"An anonymous complaint has been filed questioning your competence, your integration into our community, and your ability to serve supernatural guests safely." Varric gestured to the chair placed opposite the Council. "Please, sit."
Diana remained standing. "I prefer to face this standing, if that's acceptable."
"As you wish." Varric opened a leather folder. "The complaint cites several concerns. Delayed supplier payments, questions about your background verification, concerns about your understanding of supernatural customs."
"All of which are false."
"Are they?" Elder Bram leaned forward. "Our investigation suggests otherwise. Supplier disruptions, financial irregularities, reports of inappropriate questions being asked about pack hierarchies and territorial boundaries."
"What investigation?"
"Anonymous sources expressing concern about the inn's management." Bram's pale eyes fixed on her. "Witnesses to conversations where you demonstrated alarming ignorance of basic supernatural protocols."
Diana felt the trap closing. "May I see these reports?"
"That's not how this works," Bram replied. "We're here to assess your responses to legitimate concerns, not debate evidence."
"Then let me respond." Diana straightened her spine. "I've paid every supplier on time. My financial records are open for review. As for supernatural protocols, I've worked with Miriam Caldwell for weeks learning appropriate customs and procedures, as well as others among the community."
"Learning from a human who married into our community decades ago," Bram said dismissively. "Hardly authoritative guidance."
"Careful, Bram." Miriam's voice carried steel. "Henry Caldwell served on this Council for fifteen years. Are you questioning his judgment in choosing me as his mate?"
"I'm questioning whether human perspective is sufficient for training someone to serve our community's needs."
"Then question me directly," Diana said. "What protocols do you think I don't understand?"
"Territorial respect. Pack hierarchy. The delicate balance required when hosting multiple supernatural species with competing needs."
"I understand that lion shifters prefer ground-floor rooms with multiple exits. That wolf packs don't share communal spaces during full moon weeks. That fae guests require iron-free accommodations and permission before photographing them. That vampire visitors need blackout curtains and discretion about their feeding arrangements."
Bram's eyebrows rose slightly. "Textbook knowledge."
"Practical knowledge. Applied successfully during my tenure."
Footsteps approached from the forest path. Twyla emerged carrying a wicker basket, her wheat-colored hair catching the fae-lights.
"Sorry I'm late," she called cheerfully. "Had to finish these."
She approached the stone circle and set down her basket. "Fresh signatures supporting Diana's continued management of the Hearth & Hollow. Thirty-seven residents vouching for her competence, professionalism, and positive impact on our community."
Twyla began distributing papers like legal exhibits. "Edgar Tansley says Diana's the first innkeeper who actually reads his potion labels instead of just assuming they're decorative. Freya Bloom confirms that Diana correctly identified and removed iron fixtures that were causing discomfort to fae guests. Tom Brewster notes that Diana successfully mediated a territory dispute between two visiting shifter families without involving Council enforcement."
"And these," Twyla produced a cloth-covered tray, "are mini scones. Because important discussions require proper refreshments."
Elder Bram stared at the tray. "You brought baked goods to a formal Council proceeding?"
"I brought evidence of community integration. Diana taught me that recipe. It was Miriam's grandmother's, passed down through three generations of innkeepers." Twyla's smile was sharp. "Seems relevant to questions about whether she understands inn traditions."
Varric accepted one of the signature papers. "These are extensive testimonials."
"Diana asked for community support. The community responded." Twyla settled onto a fallen log like she planned to stay. "Funny how that works when someone actually earns respect instead of demanding it."
"The complaint remains valid," Bram insisted. "Anonymous sources with legitimate concerns about operational irregularities."
"About that." Varric pulled out a different folder. "We received some additional information this evening. Research from Moira Marsh's archival project, cross-referencing business license applications with suspicious complaint patterns."
He opened the folder, revealing bank statements and corporate documents. "Seems the anonymous complaint was purchased. Two thousand dollars from something called Backwoods Consulting, paid to Gerald Finch for filing specific violations against the Hearth & Hollow Inn."
