#rivervale_lodge

"And now, spirited away. A journey, aye."

Then he nods "it's a " A smmile "I guess it is an adventure"

"Aye, so."

"So you must be going, " A sigh "My loss, but I hope you find fun in it and more mysteries born from it"

"Indeed. That is the hope - and my thanks, for your aid in this. Please, enjoy the tea."

"I shall. When your adventure is done, perhaps you'll drop by again and share it with me. We can talk of Silver Wolves in dragon garb, of winged colts and more." A nod "Witches and winds that carry words whispered most can't hear"

Earl says "That was very poetic and evocative, Gerd."

"Thank you, Sir Earl" She smiles "I have been practicing"

"It sounds delightful, Gerd."

Gerd looks pleased at this. "Well, if you're ready?" She rises "I'll send you now. "

Gerd's bunk consists of going in a circle about the the two thirteen times, widdershins

Zara holds Earl's hand.

And they are wooshed away

(Anywhere)

With Sally mae back at the farm for now, Squire Brogan finds himself with more duties. He does not complain but throws himself into them

Dishes are getting done, and not sloppily. While Some Daireann see hospitality as 'providing their best' others, like himself, know that every aspect of kitchen work is vital. A dirty kitchen leads to diesase or accidental poisons, and House Daireann NEVER wants accidental poisons

Kerri brings a basket of clean laundry from the laundry room, the lovely scent of fresh, warm clothes contrasting with the dark and stormy day outside. She glances around the kitchen. "Looks good, Brogan."

"Thank you, Hearth" he says "Jack and Connor were making mudpies again" he sighs

She joins in the sigh. "Are they still out there, or did they already come in?"

"Still out there... but at least they're working on the garden instead of digging up mud for it" He says "I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound mean but ... I come froma vengeful house. If I thought they were doing it on purpose.." Grumble

"Well, they're doing it for the purpose of having fun, and I don't begrudge them that as long as they don't bring the mess in with them." A pause. "Brogan, I have a question for you. Well, more that I could use your insight."

The boy looks up surprised "Well, yes, my liege" he doesn't allways call her that as he's noticed she's not always comfortable with it but in this case it feels appropriate

It does make her tense in reflex, but the nods, setting down the laundry basket. "Are you familiar with Banbharun Irena Streamblade ap Daireann? Her hold is in Vermont."

"Only by reputation, Dame" but he goes on for he's sure she to want more "Banbharun is just our House's way of saying Baroness. Her hold is known mostly for being near the Robert Frost Interpretative Trail, near Ripton? SHe's said to be a skilled warrior, particularly in streams or rivers... hence the name. Water can slow you down when you fight. A skilled river fighter can take on dozens of others who don't know how to handle it"

"Interesting specialization. Well, it seems I've received an invitation from her, an offering of hospitality in consideration of the fact that I have a house member as my squire..." she nods a courtesy to him "...and as far as I can tell it seems to be just what it says, an invitation for some time away. Do you think I can take it at face value?"

"One can never be sure one isn't in the great dance when one steps before a sidhe, Dame," he says almost making it sound a boast "We are master of politics, yes, even House Dairann, but the burden, and I do not mean slight, would be more on her than you. If you accepth er invitation and go under her roof, if you have done her no wrong? She would bleed for you and any insult to you would be insult to her. We take hospitality VERY seriously"

A slow nod. "I don't think I've done her any wrong. Or any of her house. And I certainly wouldn't intend to while there. Hm...any specific no-nos I should know about when visiting a Daireann hold?"

"We're powerful proud, and hold our honor dear, personal honor, that is. I'm not saying you must kowtow or anything, but make sure any advice you give is worded as just that, and do not condescend. As withanyone, manners go a long way, pleases and thank yous. Don't be afraid to mention you don't know the House well. We Daireann LOVE talking about ourselves" he admits with a grin and blush "Some say we are our own favorite subject. But the point is, you may find a roadmap to our loves and hatreds given to you freely"

"It sounds like basic courtesy. Well...I'll speak to Olgar about it. Thank you, Squire."

"You're welcome. " he pauses "Also, tell her this 'My Squire Holds me Dear, from the Stone to the Sky'"

A blink and a bemused smile. "That's quite the boast. Can I make it honestly?"

And the boy blushes crimson "Yes"

She gives the boy a fond smile. "Thank you, Squire Brogan. Such words, from such a fine squire, fill my heart." She gives him a nod of gratitude, then takes up the laundry basket again.

Another blush "You're welcome, my knight" A cough "would you like help with the laundry? "

"I've got it, thank you. Please wash down the tables in the main hall."

"Yes, Hearth" He says and gives a trollish salute

which ona sidhe looks pretty snappy yet also odd

A grin, and she leaves him to it as she goes to distribute laundry to its various owners.

Or at least their rooms.

Siv pops out "Oh thank god, a change of clothes. You're a godsend" She's a mess, her voile having holes in it a bit of blood, and a lot of crushed plant material. She looks ready to dart back in her room

Kerri's eyes go wide. "What in the world have you been doing?"

"Fiona stuff" She says

a bit sheepishly

A sigh. "Well, did you have fun, at least?"

"Oh it's more than fun," she says "it's for love" A pause "And I think the poison didn't take so.. so far, so good"

"Siv!" She blinks. "Do you seriously think you've been poisoned?"

"Past tense, little dizzy for about five minutes, then done. No side effects. I kenned myself. I'm good" She says "I took the dart out fast"

"Hmph. Did you return it to its owner, at high speed?"

Siv grins "I like the way you think.. no but I did turn the vines they were hanging otno extra slippery... and finished my task"

"And that task was...?" A dubious look.