#rivervale_lodge

"This is not known to me," He frowns "But I am not as surprised as I would like to be. We are, as a rule, a vengeful people, so when you say Spite, I am curious as to the wrong done her that she would do so"

"Hm. The story I have is this: she and a mortal were both wounded. The Healer prioritized the mortal's more severe wound ahead of the Baroness's wounded leg."

"Ah, this might be seen as a grievous insult indeed." he says "A mortal, no matter how precious, would not be valued more than another kithian, let alone a noble. Who is this current holder? What house?"

A pause. "House Liam." She watches his reaction carefully.

"Oh, well, that both explains it and compounds it." Truth "I know House Liam has found a home here, and Sir Frank seems as wise as his House's reputaiton, but that very reptuation has a side that offends many of Daireann. And to have a Liam, a house once already scorned for its choosing of mortals over fae, to do the same thing in this new age where a Daireann lays injured"

"Such a sleight would rile many of my House. " A sigh "I am assuming you want the straight truth and no ... uhm, what's the phrase, sugar coating?"

A nod. "That is what I want. More, I want your thoughts about what strategy might be effective in countering the Baroness's land-lust."

"Skill at arms, a knight may best even a king if said knight is the true master of the blade or spear"

"But, on average, House Liam has a shortage of warriors"

"A knight." She nods, then thinks. "What of...a squire? Of her own house?"

"With the freeholder's permission, a squire could take up the gauge. It might even be seen as a way to earn knighthood."

"And Daireann can and do take on other Daireann, while we have a common house pride, that does not make one immune to revenge or matters of honor or the like"

"Hm. So...could a Daireann take up such a task on behalf of the Liam, if the Liam agreed to be defended in this way?"

"It depends on the nature of many things... what's required in the duel, what the customs are in taht area, and so on, but ..yes. I'm not sure many Daireann WOULD. That distaste so many have for House Liam"

A long, thoughtful moment. She looks at him, measuring him.

"You... think I am that good?" A raised brow

"I do not know. I do not know how good she is."

"Do you know her name?" He asks

"She is Baroness Síomha Stormstaff. I do not know her personally."

He listens then shakes his head "She would destroy me. I've heard of her, she's good. Applachia area... right? " he goes on, "You maybe taking this from the wrong angle."

Then a blush "Forgive me. I forget my place"

Brekke shakes her head. "I asked for your input. What would be a better angle, in your opinion?"

"She can challenge all day, but she cannot claim wihtout a pennon from a count..find out who her count or countess is, and bargain to withdraw the pennon. It will render the challenge moot"

"Mm." She thinks about this. "I can do this, and will." Then a sigh. "This part of noble behavior has always been strange to me. Care for one's own land...do not take the land of others. My people may once have been vikings, but I see no need for such a raid in this." She nods. "Thank you, Squire Brogan. You have provided help."

"I hope my aid to you pleases Dame Kerri," he says sincerely and honestly, "There is another option, but it strikes me as even less to your style"

"I will report to her. I am certain that she will be pleased, yes. But this other option...what is it?"

"Baroness Stormstaff is, by your standards, Petty. It is possible she coudl be provoked into another match with someone ...and the stakes be a more.. general debt... and then after her defeat, tell her she must now and forever withdraw all claim. But this requires a bit more intrigue than some might be comfortalbe with"

"And itw ould have to be done in the next week or two"

Brekke considers this. "Intrigue is not entirely foreign to me...but it is not my strength."

"The next week or two?" She thinks. "Ah. Midsummer?"

"To beat the duel with the Liam noble" A nod "else what's the point? I'm sure there maybe other avenues beyond my ken, but those two come to mind"

"Is there anything else, Chieftain?" He says

"No..." She is frowning and looking off rather than at him. "No, not at this time."

He gathers the weapons up, and puts them away, then bows "I..cannot believe I am saying this, but I wwish you success against Baroness Stormstaff as it seems to mean much here. Your lodge has been naught but kind to me and I feel gratitude. No place with such graciousness should have too much sadness ... but alas, should is..." A sigh "Rarer than it used to be." And he bows again, and withdraws.

Leaving Brekke to ponder intrigues, go arounds, and politics. It makes one almost LONG for Viking raids.

(end scene)