#salmon-duchy-lands-aka-alaska

The lessons are interesting. One female sidhe teaches about judgment and settling things, "Sometimes," The Grandame , a Countess though she did not make a fuss of it. She continues, "Sometimes, it is not enough to make an judgement that is obvious to you, even if it is right. You must show clarity on WHY it is obvious. Not all will appreciate the lesson."

She moves on "I shall give an example, based on a judge of ancient times , I believe in the Middle East. One day, a judge, known for his wisdom, had vendor drag a poor man to his Court. The poor man was scared, for do not the rich always prosper in mortal justice? "

"The Judge , of coursed, asked for details on the case... and the Merchant said 'Judge, this man is a thief. I sell meat at the market. I cook it right there. But this bastard, he hangs around, and he does not buy anything. But he enjoys the SMELL of the food, your honor. He steals the smells'" She looks around, "Anyone know this story?"

So far it looks like none off the other Gwydions do.

Dagmar is scowling a bit as she shakes her head.

"Quite all right, we're learning about making decent rulings and there are many sources of such you may wish to look into later, but for now... let me continue," She does so, "The Judge of course thought the merchant's greed had outrown his wits. But rather than simple throw him out... he turned to the poor man and said 'Is this true ,do you stay near his spot just to enjoy the scent without buying the food?'"

"And the Poor Man was an honest man ,simple and honest and said 'IT is true, your honor. I cannot afford his food so I just enjoy it. I meant no harm'" She paces, "The Judge nodded, and then asked if the man had any coin at all? THe poor man took out some coins, all he had in the world. And the vendor's eyes grew sly and greedier still. The judge held out his hand, and the poor man handed them to the judge. The Judge looked at the Merchant and said 'Listen carefully and be repaid'"

Some of the Gwydions perk at this, curious where it is going. At least one was looking offended at the MErchant'

s greed.

The granddame smiles at the reactions, then goes on "Then the Judge took the few paltry coins, and making sure all the others in the Court witnessed, tapped them against the wood before him. Once. Twice. It clinked and jingled. Then... to the Merchant's horror, the Judge returned the few coins to the poor man, and said to the Vendor 'He has paid for the scent of your food with the jingle of his coins.' " She smiles "Now, does anyone know WHY this bit of theatre was better than a simple 'get out your greedy salesman'?"

Dagmar is grinning.

She looks around, waiting for the sidhe to speak.

"To show how smart he was?" One suggested. "Builds his reputation."

Nose-wrinkle.

Cambria snorts at that, showing not all sidhe see alike on this, "That's wouldn't be justice, that would be something worthy of one running for office just for the gain in votes"

"Yucko, Democracy, blah" Staghorn mutters but playfully.

"Merchant was paid in kind." She mutters.

"Transient, not tangible, y'know?"

A nod from the Grandame "Just so, Dagmar. And the display taught what words alone might not as well. It is hard not to condescend, but sometimes, a ruler's advantage makes things obvious to him or her that are not to others. It is better a lesson is learned so justice is more obvious at times. Some may find it theatrical, but it does your PEOPLE good, and THAT matters. Remember, we are here for the people. If we are not here for them, by what right do we rule?"

Some mutters of surprise at that, but also some nods.

Dag is a nodder.

"Regardless weather your agree with my addendum," The Old Dame says "I am sure you agree it WAS an excellent example of fair judgement. Think about it, discuss it among yourselves, and may the wisdom you find stay with you." She dismisses the class.

After class, some do talk. Cambria snorts again in that delicate sidhe faction, "To look smart? He really said that."

Leslander points out "SOME would so the theory wasn't entirely out of line."

"Plenty would."

"Teach wouldnta used it as an example though, if that were the case."

"Well put, Dagmar," Cambria says, "And I liked your phrasing 'Transit, not tangible'. I may use that in the future."

Leslander concedes, "True. True. "

She shrugs, looking sheepish.

She sees another troll, a fellow of Gwydion colors, with brow knit. Troll language for deep contemplation. He's quite to most, but to a fellow troll it's obvious his mind is racing.

Leslander speaks up "Anyone want to hit the Bird Bath?" / Cambria bites her lip "I really SHOULD study more."

"Hnh." She looks over at the fellow, and tips her head and flicks her shoulder. {Hey brother come with?}

"Coffee would be good."

The troll turns, surprised, but then gives a soft nod ("Uhm sure, thank you") and joins them.

The two Gwydion sidhe look confused as a new troll comes over without what seemed to be an invite, but Leslander asks Dagmar "Friend of yours?"

"Sir Holgrym" The Troll inclines his head, "My apologies. I hope I would be welcome?"

"New friend." She nods, declaring it so.

Holgrym looks flattered, by troll standards.

"I'm Dame Dagmar, this is Sir Leslander and Baroness Cambria. Les and I were going to the Bird Bath. They have coffee."

"Coffee, I do like Coffee," Holgrym says with such directness the Gwydion Boon almost feels like yesterday's needless fad. / "Welcome, Holgrym," Camria says "We can dispense with the titles when we're not in some etiquette class or the like, and certainly at the Bird Bath." The four of them head that way.

Leslander, ever a talker says "What did you think of the lesson, Holgrym?"

"I think the Merchant got off too easy for wasting everyone's time," The Troll admits as they enter the Bird Bath.

"Ain't that the way of it? But the ego hit counts for something, too. Might not make him less greedy in the future, but the judge making him an example means he's got a repuation now."

"True," Cambria agrees.

"And maybe being known as a jerk winds up being bad for business, which is justice outside the courtroom."

Leslander grins, "See, that's a leader or in this case judge who respects people power. I like that idea, that that Merchant got mocked and lost sales for a while. Or maybe had a dozen pooka of that time period surround him every day, taking LOUD sniffs, then ringing coins. That would be hilarious."

Cambria's lips twitch at that Must not smile or laugh lest he think he's funny and it go to his head

Dagmar chuffs a soft laugh. "Yeah, pooka are good at takin' the piss outta folks."

"The theatre majors of the Kithain world," Holgrym opines. Orders are made , two coffees, one wine, one bourbon.

"Just don't let one stand behind you."