#rivervale_lodge

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The Herald from Caer Falken turns out to be Dame Tiara ap Gwydion, a Centaur. She wipes her hooves at the door as the dogs wag to greet her.

Kerri joins her at the door. "Welcome, Herald. You're welcome to enter, or we could speak outside if that would make you more comfortable?" She nods towards a picnic table just a few yards away in a spot of autumn sunlight.

"Oh which ever you like, Baroness. I say Baroness because I'm here on the Count's purpose" Confidentially she adds "Though I do miss your cooking."

A warm smile. "Picnic table it is. Give me a minute to bring out a bit of a snack."

"Thanks, " She grins.

Kerri heads back inside and enlists Brogan to put together a tray to bring out to them.

Brogan is on the job! "Tiara? Been a while since she's dropped by!" And he gets to work getting that tray out to her!

Please with Brogan's hop-to-it attitude, Kerri goes back outside and joins Tiara there. "Food will be out shortly. How have you been doing?"

"Busy but in a good way, the job of courier knight and low herald has suited me," She admits "I do get to Joust Club now and then."

(*Pleased)

"Sounds like a good balance. So, what news from Caer Falken?"

She offers up a letter, "By order of his Excellency, Count Hemlock Autumnsbane you are formally summoned to Court, three days from now."

"I know this would normally go by your emisary, but the Count believed this required a more direct message as you must come yourself."

Kerri blinks. "Formally summoned?" Her brow knits a little. "That sounds a bit ominous. Any clue what it's about?"

"The letter is more formal, but in a nutshell?" The Knight Gwydion - Affiliate says "It is in regards to tithes to the court, the amount of dross and more that normally passes up. Some are having trouble making their quota ."

She frowns. "I see. Are any others being summoned to court for this?"

The Centaur says "I can only say 'I' have no other messages to deliver." She then adds "Did I just lose my chance at that tray your squire brought in?"

"Hm? Oh! Oh, no, I'm so sorry, please help yourself!"

The letter itself says nothing else, very formal but with no additional knowledge. The vibe of it is very fancy.

Precisely the kind of court formality that she just despises. A sigh.

The young knight enjoys a bit of the food.

"I can tell you that Mrs. Joosten , the Steward, seemed VERY determined I get some gossip."

Oh, that raises her spirit a bit. A sidelong glance. "Gossip, you say?"

"Well, I hope Mrs Joosten had some to offer, first."

"Something about how you might be getting a nice coat from the Count, one of many colors," The knight says "I don't get it myself."

From her expression, neither does Kerri. But she's trying to figure it out.

The knight munches a bit more, then says "Chieftain, I know you and the Count aren't as close as Chief Brekke was, but then, so few are. Still, I admire the Count and I can't believe he would use this as some sort of public mocking or the like."

"You mean, as in making my predecessor wear ridiculous golfing clothes while shooting 9 holes?"

"Ahhh..." The Knight stops in mid swallow, then says "At least it wasn't EIGHTEEN holes?"

"Well, I admit that he probably tormented her more precisely because of their deeper friendship. You take my meaning, though. He probably won't...but it's not out of the realm of possibility."

" I would be disappointed if he did," She admits "I'm sorry I don't know more."

"No, that's fine, really. Three days from now, hm?"

"Yes," SHe pops another treat in her mouth "While the summons is just for you, as a Baroness you could bring an escort."

"Oof. I certainly don't want to put Olgar through that."

"Perhaps one of your knights? Sir Vali or Lady Captain Siv?"

"Perhaps. I'll mull it over."

She takes a snack to go "And I should get back to work. Thanks for the food, Baroness." A bow, and she departs. Leaving the Chieftain to ponder what a coat of colors might mean.

Kerri insists that Tiara take more than merely one snack to go. And yes, much pondering ensues.

(End Scene)