#scarsdale

Once she's satisfied that both uncles will behave, she gives each a peck on the cheek before returning to Earl and Miriam before Court starts.

Zara can probably be assured that the Uncles wont behave any the worse than usual.....

Sometimes, one must accept that this is the best of all possible worlds.

"I am doing something, Miriam," He mutters, "I'm here for her. " He looks at her as if confused. Standing nearby supporting is troll 101

Miriam just huffs, and so Court is convened. The Herald calls out, and people gather. August shows up to join Earl and Zara. A steward casts Protocol. Hirim and Ratchet pull it together.

Earl draws in a breath as protocol grips him. The power of sovereign is...well, the sort of thing his elders used to equate with brainwashing. This isn't that, not really, but it does put him on edge. How does he know how to bow now?

(Wherever he is, feeling this....Ice scowls. And bunks, lifting both fingers in a rude gesture, where none can see)

Zara certainly stands straighter, even if her complexion goes a shade paler.

Grey-haired and closely bearded, Count Viktor VonDornclippe takes his seat. His steel-blue eyes under a coronet of beaten gold scan the crowd with calculation. A mechanical arm-brace allows him to gesture for the Heralds to continue.

There follows a staggering hour of boredom. Announcements, contracts, deals, arrangements, patents.... If one didn't know of the Dougal and nocker shared love of such things, one might wonder what its place was at Beltaine!

And, some of the contracts -are- for Oaths of Truehearts.

A glance at Zara as the Oaths of True hearts come to light.

(Is likewise watching, sharp-eyed, intent)

Dispatching with the most recent matter, Count VonDornclippe nods to the Herald to continue.

"Master Hirim the Upholster..... Zara Schwartz..... Earl DeBuke....Ice...." That last name comes out a little puzzled. "... and August Rachford."

Hirim took a step forward, and then his expression flashed from 'ready' to 'confused.'

Then he smiles and stands up straighter as their names are mentioned

And, if protocol informs him it's right to do, he steps forward as well. Huh, maybe the cantrip has an upside

"Step forward." Well, that answers that question.

August looks lightly stunned as well, but takes comes forward next to Hirim.

Zara blanches, freezing in place until Protocol compels her to join.

The Count pins them with a gaze. "I am given to understand that you recently entered the Dreaming and rescued one of ours. Is this true?"

(Has unbuttoned his shirt; a black tee underneath. Sauntering forward, and waiting)

"It is true, your excellency." Earl says. His family elders might freak if they knew he was here in official court of a noble, but he was the leader for part of that journey. He won't hide should questions arise about those they had to leave behind.

(Is regarding the noble with narrowed dark eyes)

The Count lifts an eyebrow, nods. "You are DeBuke. I think I know, or can guess, the others. Well. I am grateful for your actions. Thank you. I would like to meet you separately, and privately, to discuss the journey... and what might follow. Please see one of my officials before you depart." And even after Protocol, that impulse is... strong.

"Now you're in for it," (Mutters Ice, grinning)

(Which shouldn't be technically possible, but....hey, he's the Unseelie one, right?)

(It's not a pleasant grin)

He inclines his head, "The Right to Rescue is important to us all, your Excellency, but you are most welcome."

"Speak for yourself," (Under his breath)

Inwardly he winces. trying to juggle how to go out to the woods with Zara. Well, he did say before he left so technically he can spend time with her and then talk to the officials? or does it have to be the other way around?

"Indeed." Says the Count. "Thank you all. You may retire, except Master Hirim. Master.... "

"I believe you have something for us?"

Hirim nods, limping forward on his cane. "I do, Excellency. My apprentice, Miriam, has applied for her Journeyman piece."

(He turns with a lingering look at Zara, then dark eyes on Earl momentarily, before striding back to the Table Of Drunken Nocker Revelry)

((The Quiet Table of Drunken Nocker Revelry Getting Drunker and Snorking at Each Other))

((Table was included in the Mockery, so they don't HAVE to be quiet. But can choose to be.))

((Well they SHOULD...))

((It will still amuse Ice greatly if the nockers start showing war wounds, including shrapnel taken to the buttocks.))

((Just a -little more booze.....))

Is not not blind to ICE's looks, but stays near Zara's side.

COURT, PEOPLE!

"Okay, ma. Enough whiskey. Share with the other nockers."

"FINE. I'll bring another bottle."

OOC Sorry, what? Stray key stroke, sorry....

The nockers are in their cups, maudlin - who is "Axl"? "Oz"?

Zara, meanwhile, is alert and alight - Journeyman piece!!!!

"I have examined the piece, named Patchwyrm. Most impressive. Worth of a Journeyman's title, I think. How do you find it?"