "I think, perhaps, your house sister will be foresighted enough to see that half a year is better than none. And Aesin do have a respectfor old ways"

"I understand that this may not work. But I do truly believe that both are worthy and noble."

The Duke nods, and whispers to his wife, she whispers back, then she speaks "It will be attempted. Do you believe the Baroness Coradel will handle it well? She is a heroine. If she shows a dislike for this , it could influence others. You know her better than we."

"I think Coradel would support my judgement, yes."

A nod, "Then, we're in your debt. And we are both seelie. Is there something we can do for you or your fief now that we have heard and accepted your advice?"

Her wings flick, and she considers. "I am certain you have wonderful knights here. But - perhaps, if the occasion arises - may our thanes have the chance to aid? They deserve the chance to gain glory and reputation."

"You wish to allow them a chance to battle against ducal enemies? " The Gwydion smiles "Be they nightmare chimera or Shadow Courtiers? "

"Yes. Let me tell you of our twins - Nansaidgh and Neadchaihm..."

They listen...

Indeed, she paints a picture of Earth Runes knights - their strengths, their nobility and valor, their wish to serve the Dreaming...

When she is done, the Gwydion Duke says "They sound battle tested and most impressive. Yes, we certainly hope they will aid us further afield than Earth Runes if they can be spared." He seems very intrigued by something and whispers to his wife// "Yes, that..that might do well"

Wings perk. "What might do well?"

The Duchess says "Well, while your Baroness might not appreciate it, with a new Count and Countess about to share the holding above you. Perhaps offering a position in that court would provide Earth Runes connections there beyond the norm, and would provide us proven knights who we know to be sworn enemies of the Shadow Court. Knights or Thanes. It would be more than glory for them, but promotions. We would recompense the Baroness if need be with untested troops that would learn from those of yours that would bloom under her as others did."

She exhales. "I see the merit in that. Some might leap on it, others might be reluctant."

"No one will be coerced or even pushed," The Duke says "That is not how we repay our debts. We must think of the greater picture, of interconectivity, but we don't betray those who have done us good service. Fear not."

"Thank you, yes. They are friends to me - I would want them to be happy and rewarded."

"It shall be so" The Duke says "In this, my wife and I are united." /The Duchess smiles, "yes...oh, have you tried these cheeses?"

"I was too nervous!" She laughs. "But they do look delicious."

Cheeses and wine are had, and more questions are asked of the knights and thanes she would suggest.... but mostly? Yummy cheese

(End Scene)