#anywhere

"Return him, please."

"Of course" Tierone says, "He was never in danger. We were just surprised...'

Jude says "Zara, why the sophistry ? You've been a friend to the House, as much as any non Liam could be. "

"Why the need to hold him?" She extends her hand towards the spider.

"And I have reasons to not use my name openly. I did not lie to you."

1122 bounces up and lands on her hand (Tapping) They cast something not sure what, but were very nice. I didn't answer questions. They didn't try to make me

"Mmm perhaps I was a bit too paranoid then. August has not spokken o you much to me in the past, save to say he vouches for you. I do know that the Duke considers you a true friend of dreamers"

"I am right here, Count" the childling on the cusp of wilderhood smiles

She strokes the little clockwork spider, making a soothing sound.

"You put much at risk unwittingly."

"I came to see how much."

"And.... the seawater, also. That was no lie, I have a flagon."

(tap) "offered 🍿" almost a sigh. boy that was hard

She places 1122 at his accustomed place, hidden at the nape of her neck.

"See, your excellency? I told you she was an commendible lady. August can be idealistic, but he tends to gather good folk around him"

The Duke says "Please , forgive the Count. he was being extra cautious in no small part at my behest. Had I known it was you here I would have been less on guard. When he showed me your image, I felt obliged to vouch further."

"I had hoped to not have my first name uttered here."

Jude sighs "Your Grace, I think if there is an apology due, she would probably prefer it came from me. I DO regret making her worry for her friend, that truly was not my intent. Now, how did I put August at risk?"

The last to Zara

"Setting him on a task based on an omen, putting him in a frenzy, making it his duty to be involved with what is not his - or your - business."

"You would fire him at a den of vipers, Excellency."

The Count sighs "I'm afraid you are well intentioned, but mistaken. The matter he was sent on was very MUCH of Liam interest. Crucial in fact."

"Indeed," The Duke says "I wish we could tell you more, but we have our own seers and omens. We did not begin this pursuit on a whim"

"And are you Liam, sir? Nay, you are of Liam. A count, aye - but do you rule all Liam knights?"

The near wilder boy of a Duke winces "Esther, since that is what you prefer, you are taling to the man in his own hold And he's not the only one of the House that discuss this matter or facilitates it. You are being rude and adversarial. Very unlike you"

She pulls off her hat, white hair tumbling. "I am protecting Liam, if that is what he is!"

"And you would risk it, because of one omen!"

The two exchange a look, "She knows where he is" They say at the same time

Then Jude says "Esther, mmore than one omen is involved. We did tell August the one that seemed the most prudent. And he thought he had an ide what it was related to."

A hiss. "I am the White Raven. The Pale Spider. The River Witch. The Ghost."

"Ah," Tierone says "I had forgotten she was called that."

"Would have been handy to know" The Count says "Interesting . Then who is the fell father?"

"A mad serpent."

"And that is why August was in such a state. I have confided much in him. He is my dearest friend."

"And because of you, I had to... be evasive, aye. To protect him. What choice had I?"