#anywhere

Thea reads the leaves and they flow...

The countess sees patterns... personal, matters are close to her. She is not a person who shares... a shifting... a barrier broken, a joureny's last turn. And with that, everything might change.

And yet, it is not her step, not her barrier. Rather, one of someone close to her, one that she cares for.

And those? Those are few.

She could gain ,or lose... or depending on how you look at it gain by the loss.

Akanthea is not so far gone, in a working, to be dim.

Once you go Skunk, all other women are junk

"Baron..... when next it possible, please ask Sir Vali the..... Steathy to attend me."

The Baron bows, "of course."

"Is there anything else your, excellency?"

"Not at this time."

And he withdraws to make make it so. It is true, Baron Rostislav has proven to be a very useful aide de camp in many ways. One of her favors to Vali that paid off well for herself also. And House Varich seems placated that one is in her inner circle, or, at least they THINK her inner circle. Very pattern based Varich. Alas, they don't quite understand the full complexities- but they come close.

The work on the mirror has been progressing. A way to store knowledge so she might be herself again, but a gamble, and a risk. Eiluned are cautious about sharing their secrets, even with an object.

And she is a reluctant participant.

Adelaide shows up, her heir. "Guardian? Is this a bad time?"

Her ward watches as the Countess seems to forget they had a meeting for a piano lesson..and indeed, as she spaces out entirely. A sigh, and in uncharacteristic behavior for the cold Eiluned she is supposed to be if some would state, Adelaide moves to her and gives her elder a soft hug and waits by her side. She need not be alone in this moments.

"Adeldaide....hello."

"Hello. I'm about to do practice for the recital, but it's just practice. You dont' have to come if the timing is poor." Her eyes drift to the leaves in the cup "Ah, a reading?"

"No." She sets the cup away. "I am yours."

"Thank you. I'll be playing from one of your favorite composers today so I hope you'll like it. Or , at least, endure the slight plings and pongs and slips."

(End or pause scene)