"Well, there are nice ones and mean ones," Gertrude explained, shrugging, "just like with people. Sometimes it's bloo- er, difficult to tell, though, because they have a different sense of morality. I grew up... around creatures like them, so it made sense to me."

Not wanting to dwell on [i]that[/i] line of questioning any longer than she needed to, Gertrude was quick to continue.

"Well, I think she's more childish than mean. She asked for our qualifications when we brought up the Duke's wits, and it was obvious she wanted to be entertained. The knights regaled her with tales of heroic accomplishment. I, on the other hand..."

Gertrude gently dropped her broom, but before it hit the ground, it grew limbs and a body and the straw transformed into hair. Trudy, the miniature Gertrude made from wood and soul, began doing a little folk dance. She silently hoped the princesses would find this more entertaining than The Moonlit Queen had, though it had been enough to to get her body transformed.

---

"Someone scary, eh?" Gretchen teased, going in to give Tyaethe's pinkening cheek a gentle pinch, "then it's a shame Yaya isn't competing, she's cute as a button."

Gretchen took a seat and patted her lap, entreating one or both of the paladins to rest somewhere a little nicer. Her smile was kind and gentle as she welcomed the two.

"You too, Haizea. I'm certain you'd be an inspiration, but... I guess that would be a bad idea? Would you tell me about it? I'm starting to understand your love of these events a little bit, but I'm not certain I can help in any way."