#anywhere

"She gets more than she gives when it comes to knowledge, she is willing to play politics, and yet seems to respect those who seek to learn or make change." Magnus says "What do you think sister? Is that all ggood or bad?"

"I think that I am glad I am not a duchess."

Claire laughs at that, "Something to be said for working for a living."

"Well." Flick. "Not sure how to take that, Claire."

"Ah, please, don't take it as an insult to you, it's not meant it as such." Claire says "I was just trying to picture how our Duke and Duchess are probably aching just to cut someone in half but instead politics."

"Well, yes. And not an easy choice."

"Sister, am I mistaken, or were you doing your best to learn about her?" Magnus says "And, am I missing something in the whys?"

"She's hard to read. Though so was the other.... but that's all of the spiders."

"Spiders?"

"I think...well, of course I haven't met the others, but I think I might like seeing her here in the County. There's something to be said for the presence of Eiluned ways."

"Like August's, yes." Sip.

"My what?" Confused.

"Zara. Like Zara."

"Zara's not Eiluned...."

"No. One of the others is like her. Unusual to see one titled so highly."

"Oh! You mean -that- Countess, I see, yes. I think."

She nods. "An oracle. I do hope to have Jennette meet her."

Claire raises a brow, "Let's hope they don't all show up at once."

"Let's."

Magnus grins "Now I kind of want to see it and.." A pause, "Wait, a Sluagh Countess is visiting? Ah...oh dear."

"Magnus? A problem?"

"She's going to see the library, yes,"

"One thought: Sluagh aren't protected from embarrassment from Cantrips. One word: Shalimar"

"That isn't the only reason her kith is a concern, really."

"Oh, certainly if she's a countess, she's dealt with pooka before."

"Well, never the less," he looks to Coradel, "You may need to curb him just a little."

"He seems to have left Zara alone so far."

"Well, there might be reason for that, Zara's damn powerful." Magnus says

Claire raises a brow "Not that powerful?"

She raises an eyebrow.

August frowns. "I think I would be very upset if anyone did anything to hurt or upset Zara."

"I'll speak with Shallimar. I prefer to see his pelt stay on his body."

A glance, and the touches August's hand gently.

"As would any of us, August, not as much as you, but she has beeen a good friend to you and of great help" Magnus assures

"Don't see anything particularly intimidating about a librarian."

A bit of a grin. "She is not an insignificant force, Deryn. Do not underestimate her, I think."

"Well, I will try to keep Shalimar off both of the sluagh."

"She... down plays her strength"

"Let's move on."

Firmly.

"As you like" Magnus says

"Perhaps time to head home?"

"And your friends are my friends, August. Yes?"

August nods. "Yes. To both."

Coradel smiles and easily takes August's arm again as they leave the shop.

Magnus looks at Claire, "Shall we?"

Sparrow quietly rises, lost in thought.

"And leave your sister alone?" Claire says "Come on with us, Sparrow. You and I can talk about Magnus behind his back."

"You guys go, I'm fine." A smile.

"You'll come with us, right? Back to EarthRunes?"