#salmon-duchy-lands-aka-alaska

Glitterdwell, to mortals, this is a deserted gold rush town, to mortal eyes, half fallen wrecks of old homes and businesses seem almost reclaimed by nature. Here, dreams of prosperity and elevation as much as greed thrived. Gold Fever was more common that the common cold and often more deadly. Yet there was also a sense of exploration, and adventure for many whose lives would have been bland and trapped so in that, this place was also a haven.

It's a haven still.

To the enchanted eyes of the Kithain and those blessed by their glamour, Glitterdwell is so much more! The Banners of House Gwydion flutter everywhere, and old wrecks instead are grand buildings of mostly welsh artistry, though touches of other cultures are not shunned. Through the streets, fae steeds race carrying beautiful riders in merry contest. Fiona maybe considered the best horsemen of the Seelie Houses, but Gwydions don't easily surrender the number one spot in any area, not without contest!

What should be freezing weather is muted by the Summer land energies of the Gwydion dream; to rule and rule rightly, to hold honor dearer than your life, and to strive to be just and wise.

The horses race past one building, a tavern of sorts, at one time a saloon , with a sign declaring it 'The Falcon's Roost'. Inside, two wilders debate over proper rulings by leaders of old. Who was right? Who was wrong? While a third wilder, lost in a book, researches context historical and mythological. Fiery hearts and academic minds sharing space easily. In one corner, other wilders are gathered around an older grand dame, seeking to pry a story out of her of a certain battle. What was it like to fight for High King David when he was but a childling? How did she feel when he forced the Nobles to parlay? How often did she come close to death?

It will take patience and a few more drinks to loosen her tongue as much as they like, but then it is good the young should learn patience no?

In what was a small schoolhouse, and now is still, a few childlings hold an informal court, each taking turn pretending the building is a freehold of it's own. Here they make believe that they are queen or king, and the others play the parts of supplicants, advisors and more. Turns are taken, of course. No matter your true title, SOMEONE has to be the victim seeking justice, or even the wine..err koolaid server. Fair play leads to Fair work and Fairness in later years.

And as we turn outside again, there are areas where sparring with blade or spear continues, one can learn from masters here. Gwydion is a warrior house, and even their weakest and least skilled need to be competent. Unlike an Unseelie house where those who struggle would be left behind, here those in need of a bit more work get it. They are all, no matter their kith, brothers and sisters of Gwydion House!

There is no denying that the bulk of those here are Sidhe, but many would be surprised to find out that 'the bulk' is not even three fifths! For every every three shining host you see, there is at least one troll. For every two trolls, there is member of another kith still.

Emerald laced with gold adorns satyrs, eshu, and even pooka; though most of the pooka it might be noted are of more 'majestic' creature types, and their humor perhaps a bit more polished!

The mines themselves once held gold, now they hold greater treasure still... Song.

A group of women sing in echoing harmony, a song crafted by a mortal authoress a Gwydion once had the pleasure of musing, tweaked to be honest, but they think she would understand.

"The stars are very beautiful-above the Palace walls, They shine with equal splendor-still above far humbler halls. I watch them from my window, but their bright enchanting glow, Reminds me of the freedom I gave up so long ago..." 🎵

"The royal circlet of bright gold rests lightly on my brow, I once thought only of the rights this circlet would endow. But once I took the crown to which I had been schooled and bred, I found it heavy on the heart; though light upon the head."

"Although I am the head of state, in truth I am the least, The true queen knows her people fed, before she sits to feast. The good queen knows her people safe before she takes her rest, Thinks twice and thrice and yet again before she makes requests." The women singing sing not just with skill, but heart, for rarely has a mortal come so close to understanding the house.

"For they are all my children, all, that I swore to defend, It is my duty to become both queen and trusted friend--- And of my children high and low, from beggar to above The dearest are my vassal sworn who return my care with love." 🎵

The dearest are my men at arms, swift to spring to my command, Who give me aid and fellowship, who always understand That land and people first have needs that I may not deny--- So I must send my dearest friends to danger and to die." The last word there almost sounds like a sob

"A friend, a love, a child--- it matters not, I know indeed That I must sacrifice them all if there should be the need They know and they forgive me--- doing more than I require, With willing minds and loving hearts go straight to grasp the fire." 🎵

"These tears that burn my eyes are all the tears the queen can shed, The tears I weep in silence as I mourn my heroes dead. Oh gods that dwell beyond the stars, if you can hear my cry--- And if you have compassion---let me send no more to die!" 🎼

It's beautifully sung, and as the last note fades, one individual voice adds "Song originally written by the Dreamer Mercedes Lackey, altered lyrics for Gwydion use"

Groans follow "What the Fu... "/ "You don't have to put a disclaimer on it EVERY Time"/ "Misty would understand!" /but a protest "It's the honorable thing to cite sources and give credit"

Falcons sometimes squabble over questions of honor when among themselves and there is no common foe about. It keeps things lively.

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