A Holiday Tale
A Chronicle for Changeling: The Dreaming
Chapter 1, Turn 20 Summary

(Halloween)

"C'mon! Lets go!" says Bugge, shaking from excitement. He practically pulls Brighteyes up the tree with him and onto the roof. They carefully tip-toe over to the window. Bugge pushes and pulls on it a little to see if it will open.

The window is latched; it's loose but it holds against the casual tug. As Bugge starts to leave Brighteyes grabs his shirt sleeve. "Don't leave so quickly! You give up too quick."

Brighteyes's pulls a piece of chalk from her pocket and draws a small door on the wall. She then sings softly, "Open, open Sesame, Won't you? Won't you? Please for me?" A door appears and she and Bugge slip inside.

They search the attic for a few moments and find nothing glamourous. They climb back out of the attic and move on to the next house.

Bugge and Brighteyes repeat the process on two more houses, noticing no one in any of the houses though at this time of day most folks are likely at work anyway.

In the fourth house, the house which sits at the end of the cul-de-sac, after Brighteyes opens the door again (looking, at this point, a bit drained) the two notice something interesting for the first time. A chest sitting in a corner of the attic seems to leak glamour, a golden glow slipping out from under it's closed lid.

"D'you think that could be it?" Whispers Bugge. He pulls his mask out of his bag and puts it on. Then Bugge slowly walks over to the chest and opens it.

Inside is a small children's Halloween mask, lying on top of a bunch of other stuff. The mask depicts a green witch's face and is very old and faded. The warm glow coming from it makes it obvious it is a piece of dross.

Bugge gapes at the mask inside, grabs it, stuffs it into his pack and heads for the exit, grabbing Brighteyes along the way.

Both slip out of the house with no problem, and make their way to the end of the street.

"Now, which ways to a store with a payphone?" Says Bugge.

"Oh, wait, the school's just down this way a continent or two." He points in the correct direction.

The two start the walk back to the school.

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(Christmas)

"Yes, Father, we did," says Kevin with a friendly smile. "I'm sure Mom would like this place. Thank you very much; you have a nice day, too, OK?" With a wave, he exits the church beside Christine.

Chris holds Kevin's arm possessively and smiles with vacant happiness until they get back into the car. There, she pulls the star out of her bag and hands it over. "That was fun," she comments, taking a long pull from her coffee mug. "So, Handsome," she drawls as she pulled out of the church parking lot, "back to the ranch, or somewheres else?"

Keighvyn and Kelia get back in her car and head for the Greymarye Institute.

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(Easter)

Jubair's eyes light up and a smile spreads across his face as he spots the leftover car. "Hey Jim! I think I've found it!" he calls out excitedly as he hurries over to the car and investigates it.

Jim raises his voice cautiously, looking around him suspiciously. "That's great, Jake, I'll be over in just a minute or so. Just stay in your row, OK? Don't come over here." He looks up and down the row to make sure he is alone.

"OK," Jubair replies, sounding a little puzzled. He shrugs his shoulders and returns to rummaging through the car. "I hope we don't have to take the whole thing," he mutters to himself.

Meanwhile, Nutiket reaches inside his jacket and takes out his tomahawk cautiously, looking around. He slowly and carefully pokes around where the noises had last been heard.

Nothing, Nutiket finds only silence and rusted cars as he looks about.

Jubair, rummaging through the car follows the warm breeze, which now smells slightly of roses, to the back seat. A bit of rummaging and Jubair pulls forth a bedraggled, pathetic, pink stuffed bunny. Though the glow is dim from who knows how many years of exposure to the banality, but obviously there nonetheless.

Jubair emerges from the wreck, the pink bunny clutched protectively to his chest. "Jim, I've got it!" he roars in triumph. "Time to head back to the others!"

Jim shouts "OK, I'll be right over. Wait for me a sec." Still looking around suspiciously, Jim puts his tomahawk back in it's place and walks over to Jubair's row, still expecting an attack of some kind.

Jubair bounces excitedly, still clutching the bunny to his chest. "Here it is - one of the keys to the compass! Let's head off!" He starts to head over to where the car is, whistling excitedly and bouncing up and down like his legs have been turned into pogo sticks.

Nutiket gets over there just as Jubair bounces out of the row. He nods grimly to Jubair, but even the sight of the glamorous bunny rabbit cannot put a smile on his stony face now. He continuously looks behind and all around as they walk to the car. "Good job, Jake." he mutters absentmindedly.

Jubair stops mid-bounce and looks at Nutiket as they walk to the car. "What's wrong mate?" he asks, his face changing from excitement to concern.

"Nothing. I just had a feeling..." he shakes his head. "It felt like someone was watching me, and I thought I heard something." Nutiket sighs slightly. "It sounds rather stupid when I say it aloud, but let's get out of here just the same."

"I'm with you on that count," Jubair replies.

As the two reach the end of the row there is a sudden, shrieking sound of grating metal. They spin towards the sound just in time to see a grey, metallic form leaping down at them, dull grey claws extended.

"Stay back, Jubair! You're not ready for this yet!" shouts Nutiket as he whips out his Tomahawk and leaps at the chimera, bringing the stone Treasure down on it.

The grey chimerical creature stops short as Nutiket leaps between it and its intended prey, its claws slashing at the rock giant's arms.

Jubair sprints toward where they left the car. "Hang on Jim, I'm coming back with the car!" he calls as he runs, still holding the bunny.

The creature rears back, it's nine foot height allowing to loom ever so slightly above the rock giant. Nutiket gets a better look at the creature now. It's a chimera, apparently made from various car parts. It has head lights for eyes and a Volkswagen bug hood for a head. The head now has a massive dent in it from Nutiket's blow, and the creature seems to stagger though that could simply be its weird gait. Metallic claws extend from hydraulic arms and a pair of tires extend from it's legs. The creature looks like a mechanical nightmare, and though it is obviously a chimera it radiates the cold of banality...

Jubair rushes to the car, leaps in and starts it. then he peals around and drives back into the junkyard.

The mechanical monstrosity lurches back and forth before Nutiket, clearly desiring to get past the rock giant warrior and chase down Jubair.

Nutiket moves slowly in front of the chimera before dashing forward a step, bringing his tomahawk down on the banal mess that is supposed to be a body. "That's what you get for attacking my friends, beast!" shouts Nutiket as the blow connects.

The creature's head rears back and a frenzied shriek as of tearing metal echoes through the chimerical landscape as the beast staggers back under Nutiket's blow. Moving swiftly yet with a noticeable, stuttering limp the beast flees back into the junkyard.

Jubair pulls up in the car just as the beast leaves.

Nutiket starts to pursue, with his tomahawk raised, but halts himself when Jubair arrives.

Jubair breathes a sigh of relief as he opens the door for Nutiket. "Time we were getting back," Jubair says, placing the bunny carefully between the seats. "You OK?"

Nutiket looks for a moment between the car and the direction the creature took off in. "I should destroy it... it may still be a threat to other Changelings..." he looks at the bunny for a moment, then adds with a sigh "But this is of more importance." He gets into the car, putting his tomahawk away under his jacket and ignoring the chimerical blood dripping from the claw rents in his biceps. "I'm fine, thank you. That was very smart, going for the car. It was after you, or perhaps after the Dross. I was of secondary concern. It underestimated me."

Jubair pulls out of the junkyard and heads back to the Institute.

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(Summer)

"Certainly," says Tess. She describes some abstract design, and after determining that it is not in the lost and found, Tess thanks the woman, and moves off. Tess begins to wander fairly aimlessly throughout the park, going to where ever strikes her fancy.

Tess moves along through the crowd; back, finally, to the snack bar. As she stands in line, her face grows a bit flush from the sun beating down. After ordering a bottle of water, Tess moves back into the crowd.

As she walks, she takes note of the locker rooms, and she stops. As she stares at the building, she gets a few odd looks from people who are forced to go around.

Frowning, Tess looks around for a young employee. Spotting a young man picking up garbage, she walks over toward him.

"Excuse me," she says smiling.

"Can I help you?" he asks.

"I was wondering, I haven't been here in a few years, just moved back into town. I was supposed to meet a friend at the old locker rooms, but I can't remember where they are. Could you point me along?" asks Tess, a small smile crosses her lips.

"Just over there." he answers, "The building is still there under that waterslide, though it's not open to the public anymore."

Mianderr walks by after a fruitless search of the children's water area and spots Tess as she spots him. He walks over.

Nodding to the young man, Tess says, "Great, I'll just hang out around the slide, they'll show up. Thanks for your help." As Mianderr walks up, Tess says, "Hi Andy. I think I got a bead." Nodding her head toward one of the water slides, Tess says, "That used to be an old locker room. I bet what we're looking for is in there, among the old clothes and stuff."

Tess leads Mianderr through the crowds, finally stopping at an older building, tucked under one of the waterslides. "You start checking that side, I'll check for open windows or doors on this side. Come get me if you find anything."

Tess moves off to the right side of the building, checking doors and windows.

Mianderr heads to the left side of the building as he whistles the tune from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Finding a door he quickly reports back to Tess.

Tess follows Mianderr back around the building. As the come to the opening, Tess looks around quickly. "Okay Andy, why don't you go look around, I'll follow after you get in."

Once they find the entrance, Tess says, "Okay, keep an eye out for anyone official looking." She then places her hands upon the door and begins to strain. The door opens with a last strain.

Inside they find a long abandoned locker room, one that apparently wasn't cleaned out before being closed off, as several rotting towels hang from doors or hooks inside. Hanging on one hook, opposite the door, is a deflated yellow inner tube with a duck's head attached. At one time this was clearly a child's summer toy. Now, it hangs forgotten in here, but the glamour of the summer sun and water still radiate from it, even to the extent of a slight smell of chlorine.

Mianderr steps in and carefully makes his way to the ducky and lifts it off the hook. "Well I believe we have found the rotting towels we have been searching after. Should I carry it or would you like to? Also can I go down one slide before we leave", pulling his most lovelyable puppyfox eyes, "Pleeease?"

"Well, if you're going down the slides, I'll carry the dross. While you go down a few times, I'll go call the school, and see if anyone else needs help," says Tess. Taking the duck floaty from Mianderr, she waves him off. "Meet me by the towels after a couple rides down."

Mianderr smiles, "Fair enough, with my fear of heights it shouldn't take me to long to cover a couple of rides. Besides, if I am going to become a knight I need to be able to tackle anything, right?"

Andy runs off attempting the fastest and scariest rides first.

Tess leaves Mianderr to play, and makes her way to a pay phone, and dials into the school to check in. She finds that no one else has called in yet.

Tess wanders back to the towels, whistling a little ditty. When she arrives, she tucks the duck back into her bag, and sits down to await Mianderr.

When Mianderr arrives, she tosses him a towel, and lifts her bag. "Come on, time to head back."

Mianderr is totally soaked and accepts the towel happily. "So did anybody need us to come save them or need our services in any way or fashion?"

Tess smiles and shakes her head, "No one has called."

Tess leads Mianderr out of the park, and back to the car. Soon they are on their way back to the Institute.

Upon driving off in the car, Mianderr asks, "Mind if I play with the radio?" Mianderr changes radio stations upon the completion of each song. Listening to every kind of music he can find, which in Columbus is unfortunately not a very wide selection. pretty much Country, rock, and Hip-hop and maybe a few oldies stations. There is one wonderful Eighties station, though.

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(Back at the Greymarye Institute)

Sebastian grabs what he can for the first trip and begins carrying the various unassembled pieces from his jeep into the Institute.

Once the unloading process is complete, the satyr turns to his uncle and Sylvana and says "Well, let's get forging. Do you think we'll need anything other than the dross?"

Sitting on a stool in the Institute's shop area, Hecataeus says, "I think first we should discuss the design. Have you given that any thought yet?"

Sylvana looks to both satyrs, puts her hands up in front of her and takes a breath. "Hold on just a second both of you. One question at a time. First, yes, we'll probably need a Glamourous object in addition to the pieces the others are acquiring to make sure this sucker works. Second, yes, I've thought about the design. I've sketched everything out here."

Sylvana hands Hecataeus a folded piece of blueprint paper. Inside there are geometrically planned sketches of something that looks to be a combination of an astrolabe, a radio telescope, a counter balance scale, magnetic compass, and coffee maker. The device is scaled at approximately 6 feet tall and wide enough for a person to sit inside. Within, there appears to be a seat. Along the left side of the blueprint paper, there appears to be a diagram of the navigational controls for the piece.

"It works sorta like a navigation seat." The nocker points to the sketches as she details their functions. "The 'pilot' sits here and sets the coordinates based on the Glamour readings she gets from the Dross. We'll put the Dross on the dishes on each arm of the piece that looks like a scale. The compass will then zap each piece into the machine, taking it's essence and pointing us to its 'home.' The way I figure it, the Glamour from these things hadta come from somewhere, and so would probably be channeled through the belief of the children but originate from the Holiday Towns. So then the magogs turn here and point the astrolabe towards wherever we're headed, always facing the way we need to go. So long as the Santa Maria is aligned with this sucker, we'll be fine. Oh, and the coffee maker is so I can stay awake. I figger I'll need it." She looks a little sheepish at this last part, but quickly gets over it. "All right. So we've got a lot to put together. The delicate stuff I did over at the workshop, but the big stuff needs to be done here since we can weld." After spiting out the last word, she gets an excited and almost mischievous look on her face, her grin showing every white tooth against her pink lips.

"It looks... interesting." Hecataeus says slowly, "The basic conceptions seem correct. But does it have to be so big? I don't think you will be able to stay aboard the SAINT MARY for most of this journey. I suspect your journey will begin with her, but not end on her."

The Nocker takes a look at her blueprints for a moment, scrunches her face to one side and squints slightly. She takes them back from the old satyr and pulls out a pencil, spreading the plans on the floor in front of her. "Hmm... well, I suppose I could work on a model with wheels... Ooh, or a sedan chair! Maybe some Chimera to carry it... but why not wheels then... wheels and a motor... motors take a while to make... schist... maybe a buggerin' backpack would work... with fold out chair so I can take a break... hafta do away with this flipper and the magogos..." Sylvana trails off into an incoherent set of ramblings and mutterings, drawing a new set of plans on the flip side of the paper. This more closely resembles a backpack with a GPS tracking system and satellite dish, with a feeding slot for the dross. Once finished, she has recombined the parts from the original, disposing with the unnecessary excess of the first idea.

"Better." Hecataeus says with a smile. I'll leave you two to it then. I'm going to visit with Dr. Rowan. I'll check back in a few hours."

Sylvana and Sebastian get started working on the compass.

******************

Finally, everyone returns to the Institute with dross in hand and gathers in the workshop.

Brushing an errant strand of wet hair back behind her ear, Tess smiles at the others. "Any luck?" she asks.

Kelia pulls an old foil star our of her bag. "Ta-da." She looks at it curiously before handing it over. "I wonder why no one else saw it all glowy like that." She shrugs and says, "I hope everyone had as much fun as we did. Got to lie to a priest and steal from a church." She laughs merrily and pats Keighvyn's arm.

A rosy flush creeps along the tips of Keighvyn's pointed ears at Kelia's last comment, and he surreptitiously shifts his weight from foot to foot, looking down at the ground.

"Oh yeah? Well, we got to arm wrestle with a dragon for this!" Bugge produces the Witch mask. "And then I lost the $20 in a riddle competition, to some ugly thing in a cave. He kept talking about 'His Precious.' Weird."

"Uh-huh," Kelia says in a slightly disapproving tone, clearly not believing a word Bugge says.

Nutiket grunts and, without smiling, replies "We did battle with a nine-foot tall banal car chimera made out of German automobile parts with large claws and ugly, rusty hydraulics for this bunny rabbit."

Jubair produces the bunny from his robes. "There you are, here's Easter," he says. "The scrapyard wasn't the best of places to find it, especially given the car-part chimera that tried to get us. Personally I'm surprised this thing survived as long as it did."

Sylvana takes each of the four pieces of dross and, cursing under her breath, returns to work. The rest fo the group heads out for their own pursuits.

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That evening, the dinner with the Baron occurs...

In his mortal seeming, Baron Lorewick is a handsome man of middle years. He arrives on time at Girardi's, accompanied only by his driver, one of his sidhe guards, who waits in the car (a black BMW).

The staff recognizes Lorewick, and quickly show him to the secluded booth chosen for the meal. Wine is served and a small appetizer set out.

Lisa is dressed in a fairly nice dark, almost midnight blue, dress, her hair done nicely, and wearing makeup; an unusual occurrence to those that have known her. A long, flowing midnight blue dress, with hints of silver thread accents Tethran's figure, and her face, though still plain, holds the beauty of strength in its broad features. Her dark hair hangs loosely, with twin silver pins holding the sides above her ears.

Kevin arrives shortly after Chris and Lisa, clad in a white shirt, gray slacks, and a charcoal gray suit jacket. Keighvyn has on a white fop shirt, dark gray velvet trousers, and a sleeveless doublet in a soft dove gray. After exchanging polite greetings, he slides gracefully into the booth and sits quietly.

Tethran takes a seat to the left of Kelia as the company seats itself.

Lorewick sips his wine quietly for a moment. Then he speaks. "You know, of course, that despite the Countess' attempts to keep you away from my influence you are a sidhe of House Eiluned, yes?"

Kelia sips her wine, almost too leisurely, then smiles wryly. "It would certainly seem so." She nibbles delicately at an appetizer. Chris is wearing another black dress, a form-fitting, moderately low-cut, short dress. Kelia has on an equally distracting black silk robe. "Tell me, just what upsets the Countess so about my House? Or, is it you?" She smiles disingenuously and sips again at her wine.

"Nobility does not come from a title." the Baron answers, "Rather, it comes from birth. You may consider that your first lesson."

Tethran begins to cough as she was taking a sip of wine at the moment the Baron says this. Waving her hand apologetically, she says through her coughing fit, "My apologies Baron, my apologies." Her eyes seem rather amused however.

The baron gives a curt nod of acceptance and continues, "Now, our House is founded on the most noble of sidhe blood, and we understand better then most the might of the mind over the sword..." The Baron then begins a short history of House Eiluned.

The Baron smiles as his history lesson concludes, "Our greatest skill is in the use of glamour, none can match a properly trained Eiluned sorcerer. You witnessed my lesson to the Nunnehi? Did you observe how I molded the glamour to my will?"

Tethran's eyes seek Keighvyn for an instant, then turn to watch Kelia's reaction.

Keighvyn schools his features into a neutral expression as he also turns his gaze to Kelia and Baron Lorewick.

Kelia sips her wine. "He was rude," she agrees, "but you've made an enemy for life now. Perhaps," she adds with a shrug, "an unimportant enemy." She pauses for a moment, then smiles disarmingly. "But yes, I did notice. Tell me, did you simply overpower him, or were you able to use his own will against him?"

The Baron smiles, "You are truly Eiluned. Your unspoken assumption is correct. Had I deemed him at all dangerous, I would have had my revenge later, if at all. One's pride is a tool like any other, no more. But Rock Giants have long, laborious memories of wrongs and little self-control. It suited my purpose to instil in him a hatred of myself. He will find it more difficult to restrain his savage outbursts, which will cause the Countess to distrust him, as she should. I've long suspected the Nunnehi of belonging to the Shadow Court."

Kelia smiles and sips more wine. "If this one is a member of the Shadow Court, he'll show it soon enough. Do you intend to provoke him into an.. outburst?" she asks, smiling not the least bit innocently as she pops another bite into her mouth.

The Baron shakes his head, "No. I have no more need. If you anger or shame a Rock Giant once, he shall act on it until avenged even if twenty years passes. No, he will act intemperately from now on, and thus maintain that suspicion of his sort which is required."

The Baron continues, "To answer your question, I overpowered his will with my glamour. We sidhe are the embodiment of grandeur, even as trolls," he smiles at Tess, "Are the embodiment of Duty. Everyone finds it difficult to oppose even our lesser desires. When that power is properly channeled and calls upon the Dreaming, few can withstand it. To channel it we must simply follow the Rules of Magic. For example, 'Like Attracts Like'. If your channel is connected to your target, you will be more successful."

Tess smiles back slightly as she takes another sip of her wine.

Although looking quite relaxed as she sips her wine and nibbles, Kelia's eyes remain fixed on the Baron as she takes in every word.

"But even our sorceries are no match for our true power. Knowledge. Choose alliances and enemies carefully. Always stay one step ahead of both friends and foes. Few Eiluned rule, but even fewer rule without the Eiluned." The Baron sips his wine and smiles again, "Here too you show your great gifts. Already you have aligned yourself with a great swordsman in this young Scathach knight, and a loyal shield bearer in your troll companion. With them as shield and sword, you are far stronger then alone, just as they will benefit from your sorcery."

"Oh," Kelia says with a slight, dismissive wave of her hand, "I have no desire to rule. Better to set the agenda than to run the meeting." She grins, almost a smirk, and moves her glass slightly toward the Baron before drinking the last swallow. Sobering a bit, she says, "Baron, I hope you understand that my reluctance to be placed into fosterage is simply a personal preference; I'm not a child. I'm fully aware of my ignorance and I intend to avail myself of every possible resource for knowledge, before and after the for-right. I hope," she adds, smiling, "I can count on you as one such resource?"

Keighvyn gives Kelia a small but encouraging smile at her question to the Baron, almost as if to say, "Nicely done, lady."

Tess smiles benignly. "Can I be the chariot driver instead?" Tethran picks up one of the last appetizers and examines it for a moment, before setting it on her bread plate. Looking to Lorewick and Kelia, she says, "Pardon me if I appear rude, I've not been in adult company for quite a while. Would you mind if we ordered, I'm famished."

The Baron looks apologetically at Tethran, "I simply note your kith's legendary renown as guardians, no disrespect was intended."

"None taken sir," Tethran says. "Perhaps my sense of humor had best be set aside for the time."

"The fior-righ is obviously irrelevant here, I've rarely seen such an obvious Eiluned fosterling." He shrugs, "It is common to resent the need for fosterage, but it is important, and only fair. Fosterage is not simply a means of instruction, it is a service one performs to the House, both by accepting a mentor when young, and offering them your service, and by accepting a fosterling oneself in turn later."

Kelia smiles and chuckles softly. "Oh, but I'm not that young, Baron. Not like the children Tethran watches over. And I believe," she adds with a definite gleam in her eyes, "I might be performing some small service to the House."

Keighvyn gives his full attention to this part of the conversation, his curiosity obviously aroused.

The Baron gives a slight start, one only obvious to very perceptive observer. "I'm afraid serving the Countess is not the same as serving House Eiluned."

Kelia smirks and takes another sip of wine. She watches the Baron over the rim of her glass, smiling but not speaking.

Tethran asks the Baron, "Perhaps, as your House is, as you've mentioned, renowned for its sorcerers, you might be willing to direct me toward one that would be willing to help such a lowly one as myself. I've learned a few cantrips, but I would be very appreciative of further instruction in the future."

The Baron looks wary, "That would be... improper. House Eiluned secrets remain within the House, you see." He looks at her carefully, "May I ask why you wouldn't simply seek for instruction at the Institute, or from Hecataeus?"

Tethran looks vaguely annoyed as she replies, "I've little patience with the 'secrets' of the various Houses m'lord. Pardon my being blunt, but I've found the secrets that people place the most value in are usually of little value to any, save the person who keeps it secret. To answer your question, I would seek instruction at the Institute, or Hecataeus for that matter. However, as we all know, no one knows everything, and the more teachers one has, the better one may learn. I've made it a point to learn from whomever will teach." Tethran sets down her fork lightly as she continues with a little more levity in her voice, "Besides, I had heard that House Eiluned were among the best sorcerers's around. Always start with the best."

"That is as may be, but the secrets of House Eiluned, both sorcerous and mundane, are dearly bought. I think the price would be one you do not wish to pay." the Baron answers politely. He turns rather deliberately to Kelia, "Do you have any other questions, anything I can help you with?"

Kelia laughs prettily. "Oh, heavens yes, Baron. Many questions indeed. But perhaps later, when I'm able to visit you as a confirmed member of House Eiluned. For now," she says, a sly smile still playing across her lips, "any last words of advice before the for-right would be most appreciated."

"Yes, and a few words concerning the more prominent members of our House may be in order as well." The Baron smiles. "The highest titled member of our House is High Queen Faerilyth, bride to our truant High King. But she is young, younger then you, though she came to her heritage as a childling. Her mentor was King Meilge of the Kingdom of Willows. Prior to her marriage he was the highest titled member of House Eiluned." The Baron sips his wine and clears his throat. "High Lord Ariadne is the leader of House Eiluned."

"Now, you asked for help with the fior-righ. I can only tell you that if you are truly of House Eiluned, then following the Laws of Light and Shadow will show you your way. These laws are three:
1. Truth is a jewel with many facets. Do not believe because you know something to be true that the opposite may not also be true.
2. No sane person could ever be wholly Seelie or Unseelie. Each of us has aspects of both, and to deny the existence of one or the other is to walk the path of madness.
3. To seek knowledge through sorcery is to tiptoe a fine line. There are some things we don't yet understand, some secrets the world holds today for which we are not ready. Each time you seek to discover the truth through magical means, you open yourself up to possibilities you might not be ready for."

Kelia listens intently as the Baron offers his advice. She nods a couple of times. When he finishes, she nods thoughtfully once more, then breaks into a smile. "Thank you, Sir. I truly appreciate your help. I hope I'll prove myself worthy of the House."

"I'm sure you will." The Baron stands, laying several large bills on the table. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have evil plots to hatch." He smiles at Keighvyn.

Kelia laughs silently, glancing sideways at Keighvyn.

Keighvyn gives him a polite smile back; an astute observer would note that it doesn't /quite/ reach his eyes. "Good evening, then, milord."

After the Baron leaves, Chris chews on her lip thoughtfully for a moment, then smiles at Keighvyn and Tess. "Well. That was interesting, don't you think?"

Keighvyn taps a finger against his chin. "Not sure I followed everything, but yes." He clears an errant forelock from his eyes. "Well, hopefully that conversation and the one we had earlier have cleared things up enough for the Fior." He gives Tess and Kelia a small grin. "I don't know about the Baron and Her Excellency, but Sir Gwalchamai's a hard taskmaster -- I think I still have the sore spots to prove it." He winks.

"Well, not really," Chris says with a sigh of resignation. "I still have no idea what to expect, but at least the Baron didn't seem to think I'd have that much of a problem. 'Sides," she adds with a slight smirk, "I'm far too useful to him. If I up and left Avalon, it's possible some of his ventures would be delayed."

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