2022.07.20: Royan's Scotland Flight

Royand's Irish Flight - Cursed Cow Prp (Fianna)
Royan's mission impossible to seek information at a Fianna Caern in Ireland.
IC Date	7-20-22
IC Time	Relative
Players	Royan, Tinlin-ST
Location	Ireland
Prp/Tp	The Cursed Cow Prp
Spheres	Gaian
Theme Song	The Rocky Road to Dublin

OOC NOTE: Due to changes in circumstances and things, this log is slightly false. The trip went to Ireland and not Scotland and the Caern was a smaller one other than Silver Tara (still controlled by the Fianna)

Ah, traveling. For the most part, Swift Wing upon the High Wind (which will be abbreviated to .. well .. Royan .. for the rest of the story because its bloody easier to type!) preferred to fly. Fly or Moonbridge, if possible. But mostly, to fly. As the Crow flies, the saying went. He never understood that saying. Ravens are far superior.

But this time, he had to go a long way and he could not spend as much time on it as he wanted to. So, he opted for another solution. He took to the skies and flew north, heading to LAX. Once there, he hung around in the airport for a bit, looking for a good cargo plane with a destination of the UK, preferably taking off during the night. Once he found one, sneaking into the open plane would be easy enough for him. A plane trip can be relaxing at times. Flying, without using your wings? What a novel idea!

So traveling to the UK took its fair share of hours but not as long as it could have taken.

Then, once in the UK, heading north would be an easy thing. Fly high up into the sky, then well above the clouds, a moonbridge would be opened which would take him north, to Scotland.

Once in Scotland, it was an easy thing to locate the Silver Tara. He did not know the exact location, but the local Corax networks would point him in the right direction.

And on the epic journey he went, sent to soar over Scotland mountains, and hills, until he saw the Silver Tara standing majestic in the morning mists. The air was cool up so high, but the sunlight pouring down upon the castle walls, lent it an air of going back into town. The very fortified walls themselves, touched by Garou gifts, and glamour to keep mundane people from seeing its true glory.

Corax have been coming to visit Silver Tara for centuries, as the aviary up in the highest tower was built for them. Without their extensive network to aide them as allies, some of the battles fought here wouldn't have been won. And it's entirely fitting, that a Corax be sent here in such utter secret! Is there a coup unfolding in or outside these very walls, against the King and its people? Royan, has been tasked to seek this out.

He however, has options. He can seek the library to the west of the Keep. Tis easy enough. On the flight in, he also might have caught glimpse of the Queen and her entourage, in the rose gardens, sitting and drinking tea. At least five ladies in waiting sat with her, and four guards stood sigil up on the walls nearby. Furtherout, away from the keep to the east, is the farmlands rumored to belong to Fae, territory known as Midlothorien. The very farms that were gossiped and rumored to be blighted, run down, and fion left to scatter to make it look completely natural. While one Vintner, was buying up the real estate to expand their vineyards, and power.

Which will Royan choose to do first? First things first. Arriving at the Silver Tara, certain things would have to be observed first. It does not do to arrive at a Garou Sept and not announce ones presence. And so, upon arriving at the highest tower, the large black raven basooned out his presence. He called out his name to all that would want to hear it, announcing his desire to rest in the area for a bit in the good company of the mighty Tribe of the Fianna! And so, with that done, he would spend at least half a way in the Sept, just making himself seen there relaxing and accepting snacks and drinks and being a good raven!

But once that was done, once his wings grew restless, he took to the sky. Heading to the aviary first, he then set off towards the farms and the fields..

No one in the vale of Silver Tara knew of the traveler who briefly came to rest and announce himself. But his own people might have heard of his clever deeds, as an Elder among Ravens. News travels fast, as others might come to chitter with him and share gossip later on.

For now, it is quite a flight to get to Midlothorien. But he catches the wind just right, and has the best streams to soar on.

And by the time he finds the fields below, he'll see acres running along a stone border where it seems that the land is poor. It's rocky, and the dirt isn't turned for soil, to grow. It looks abandoned, as if crops didn't quite yield, and the corn rotted. Acres spread out as if it were a blight, not yet fixed by whomever owned that plot of real estate.

Down forty more acres, he'd see the land is fertile, and growing crops fine. Sheep graze, and there's only a few farms left that enjoy this kind of fruitfulness. But the futher he circles over the area, he'll see farms closed off, shuttered, and no one living in them.

There is one farmer working the field over with his tractor, but he hits a rut in the row, and the engine stops. He looks old, with white hair, and a long white beard. He hops off and curses, kicking the one tire that got stuck.

A buddy of his approaches with pruning sheers, and the two old timers stop to bitch and chat. "I hate these fattie tires, Boden! They aren't good for the land, and they ain't good for me. And it makes no sense, that they got good fertile soil here, and not the farm over."

Boden says, "They say it's old land over used. Just takes time to make it good again."

The old man says, "Bullshit. We're Tuatha de fionn, we're supposed to be working this land together. Fionn and Fae Folk. Why they won't let the Fianna in to help heal the land is beyond me."

Boden says, "You know how territorial lines go. Fae are proud, and don't want any free hand outs. Even if that's not supposed to be how it works. We can either stay here and bitch, or get the work done. What you want to do?"

The old man curses, "The world's dying. We ain't got no choice as the way I see it. But I do miss my sweet Jennie, such a bonnie lass she was. Gone eight years now. Ain't nothing for me here now." A good many hours would be spent flying high above, just observing the land. In all this time, Royan would only dip down towards the earth and the land when seeing people so that he could listen to what they were saying. In those moments, he would land on the field where he would be pretending to hunt for worms or insects. The old timers are listened to for more information, but were they to give one he would take off once more. Looking for more of the populated farms, with the first plan to find a window to sit by and hopefully listen in on what was talked about within the farm houses.

He will find one of those farm houses, and an open window that would fit his needs. He'll see an elderly couple, a wife in a rocking chair knitting, and a husband sitting there aiming a remote at a tv.

The wife is ragging him, "You mark my words, you old coot. The rumors from in town aren't anything to get excited about. Nothing exciting has happened around here in over a hundred years. Blightbringer isn't even real! I hear that the thorn in the King's side, isn't a Dancer of the Spiral at all."

Her husband says, "What then?"

His wife yells at his hard hearing, "He's the BOG itself! My great grandpappy told me these lands were not what they are today in the old times. They buried the swamps the bog itself but it wants revenge. An avatar of those dark swamp is what it is I tell you!""

Her husband says, "Nahhh." He coughs, "What I hear is far more nefarious! This Blightbringer? He wants the land to make it a nest..." The one farmer complains as he hacks at his crop, "But first it has to be destroyed, so that the young bane he wants to bring into this world can feast on the Wyrm emanations. Here on our once beautiful lands." a tear is shed, "He will fid it our kin, our livestock, and suckle it from the corrupted teet of his mother until it reaches its full monstrous power." he frowns deeply, "When the day comes we will wish the Fianna and the Fae could stop their petty squables and stop it...but its probably too late. Thats why I'm looking to move."

His wife keeps knitting, "Move? I call shenanigans! You've been claiming its the end of the world for over a decade now!"

Her old man says, "Have not!"

She says, "Have. Last time it was because Karnala was seducing our women and fornicating with them and we would be killed by our children who werent our children but Karnala's."

He says, "That still may be true! The kids are too young yet, but watch your back! I'm moving."

She says, "You've been packing the same damn suitcase for 10 years now. We ain't going."

Humans. They never knew when not to nag and when to nag. And when they nagged, they always nagged in the wrong way. Clearly inferior to Ravens. Having listened to them for long enough, the raven takes off from that farm house just as silently as he had landed by it. Clearly, the human Kinfolk of the Fianna were unhappy. And they had plenty of theories as to why. For now, though, although he planned to visit a few more of the farms the raven decided to hear over the wall. To the other side of the fields. To see what lurked among the spoiled fields and abandoned farm houses.

He lurks for awhile, but there is only the rustling of the dead grass in the wind. The homes and farms, abandoned where the blight was the worst. He may hear a flapping of an old curtain from a broken window, or the song of the crickets worshipping in the sun. But no human noises, or otherworldly things that would seem nefarious.

It's quiet here.

If there are fae in this area, they keep well hidden. The mists protect them, and any areas they may dwell, seem invisible to those who do not possess the Sight. Quiet usually means something is hiding, making sure there are no noises around! Quiet spurs on the curiosity of Royan whom finds a suitable house and lands by an open window. Peering inside, he makes sure there are no Enemies around via his powers, before heading inside to snoop around. There is always something to find in old houses. Especially silent, abandoned houses!

He snoops! He finds three things:

An old photograph of a family of three. A married couple and a young daughter.

He finds broken dishes in the sink.

And he finds plenty of muddy footprints going in and out of the house that is old, and falling apart now from neglect. The footprints look like they've been there some time, maybe someone else snooping?

Oh, this is just not fun! An empty house that is actually -empty-. The silence has tricked him once more and Royan is not pleased. He flies out of the building and passes over another building. He does not land this time, though, but instead just uses his Enemy Ways gift above it to see if anything nefarious lurks within. Sensing nothing, he then sets off into the sky. He flies high up before he peers into the reflective ring around his ankle and pushes through the Gauntlet into the Umbral landscape of the Penumbra. Time to see what the Spirits are hiding!

And that's when he sees it. The farmland where it looked dried and infertile, on the spirit side it looks very different indeed. It looks like a mud bog is seeping in over the ground, and drowning the life with black goop, muck bubbles, and then something can be seen swimming in the mirror like version of the fields itself. It's got to be big the way it ripples through, turning up the muck and making it stink. It stinks something fierce.

Well, certainly will not land -here-, that is for sure! Royan does a few passes over the area and makes very sure to stay high above where the thing down there presumably will not be able to snipe him out of the sky. Having seen all he needs to see for now, though, he decides to book it before the thing notices him. And so, back into the real world he flies once more where he sets his aims back for the aviary at the top of the large tower. Logically, in his mind, the Fianna would know of it. But logic does not rule the world. Especially not raven logic. And so, that is added to the agenda; find out if the Fianna at Silver Tara knows.

He arrives back at the aviary, and it's now late morning. The sun is shining, and it's a beautiful day outside. The Queen's group was spotted still out in the Rose Garden, but by now they've started a painting class. The Library is still open, and he will be able to fly in both areas rather easily. There's tunnels built into the rafters for the corax to barrel through, and enter when it's raining, or if there's stern weather. And outside, in the courtyard, yet still within the walls, the Warder within would see Royan as no threat.

Arriving back at the aviary, Royan decides on one thing. Well, actually, two things. First, he flies out to find food. Among the Garou, finding food as a Corax is generally not a difficult thing. Water, too, for good measure. That done, he flies back to the aviary for a nap because, well, birds gotta sleep. It's just good for the digestive system in general.

Once waking up, though, the Corax feels refreshed enough to start the day. And what better way to start the day than to check out the library. And so, he does just that. First order of business, scout out the surroundings and the building itself.

The library inside Silver Tara is massive. It looks like a cathedral within, holding the records and tales of the Fianna, the history of the lands, and holds a wealth of knowledge for the people in general. Tall bookshelves run rows, from floor to almost near the ceiling, where the aviary tunnels flow in and out. This means railings, and moveable stairs, have to be used to get up to the higher levels. But the library itself is ancient, in that it was built with a design meant to protect scrolls, books, and parchment, with shutters, glass, and protective boxes.

Plenty of sunlight comes in the cathedral and narrow tall windows, and there are plenty of places to sit below and enjoy reading. Tables are set aside, for more studious of galliards, and there is a counter for requests that can go before a librarian steward.

There is a restricted section, but it is down a set of stairs to a lower level, and behind a locked door.

A quick detour had been taken before flying into the Library. Heading out of the Sept, Royan had first found a place where he could meet up with his one true best buddy of all times: Bob! Not wanting Bob to Materialise within the Sept and set off all alarms in the world, he had the little guy pop into the Realm outside of the Sept itself. Once with him, the happy Spirit gets on Royans back before the large black raven sets off into the Sept with is newfound passenger. He makes sure to not slow down too much, as to not show off the buddy he has on his back. Once inside the Library, though he lets his eight legged friend off as he lands somewhere not immediately visible to all.

The easiest place to drop Bob off would be up on the stacks. Which is the library shelves that run almost ceiling side of the arched roof beams. Plenty of space to jump without being seen if he times it without other corax flying in. He can go explore, and wander, and do whatever Royan needs. There's happy sunbeams filtering up on those shelves high high high above too.

Down below there's a few people milling about reading books. One librarian is up on the east side filing books away, and it's a very quiet existence in here.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Common Raven rolls Perception + Alertness vs 4 for 2 successes.
1 1 1 1 2 +6 +7 8 8 10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

There's a very soft swoosh, as someone's pants give them away as they climb the ladder of the stacks. Except this one male figure, no older than mid 20's appearing to be well dressed in black slacks, and a grey and red sweater. IT's typical Scot wear, so as to appear to blend in with everyone else. The man is blonde, with fair skin, and is now climbing the shelves out of sight of everyone else below. He skirts the end, hops up with a leap, like a kangaroo, and then lands in a squat up top the stacks.

This gentleman sees Royan. He's looking right at him. It's most likely he sees Bob too, and whatever direction he's going in. This man is alert, and holds a finger to his lips in a silent shh.... then beckons the raven closer.

Royan does indeed see the man. A black little eye takes note of most movements and the man heading upwards is not missed. Bob lets out a happy little spiritual noise in being seen by another being, though! He turns around and appears to be about to make a b-line for the stranger to greet him when he stops, looking up at Royan. There is communication there, but it is silent, and the result of it is that the spider gets up on Royans back again. The large bird then stares ahead at the stranger, before slowly starting to walk closer along the beam.

The stranger in the sweater, gives a semi-formal bow with one arm as if to greet the little spider first, and then Royan. The regalness of his composure is obvious, that it might be a little clue he's not Fianna. But he's here, so maybe he's some fera, or a fae. It's common sense. And when he's assessed with Enemy Ways, he doesn't appear to be a threat to him or Bob. But he does emanate power in his composure.

A small tap is made with a finger of his on the stacks, in a tiny rhythm, where he whispers a bunk under his breath.

"Where the silence is due, May we talk of news, Unseen. Unheard. As silent as dust. Falling around us, in secret we trust."

He speaks, "Now we may speak freely. No one will hear us. Nor will attention be drawn up this way. I had a feeling you might be sent to the Tara." He introduces himself, "I am Tiana'lin's Red Knight. I know of you. And that one." He points to Bob with a smile. "Bob's famous, among the many tales she has written of him for the Red Queen."

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Common Raven rolls Perception + Primal Urge vs 6 for 6 successes.
2 4 5 5 5 +7 +7 +7 +9 +9 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Royan comes to a stop outside of arms reach from the person before him. He may not pop up as an Enemy per se, but he is still a stranger. Bob climbs off Royans back and then promptly disappears in under the beam that Royan is on. The large raven watches the stranger as he speaks, peering closer still. Taking note of what emanates from the man, he gets the sense of what he is. He knows what he is. Things always turn odd when these people show up! He lets out a quiet little 'raawk' before he replies in his normal strangely accented (or unaccented) English, "But, what if I am just a Raven being up in the rafters doing normal every day Raven things?" he wonders, "I am not, of course, but .. I could have been."

The Red Knight shakes his head. "I used to live in Prospect. But since coming here to protect the lady's interests, I have since moved here. I know of you, and your visit to the Ancient Oaks. We watch closely, over our Kinain. She finds you no threat. And when I saw you come into this place, I had a feeling you might be investigating some of the same things /we/ are. No other real reason to be here at this time."

He explains, "Although we are watching the lady from afar, I have not spoken to her in some time. Business here, keeps us quite occupied lately. There's trouble brewing, but we're looking into it." He gives a pause, "What brings you to the library?"

There is a lot said there that causes the raven to just looks blankly at the man. Silently. Judging. Like only a raven can. Then, at length, he finally replies without much fanfare, "...reading." he says, without much more to it than that, "Plenty of things to read here. Especially in books behind locked doors. Always the best reading material can be found behind locked doors. Did you know that? I knew that."

The Red Knight slowly grins, then tilts his head back to laugh in amusement. "You mean in the restricted section?" He squats still, a hand resting on his one knee. "You won't be getting into that area without a password from one of the higher ranking Fianna families, I'm afraid."

He tilts his head, "I'm betting you are here, because Sir Kennard Madden, was looking into Lady Tiana's lineage." He gives a long drawn sigh. "Between you and I, .. I am the one who removed it from the historical record. I did it for her protection. I'm also the one who put the page in her Grandfather's book to be found, so only Clan Madden would have access to it. It doesn't matter who knows who she is in Prospect. The garou will see to her over all there. But here? It's best to keep things as quiet as possible. Except now, it seems Clan Madden is ready to expose her coming out at the Midsummer Ball. There's going to be plenty of excitement here when that happens."

He eyes him carefully, "Unless you are seeking OTHER information from the restricted section, for your reading?"

The raven feigns shock over this. Or, well, it could be shock? He does spread his wings partially, doing a little mini 'flap' with them while letting out a surprised little kra! "I would never! That is restricted! Such thoughts are dangerous to think and speak of." he exclaims, although in a hushed voice, "I would never personally set a single foot within the restricted section." he pauses, "But if I were to find information from there, I am sure there are many things I could learn." He does not give the stranger the satisfaction of letting him know if what he said helped or not.

The Red Knight grins as he watches the Raven rebuke the restricted section. "It's best to stay away from that area. It's highly watched by the Fianna here now for tampering. One time in, and every spirit in the place is now guarding it. Eventually, when the Nightmares stop, her permanent record can be returned."

He notices Bob disappeared, but it's the Raven he's focused on. "I don't suppose you've learned anything of note we can share, or trade news on? Information regarding Mi'lady's case, as it were, to who is dropping Nightmares every time it seems her lineage might leap and grow by joining with another family of note. Tit for Tat. Trade for a trade? I can go places where you can not. And you can go places, where my sword and feet may not be able to follow."

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Common Raven rolls Perception + Occult vs 7 for 4 successes.
1 1 2 2 3 +7 +8 +8 +9 10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

The gift Dark Truths is used. Royan would understand the Red Knight purpose is instinctively, an honorable notion belonging to this Changeling. Red Branch knights rank among the best fighters of the Kithain. Red Branch knights are required to aid those in true need (even humans and Gallain), to fight honorably, and to spare those who surrender. No knight of this order is ever known to have broken his word. When he said to Royan, that he served to watch over Tiana'lin's interests, it means he's bound to keep his word and Oath to her. He's protecting her, and he truly means it.

This Red Knight, most likely is employed as a private guard in service by the High King, and carries out these duties in exemplary fashion. They are known to have their own strict moral code, however, which they follow above all other concerns. But in the interests here, of why he's in Silver Tara, could be that he's also here in secret service to the High King (or Queen), which means he serves interests in learning things for the Highest Fae Court of all. NOT, Midlothorien. NOT Silver Tara. But serving the highests interests of all in service to the royal family, as a spy.

The raven is quiet a few moments, watching the man, "Did you know you have a gigantic bog monster slobbering around on your lands, killing them.. on your side of the wall?" the raven wonders, "It is most disturbing. I'd look into doing something about that before you have no lands left at all." he suggests, "It lives in the Spirit, but its influence is seeping into the Realm. Saw it no later than yesterday."

Now this is something the Red Knight did not know. He figures this is a very strong trade for Tit for Tat, and he narrows his eyes. "I wasn't aware. Which place was it, so I can send our people to look into this very quietly?" He's asking which part of the land, exactly.

He then offers, "How big of a bog monster are we talking exactly??"

The raven is quiet a few moments, pondering how to explain this one, "Bog monster might not have been the right words for it. The Bog, is a better word for it. How big is the bog?" he wonders, "The Bog was there before the farms. Now it wants the lands back, but the Bogs purpose has been twisted and corrupted. It will kill all that subverts it. It will only grow in size." he silences, "I can say where I saw it, but that does not mean it is only there. It might be everywhere the Bog once were."

"I will have our people look into it, you have my word." And so it were, the Red Knight makes a promise here. "In sharing this information, I will give you Tat in return."

He offers the Raven, "We suspect, we may have found the local Count Elaith Elrel, is the Lady Tiana's true father. He denies the link when questioned by us, but in time more information may come to light on this. Some of these things need to be delicately handled. And it's possible, that someone is attempting to keep the lady from discovering this. And any heirs she may have, could be a threat to family, or designs of her acquiring future properties, that would be handled by her... step-brother. He'd forfeit, if she is a true heir herself. Such knowledge is extremely dangerous. And is the reason why we believe, every time there may be a match among her group of garou, bad things occur. She may be cursed. We're looking into it. But if this /BOG/ monster, is indeed where you say it is. I do not know if these two things are related. But we'll look into it."

"Information about the Bog needs to be spread, or it will spread without being challenged." The raven replies to this, "I have done only what I must, spread the information. It is possible others will hear of it as well, for it might end up threatening more than the lands of your people. And that is never good for anyone." he lets out a little kraa, "Well, I do not think I would have found much more in this library, but I will have a look see around just in case."

The Red Knight bows his head to this, "If there's nothing else you need of me, I will leave you to your 'reading'." He does add though, "If you need my assistance, do not hesitate to ask. I'll be in the library for the next hour, researching my own bit of reading material." Another pause, "And please give a farewell for me to your crawling companion." He smiles. He does like the creature!

The Red Knight will take his leave, after seeing nothing more is needed at the moment. He silently climbs down the stack, and then disappears in between the two next rows. Poof!

When the Red Knight turns around to climb down, he will find that is just sitting there behind him, looking up at him with all eight of his eyes. He lifts up on his hind legs a bit, waving his mandibles a bit in the air infront of him. He then settles down and scurries between the Knights legs as he returns to Royan. The large raven waits for Bob to return, before he casually turns to just sort of .. walk .. along the rafters away from where he had been with the stranger. All casual like. The most casual raven in history!

And outside, if Royan chooses to fly over the courtyard, The Queen and her handmaidens are still out in the sunshine, sitting in a neat semi-circle in her rose garden. They are painting today, and the ladies are talking amongst themselves.

Nearby on the ramparts, are four other Fianna guards, watching the nearby area on patrol.

And the raven DOES choose to fly over the Courtyard. He does not bring Bob this time, though. It might be construed as bad form to bring a Wyld Spirit that has taken the shape of a huge black spider while flying over royalty. And so, he choses to not bring the happy little spider. So it is just him, and the sky. Trying to act as innocent as possible as he tries to get as low as possible. So he can actually hear something. If something is said.

The Queen mentions, "Hopefully no more packages arrive that are in disguise from that loathsome, and disgusting monstrous beast. I don't know how it made it past security, but any pretty wrapped boxes must not be delivered to me ladies, not without the guard's checking it over first. Remember, dangerous things can come in pretty packages."

"Yes of course m'lady." One of the handmaidens replies with a deep lower of her gaze before she continues to paint. She murmurs then to the girl beside her, "Inheard this BlightBringer is a painter himself." she giggles a bit, "Sent the queen some lewd painting of the two of them together. Scandalous!" The large raven tries his absolute best to keep himself inconspicuous which, being his size, is not always easy. He does try to find a good glide trajectory however, to sneakily land in a tree so he can listen without being an ominous black shadow gliding past above. There, he can sit and listen to them gossiping.

The hand maiden next to her, pauses her painting, listening to the gossip. "I heard it showed her bum, and him squeezing it! Quite lewdly. If a Spiral is going to be sending gifts, you think he'd choose something to taint us all. A painting isn't even that threatening. But I did hear it ired the King up something fierce." "It probably is tainted and something foul." Another girl chimes.

"Oh it was more than just squeezing her butt." the first hand maiden begins but is interrupted again.

"From what I hear its not this...Blightbringer, if he is just pawn to bring about a nest of dragons. That the Wyrm Dragons are a real evil out there." she says all serious. Oh boy, we found the handmaid with resting bitch face.

The Queen speaks up, "If there is a hive out there, it's yet to be found. And if there be dragons, then there be dragons. Dragons haven't been seen by us in a long, long time. We simply have the renegade Spiral now and then caught on the Moor who thinks himself or herself to be a hero. Our patrols will always win." She seems overconfident.

The next handmaiden beside her says, "So what about this upcoming Sir Kennard, a Cliath from Clan Madden? I keep hearing his name in social circles coming up. I heard he pounded Fiddle me Faddle'rhya into the ground over a matter involving the wolf's sister. And NOW, Lady Samantha is pregnant? I hope Sir Kennard isn't the father. Such a shame."

"He's not the father," says another lady. "It's Red Bern' rhya's kid. We found out last night from the Truthcatcher. THAT Cliath is off the hook. For now. But I wouldn't want to be him, with the ladies all claiming they have his bairns. I'd have the Truthcatcher on Speed Dial, with his wealth." Like a statue, the raven sits completely still. Not moving a feather, not a muscle. He just sits there, listening. Trying to shield himself among leaves or branches if he can. "Oh my!" A handmaiden replies, "I dont know about this Sir Kennard and how many children he may have but he can put me up in his castle aby time." she mutters.

This gets a rouse of giggles.

"Oh no, we have plenty of stick in the mud proper lords ladies. What about the wild one? The savage? What is the right word, Native?"

The Queen can't hide her smile on this one, "Stormbreaker. A Wendigo of Canada, I hear. He's listed as a guest among their party for the Midsummer Ball. IF he is as fierce as I am hearing, I want to arrange a dance with him. See to it ladies, that I get him assigned to my dance card. It's rare we have one in our attendance, and I shall have him first."

A handmaiden dips her paintbrush in blue, and says, "The fae are sneaks! I think it's suspicious that Lady Samantha was after Kennard and his money, yes, but the very suspicious part, was after that challenge she's suddenly breeding? Fae are known for curses. What if Lady Tiana put a curse on Sam to get her out of the way? I mean, really, how far can you trust these Fae to not get all fired up, about someone taking their betrothed?"

The Queen looks over, "I think you should be careful to hold your tongue, Mary. Lest, YOU be pregnant next."

The girls gasp.

The girl shuts up and looks down. However ankther Handmaiden murmurs. "That actually makes some sense. All upset about stealing their women. So now they want to steal the Fianna men!"

"Maybe we should be concerned about the Fae after all." one finishes.

The raven has patience, when the raven has to have patience. He sits still and listens.. but once he is done listening, he does not just fly away. Oh, no. He remains there, as hidden as he can be among the leaves waiting for them to stand up and leave. And once they do? Only then does he fly away, hopefully without being noticed.

END SCENE