#anywhere

She nods. "I owe her, too."

"you already repay her by being heir" he says "politics and makes her safer"

"I don't know..."

"That seems an equal situation - her politics and my position. No, I owe her a life-debt."

"oh well, life is life" he says "then i guess you can repay her by studying. and charming..." And he lowers his voice but moves closer so she can hear this quieter whisper "she can be very.. trollish. "

"Well, she is a troll."

"So I will help her!"

A nod "childlings can help"

"We can! You can be eyes and ears, yes?"

"yes...of course" he says straightening his wrinkled voile which some how re wrinkles instantly "i am a sluagh. i wil lbe eyes and ears and report to you if you use what I tell you to help the Countess Jessica so I can repay her quietly. It's more.. " he looks for the right word, "dignity?"

"Right. You would not want a fuss."

A relieved look "you understand."

"I do. So yes, I will help you pay your debt. And, I think, that helps me with mine, too."

"gladly" A look at Salma whose eyes have gone to her book, "though I am not sure I am the truly sneaky one here in the head at least"

"I am not so sneaky."

He nods "you're not"

"But I am not a troll."

"you feel bad because you are not sneaky?" the boy says curious

"No."

"But I might not be sneaky, but... bless trolls, they have many strengths..."

"you're not stupid, that's what's important"

"That IS important... though it is also important for a ruler to know where they do not know things, and have good advisors."

"will you have at least one boy advisor?" the boy says raising a brow

"Well... a ruler must listen to many perspectives. Even boys."

"good..girls don't always understand how squishing mud between your toes is good or how you show your freindship by calling your friend a derp"

She looks to one side, then the other, before leaning in to confide. "I like squishy mud, too."

" i have to whisper, you don't...so why embarrased?"

"It's not very ladylike!"

"see, this is why you need boy advisors so we can suggest stuff you want to do anyway and you can roll your eyes and go 'boys' and then have fun when folks think you're just doing the duty"

She giggles.

"i need to go plan sneakythings to test the musicas.. do you want me to send Holger in here to guard you?"

"I think we are safe... not many people can squirm through the door!"

A grin , toothless and black "But if he protects you, he can't stop me from scaring the troubadours in my test"

"Ahhhh."

A shrug but no guilt

Nor blame from her.

He slips out

but ..first, a bow... then ..the slipping out.

A dip of her chin, graceful acknowledgement.

Only a moment later, Ariel bounds in!

"SOO much music out there.. and satyrs got a good showing, there's me, and Dean, and Piper!"

Ellie waves!

"Lots of satyrs! Is your cousin here yet?"

"He is! He's trying nto tho show it but he's nervous."

"Well, it's very busy here..."

"Sure is! "

"I'm sure he'll do well!"

"Hope I do okay, but I'm fine whoever wins I think... as for staying I like Phoebe, she's soft and gentle. Dean's powerful handsome. Neema is a SELKIE! She knows the sea. And Bevera seems ookaay... but I don't know sidhe"

Then "Sorry, I mean.. i'm learning more thanks to you" Ariel adds worried she offended

"Well.... oh, choosing will be hard...."