#anywhere

the cave has collapsed

Alanza says "Fine.. heal me"

"Did we get them all?" he wonders.

"We did" Alannza grunts as the Swanmay works

"Good." Adam turns to check the children.

They seemed to have thawed out and are talking...

"sucks being a kinnian, everyonne's like 'too dangerous' but then you get kidnapped anyway" One girl is saying

"Everyone ok? Are you hurt? What's your name?" Adam asks one and another.

He turns to the swanmay "Hey.... what's -your- name?"

"Cygnia" She answers and the wound is healing on Alanza

"Cygnia." Adam nods. "That's nice. I'm Adam, and this is Alanza."

"Hey, kids.... come on. Let's get you somewhere you can warm up and we can sort you out."

"I am in your debt" She says "That's my little sister, Maddi"

"Hello, Maddi." Adam says as he starts to shepherd the children.

And they take the kids to safety.. and Cygnia and Maddi end up ggoing back with he annd ALanza to Earth Runes

(End Scene)

In ANOTHER part of Earth runes

"those who vouoched for me probably think I'm nuts" the boy whispers

Octa climbs up a rickety set of stairs. They have been joined by other sisters.

In spider he says "I suppose I do, I am not brave. Forgive." And presses his glasses up

"greetings, I am squire velvet... you are safe here.. as are your secrets"

Undecim rides on one shoulder, and the boldest bunny on the other!

"thank you. I'm Fred. Which is a terrible name for a slugh"

"We'll get you a better one" Velvet guides him across the path to the near hidden door

The door opens on a dim little cave of a room. Oddities glint in oddly shaped corners - a shriveled monkey's hand under glass, a ceramic rendition of a poor soul being rent by a menagerie tiger, and books upon books...

"coool" Fred whispers

A pale hand lights a candelabra off a single taper. "Welcome."

He makes a hand to heart gesture "you honor me with trust. I.. apologize. I have had trainign with other sluagh, but i fear I am still clumsy of manner and tongue"

Velvet says to the slightly older boy "Nonsense, you clearly have manners."

"And wisdom, to keep your name away from the Shining Ones."

"Truly, Namers are held to a standard - I am sure he would not betray you, not without dire consequences... but..."

Zara travels around the room, marking it with chalk runes.

"but he might answer to others one day?" A nervous look "I mean, you might as well, but .. it's different"

"Forgive, Velvet, for not telling you of this sooner. But I am certain I can trust your discretion." Another rune. "And aye. It is, and I understand. Why do you think I sought this knowledge? For my cousins."

"I heard namers were rare, Jodfrey, he seemed nice. He said he didn't know of any nearby sluagh namers. So.. you're hiding? I mean, I do't blame you but.. I shouldn't tell anyone of this after?"

"If the need arises - sluagh, but others who would not wish a Noble. You may reach out to me then. But no, my Art is not for idle conversation."

"of course...a gentleman does not tell" He says then adds "Not without tea and a fair price"

"And you thought yourself uneducated" Velvett says

Zara smiles. "Indeed."

A blush "thank you. I hope not to be any trouble"

"Now... you are no trouble, and I hope I did not overstep by inviting the Squire to join your celebration. I have some stale petit fours, for after."

"if you wish, Namer Zara, I shall prepare it?" Velvet offers.

Namer Zara.. feels good

"After the ceremony, aye. Thank you, Squire Velvet."

Fred says "Do... please tell me I don' rip part of your clothing.. it's.. well..unseemly for all"

"Now, Fledge Fred... please, take a seat on the floor. No, I shall not be channelling burlesque."