The Duke's Bride

[Lance Roidmet]

His face darkens, closes off. "As you like, Your Royal Highness," he says bitterly, turning to go back into his bedroom. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

Would have been nice to see this concern over the last 6 years. I think bitterly. I turn when a nock comes at my door and turn to leave lance to his sulking. Well talk later. "Come in" I call slipping easily into my mask to greet our visitor

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

The visitor this time is a much more dignified figure. He's in his forties or so, perhaps older if well preserved or younger if hardworn, dressed in a well-made doublet in a severe style. He has a hand-held desk tucked under one arm and a cane in the other that he leans lightly on as he studies her with a stern, faintly frustrated expression. "My apologies for the intrusion, Countess. I am Sir Blacquin of Albany, seneschal to the Duke. Might I come in and speak with you for a few minutes?"

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"By all means" I say politely gesturing him in "please make yourself comfortable. What can I do for you sir Balcwuin" I say smiling gently

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"Thank you," he says perfunctorily, scanning the room as he takes the nearest seat regardless of the degrees of comfort available. "How goes your stay?" he begins as protocol and manners dictate. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

" everything has been quite amenable thank you." I say sweetly "forgive me Sir blacquin do you mind if we skip the pleasantries? I prefer to get business out of the way first so we might enjoy the pleasantries more." I say with a giggle

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

The slightest of frowns answers her breach of propriety but he nods curtly. "An orphan in my Lord's care and keeping has gone missing this morn." He holds up a hand. "This is not a matter of alarm, per se, she has something of a habit of absenting herself from her morning duties and," he glances at the nearby clock, "now afternoon lessons. Nevertheless, I wished to ask if you or any of yours have seen a young woman matching her description. She is young, seventeen winters, fair skinned and pale, long black hair, light blue eyes, delicate features and a shy, demure demeanor."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"I'm afraid not." I lie easily. "I will have my survents keep an eye out for her though. I do hope you find her. Is there anything else I can asit you with?" I as sweetly

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

Harrod looks at her, expression grave and somber, for a long moment, then nods once more. "Thank you for your assistance in this matter. As for other business... As I have already intruded, I will accept your indulgence and preference for directness. I wish to inquire as to your plans for this visit."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"I'm afraid it is to be a short one. We have started dealing with the banditry problem in our new douchy and infroutunatly being absent for even a short time can jeprodise those efforts. We intend to leave the day after tomorrow unless something calls us back sooner. Though I do wish we had the time to see Albany the advancements you're made here are fascinating"

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"Bandits?" Harrod asks, eyes narrowing. "I do not recall seeing such reported in the Royal missives. Did Duke Lance not see fit to report such an issue?" Bandits are not going to obey Ducal prohibitions  and restrictions on travel between territories after all, and what is a problem in one place very often spreads to the areas around them.

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"It's not something you need to worry about we're trying a new classification of bandits applying it to merchants who unjustly charge, swindle and exploite both customers and workers. It will be out in this moths repots." I say calmly "still the few highway man that make their rounds in our lands have also been a bit active lately."

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

Harrod raises an eyebrow at her explanation. "I see," he replies neutrally, tone indicating that he does not, entirely, see. "I cannot say that I surprised, given the... neglect that has been seen in your new Duchy this last decade or so."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"It's truly a shame how people will take advantage of the grief and inexperience of a child lord. Still we all must grow up and take control of fixing things from our past." I say evenly

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

Harrod inclines his head. "I would not judge a child poor for failing to uphold the duties and honor of a noble title. But for his family to not have a proper chain of succession or regency in place..." He sighs softly.