#anywhere

"I can think of a few, most involve trusting us" Jude says "But I imagine you'll disagree mmm" He looks her over "Yes. It makes sense how evasive he was."

"August Truthbranch, Evasive?" The Duke looks startled.

A sniff. "And how could I know you were to be trusted? By House and Title? Nay, those are not you."

"I stopped asking him questions because I worried he'd strain himself" Jude said

"Because he would not betray my trust. Because he is August Truthbranch, and would be so if he were a houseless redcap."

The Duke frowns "I would hope you would have trusted me, Esther. You trusted me once to see Justice was done. And in so doing, the Count."

"Why do you think I came here? To see this place, this man. I trust you, and it is not for your crown."

"Like it or not, Esther, a sidhe IS shaped by his or her House and Title. Itis a part of us. " Jude says "It shapes us. Yes, even August. This IS House matter, about a House Brother. That bond is ...well, Arcadia itself has createed ties. We are bound by a common Da'an"

"But rather than let me see, I find myself cornered and confronted. I told no lies. The pearl could have been an oak, aye - or a unicorn, or a lion, or a star fallen to the sand. Not until those words was one more likely than another."

"Oh goodness, that's an awfully large cross to put yourself on," Jude says

"And you speak of 'House Brothers.' Fine. Aye. I speak of blood. He is my kin, and I will protect him."

Jude raises a brow "Blood kin? That's another matter."

Tierone frowns "Yes, and it explains much"

"I will protect my family. I told you that truth once. I shall not recant it now."

Tierone looks to Jude "I'm pulling rank on this, your Excellency"

Jude sighs "I thought you might"

"Now who's on the cross? " The boy smiles t the sigh

Zara is in high color - at least by her standards - cheeks flushed pink, eyes bright, her hands in a nervous tangle.

Then the young Duke looks at zara "We re shielded ,more than before from srying, not that you need to worry about that we suspect. You have hidden away one of ours but he is also one of yours. So be it. It is clear our choices are either to be at loggerheads with you, we would likely win but at a cost, and that cost perhaps August's trust and your fondness for our house. Or..we can support you . he's hidden, for now. Good. We need to know where but we do not need to know yet. Do we? "

"He is safe. He is hidden. The viper does not know what I did, what I took, or that I did the deed."

"His mentor... luckily... is one disposed to your house."

"Thank you for that news, at least," Jude says "Obviously your answer might be 'butt out' but it would be very unsatisfying AND we can help "

"yes, false decoys, manufactureed rumors" Tierone ays

"Ignorance is protection. For him, when few can say where he is. Anonymity, too, is protection. The secrets I hold are his shield."

"Ignorance in my experience is a weakness others will exploit whether you like or not at least in the first person such as my ignorance" Jude says "mmm you kknow, we could Knight you. then we could give you more details "

"And you think, then, that a Knight is more trustworthy than a seer? No. I will take no title. To do so would betray myself more than I think you can understand."

"i thought that might be your view" Jude says, "It does tell me more of you though. So thank you. mmm yes, false rumors and the like might be best. but August will come with his report soon enough. "

"I will be blunt. Mayhaps it is the nocker blood - I put my loyalty towards men, not titles. To those who prove their worth. A title is not a synonym for value."

"Having met some knavish Knights, and truly noble beggars, I can understand why you would embrace that view'" Jude says "But August IS a knight of our House, and subject to the orders of his superiors within. You value him , so do we. But he's not a babe to be coddled either, and if he's the best man for a job trust the House will send him, or Sparrow, or any other Liam to do so as is thought wisest. To deny this would be to insult his choices and what HE believes. And I do not think you would belittle him so"

Tierone sighs "It's the unpleasant side of these matters that for our House ideals, anyone of us might be at risk. It is also what is best in us."

"You do not know the whole situation, or with what you are meddling."

"No, but then, I suspect None of us do" Jude says "I will try to redirect August or hold him in reserve, but he will be curious And I don't like lying to him"

"Nor do I."

"Well, see, we can agree on something' Tierone chimes

Jude laughs at that, then "Yes. Passions are clearly tense, we are all of us idealistists, but with our own ideals. We must recognize and respect that. Forgive me, Esther, would you like to join us for tea, light chat, or maybe just be left be in the library? You are still owed night rest"

"I would rest, aye..."

"Then, your room awaits, esther. Oh... in full confession, I did try to BRIBE 1122. Popcorn and the like. The little fellow is a rock. You have loyal friends." the path to the guest room opens again

"1122 is a true and loyal companion."

"Yes, I don't suppose He is interested in being a knight?" Jude looks at the spider.

1122 mimes doffing a hat, which looks very odd with all those legs Please tell him I'd be honored,but if I did join a house it would be Fiona, and why settle for Knight hood when the role of the outlaw has more adventure?

A soft chuff of almost-laughter. "Oh, a Fiona?"

"My reckless friend would be a Lion, sir. But appreciates the offer."

That Jude hears then laughs himself "He wants to be a Fiona? Of course. Fearless. Well, House Liam's loss. Rest well when you do."

The spider almost blushes but rides with her to their room

And off, to night-time views and grey lace....

Which is actually QUITE nice, despite the stubbornness of Liams

(End scene)

(or is it?) "Wards enforced? " "Oh yes." "Think it's safe to discuss Project Baja?" "Don't be impatient, your grace. Your ambitions and plans to them impress. Sir Jack is surveying the land" "Good." (REALLY end scene)