#anywhere

Nigel prepares some tea, then hands offers a cup , "Sugar, cream?"

Another pause - "Sugar only, please."

"Of course" And he adds some then takes a seat

"You invited the spider, you must understand - even if you did so unwittingly. And thus, you must release him. He will bring no harm to this place. We wish no harm to you and yours."

"I did not invite the spider, my dear. The spirit was spying, and I suspect on your behalf. But, it is a relief to find you meant no harm. " A sigh "As a sign of trust then?"

"No, he was invited. As said, you did so unknowingly - you do not speak to dreams, spirit ways are not those of man. But yes, the creature is an ally of mine, and I shall defend him. Thank you for the tea, at least you have a modicum of manners." As she takes the cup, he might catch a glimpse of forearm - norse runes, but also hebrew letters, scrawled on pale flesh with ballpoint pen.

A brow, "You know something of magic. You're not human are you? "

He makes an unwinding pattern.. slowlya nd gestures towards the painting. There's a pop...

and 1122 appears by Zara's side

"I am as flesh and blood as you."

And there is more where that came from! 1122 says huffy at the wizard

She doesn't entirely hide her relief when 1122 is freed, though she tries to keep her expression neutral.

A gentle tut, and she relocates the spider to her hair.

"You are flesh and blood. Yes, that does not mean you're human" He says

"I invited .. you don't mean the spider spirit do you?"

"Ah." Non-committal.

"One of your 'students' has already been claimed. He is mine, I shall not relinquish him. The others.. well, perhaps they shall blossom here?" She sips.

"Perhaps," he says "which one are you claiming? And..why"

"He is mine. Why does aught else matter?"

"Chiefly it matters because ignorance is a weapon, even when not used as such it risks a cut. Also," A smile "I don't know which student is the he so how am I to know which is off limits? " A sip

She twists a bit, coiled like a snake. "....the American. Though I would bid you be wary of the Australian. Ice lies beneath that stoner-smile, there is danger there."

"ice? " A pause "I see. The American lad is yours then. We did invite him. I'll talk to my cohorts. I fear you've learned too much of us already but, then I suspect who you are..what you are. You understand I am burning to ask more questions"

"You may suspect. And perhaps it is wisest for both of us to not state baldly what we suspect?"

"I would not harm you. In truth, I would gladly go yeti-hunting and seek books to add to my library... if I can be sure of my gentleman's safety."

"I will need to talk to my compatriots, you understand?"

"I would be willing to negotiate with the other two, aye."

"If you would like to do so directly. I can arrange it. Or I can do it on your behalf" he offers. Then looks at 1122 "Extrodinary little spirit."

Fondness escapes. "He is."

"I thought him tied to the enemy, they enjoy technology as a tool for their traps. " He says "But he's too..whimsical in his workings. Too alive in his craft"

"Your enemy... they... in that, we are allies. They would see the both of us ground into oblivion, and a world with only that which can be ordered and boxed and measured."

"You know much, but what you know is perhaps good that you know" He sips "Did you wish me to talk to my allies? or did you wish to directly?"

"I have seen the harm they do, and survived by grace of G-d. I learned what I may to protect me and mine. One of yours - one of books and seals - helped." She sips her tea. "I would prefer if I were less exposed - but I would hear what you tell them."

Amusement "One of books and seals? Oh dear. Yes. That fits us as well as any. I must tell you, Miss Rusalka, my companions are even keener eyed than I , in their way"

"And yet I evaded until I revealed myself."

"I merely point out you may follow me when I talk to them, but they might sense you, not that they would"

She nods. "A risk."

And,foot steps. Quiet. Soft. But not soft enough

Zara rises. "Someone is coming."

"Good ears. Probably Cricket"

"You may get the door for her, aye?"

Zara retreats when Nigel turns.

And she does.. Zara retreats.

Cricket says "You left abruptly after a working no less. What is..." She turns "Someone else is here"

Eyes narrow.

"Two for tea. I am not blind. The cup still warm"

She squirms deeper into her hidey-spot - she might need to emerge, but waits to see what Nigel does.

Nigel says "We have an extra guest. I'll say that. But for now I need you to trust me in that this guest, by laws, very old laws, was also invited..indirectly"

A quiet nod of approval. Nigel isn't half bad.

"Your tradition is so annoying. You do know we were there before you? That your Order is younger than mine? Than others too?" Cricket says "Very old laws " A hurmph

She watches Cricket - wary of kenning again, but curious.