View source for Log:Talking Death Pledges

{{ Log
| cast = [[Duncan Morrow|Duncan]] and [[Ashe Whelan|Ashe]]
| summary = Duncan comes to talk to Ashe about the Freehold pledge.
| gamedate = 2017.11.11
| gamedatename = 2017.11.11
| subtitle = "I can't change laws willy nilly."
| location = The Wayhouse
| categories = Changeling, Summer, Autumn
| log = 
Ashe was easy to find between Stoneheart, the Wayhouse and the Whelan Chronicle. The Autumn Monarch is at the Wayhouse this evening and currently helping Maxwell, one of the Waykeepers with a crockpot of chili. "If it's not got enough chili powder there's some in the kitchen. I figured we had some around here." the woman states. She's not dressed very monarchly however. It's jeans, boots, orange and black flannel with a grey sweater coat over it. Because it's cold out!

Duncan shows up to meet the Autumn Queen, his sea-and-sky form clothed in purely mortal garb: Gray dress shirt, denim jeans, brown walking shoes, with a black pea coat over the top. It was all nice enough, once upon a time, but the clothes are looking a little threadbare now. The coat is also fairly light, given the temperature outside. And while Ashe may not be dressed any more regally, the strength of her presence and mantle draw his attention right away. And the crown probably tips him off. The man grins and steps into the room, making sure he's seen and heard before approaching any closer. "Hi. Duncan Morrow, looking for the Queen?"

Ashe takes a drink of her coffee when there's a lull in conversation with Maxwell and he turns to look at Duncan who has came in and her black eyes look at him for a moment. When he states that he's there to see here there's a ping of recognition that registers in her eyes via a line of silver that ticks up, "Ah, yes, Mister Morrow. I thought you were going to ask if I'd been leaving more red balloons around town." she tells him with a smile. "Would you like something to drink?" she asks him. "If not we can have a seat. I understand that you wanted to speak with me." she states.

"Should I be asking you abour red balloons?" If so, Duncan seems to have missed the memo. He looks curious, but not particularly concerned to be out of the loop. Oddities among the Lost are a thing after all. Then he shakes his head at the drink offer. "No, thank you. I wanted to ask you about the Pledge." There's another good-natured grin before he adds, "Do you prefer 'Your Majesty' or ...?"

"The night before IT came out I went around town tying red balloons to sewers grates. It was me." Ashe chuckles as she takes a seat. "And sure, questions are always welcomed." she nods to that. "Ashe is fine. While there is a Crown stuck to my head for a season I have tried to not let it inflate my ego." she admits.

"Oh..." Duncan hears her explanation about the balloons but does not seem much enlightened. But he lets it blow past and forges ahead. There's a chuckle for her quip about not letting the crown go to her head, and then he too takes a seat. Even sitting the Elemental is not entirely at rest, with a foot tapping or fingers drumming more often as not. "Ashe. Nice to meet you. Please call me Duncan." Pleasantries aside, he gets around to the point of the meeting. "I talked to Nathania Winters about joining the Freehold. Seems okay. But that death sanction makes me think twice. I'm not saying I think you would abuse it -- I don't know you, and the only person I know in town says you're okay --- but it's a concern."

Ashe settles back into the chair, letting one knee rest over the other as her coffee cup rests on the chair arm. "It's nice to meet you as well, Duncan." she tells him. Then she listens to him and there's a nod, "Yes, Death Pledges are things you need to be sure on. It's why everyone is only pledged for one season as well." she nods. "It's why our Laws are read prior to you agreeing to things." she nods to that.

"That's all well and good," Duncan says for the precautions, "But what happens when the Crown makes some law about wearing white after Labor Day and people break it?" It's not accusatory, and perhaps the example is a little flippant, but he seems serious about the concern. "Sometimes I rub people the wrong way. I don't want to end up dead because the wrong person didn't like me."

Ashe looks to him as he speaks and there's a thoughtful look, "I know where you're coming from. The thing is, I can't make Laws willy nilly. I can't pledge you to the Freehold and then say 'And now storms are out'." she tells him. "It doesn't work like that. You have to be actively breaking the Laws of our Freehold as they are stated at the time. I do not have the power to strike you dead at a whim." she states as she looks to him.

"Ahhhh." Duncan gives a thoughtful nod. "That makes sense. So the only thing I'd have to worry about is what was read off the other day? Good to know." Just to double check nothing has changed in the meantime. His only response to be stared at is to grin broadly. "All right, Ashe. I can do that. As long as I get time to do my regular job, no problem." He gives the Autumn Queen a thumbs up. "Sign me up."

"Yeah, it's why the Waykeepers and myself will read the Laws to people before swearing. Just so there's no surprises or anything." Ashe tells him as she sits her mug down on the table. "And you can keep to your regular job just fine." she smiles to that. She then sits on the edge of the chair, "Alright. When you're ready, repeat after me." she tells him.

"I pledge my time, my talents and my fealty to Fate's Harvest.

I swear that I no longer serve the Fae, nor will I while this promise stands; that while I am under its protection I will obey the principles and bylaws of the Fate's Harvest Freehold as ratified by Monarch and Council, in return for the support and safety they provide.

May I perish in exile, should I be forsworn."

"Good. I need the money," Duncan explains about his job, giving another chuckle. Then he listens as Ashe gives an intro to the pledge proper, and his expression sobers. The Elemental nods, draws a deep breath, and repeats the words in a low voice. "I pledge my time, my talents, and my fealty to Fate's Harvest. I swear that I no longer serve the Fae, nor will I while this promise stands. That while I am under its protection, I will obey the principles and bylaws of the Fate's Harvest Freehold as ratified by Monarch and Council, in return for the support and safety they provide." He takes a breath after that mouthful, then adds the sanction. "May I perish in exile should I be forsworn."

Ashe gives Duncan a smile, "Welcome to Fate's Harvest, Duncan. I'll announce you to the Freehold." she tells him. Then she pulls a small pin from her sweater pocket, "A small token of my appreciation for joining the Freehold during Autumn. I need to get going this evening. I have dinner scheduled with my husband." she tells him.
}}