#anywhere

"Your library has grown," Marzana says as she takes a bit of spoiled cream in her tea "Miss Zara. " A smile "Or is it Madame Zara now?"

A touch of pink, and a glance at the secret raven only two may see. "Technically, aye."

"My congratulations, I hear that such unions can extend lives, this means you will have a better chance of reaching proper cronedom in this life" She says approving

"Indeed. And Earl accepts his eventual imprisonment in a garrett, where he shall paint only for my pleasure."

"Oh my" She fans herself "that is the dream"

"And as you can see, the new quarters are most pleasing - and crooked!" A gesture at the odd little room, artistically decorated with webbing and dust.

"I admit to being awash with envy" She concedes, "I thought my spindy staircase the height of fashion but oh.. I do wish a minor quake would hit scarsdale to do the same to my locale"

"Ah, I believe time shall yet settle your home askew. Mayhaps a flood? " A reassuring smile. "How fared your holiday season? Imbolc and Carnival seem to be so close, these days..."

"They do blur do they not?" She nods "In truth, Carnivale was a bit loud, but one must keep abreast of situations one way or another or one loses the proper tools a lady of genteel breeding needs. Imbolc however, was a triumph. As you know, crafters often show their wears on that day, and at the Hollow the craftsmen often out peacock the musicians by far. Why your own Uncle won second place for creation of Mood upholstery. The patterns and colors on the furniture shifts depending one's feelings at the time. A revolution in office interviews some think it will be."

"Ah! Hirim has been working on such for some time. Though it sounds like there has been some... new arrangements in the order of the place?"

"A new chancellior, a long lost niece, and a nocker at that" She sips

Brows lift. "Really? By mortal blood?"

"Exactly, a borderline scandal. And a surprise to many who thought the Count as free of familiar connections"

"Indeed. Assuming, of course, that such a claim is true." She sips her tea.

"Few are going to call the count a liar to his face regarding such a matter. There are some who think she is rather a bastard daughter, but, well, definitely few would say THAT." A sip "Of course, given his sickly nature, it's just as well she came"

"Mmm.."

"The gauntlet grows weak. And two curs slipped their leash. Rather the shanda, I must say."

"Oh?" She grows intrigued "Go on, please"

"Seneca and Mirwin. Truthfully, not the most prominent members of that set... but then, tis the second-tier that always strive to gain glory."

"Ah, there was mention of them among the boggans, normally I pay boggans little mind, pray forgive. but something about them causing trouble and a Fiona lass showing up to deliver a message regarding them. It was from here? Oh my"

A knock at the door.

"Aye. The fools broke Carnival law."

A spider scuttles down the door, peering at August and Leo.

"A shanda ind.. oh you have visitors" Marzannna says poliely enough

Leo is talking to August "her room is crooked. Apparently no one is allowed to fix it"

"It is her aesthetic." he agrees.

Zara rises to check. "Ah, tis August himself," she inform Marzanna before opening the door.

"Hello Zara." softly "Pardon the intrusion."

Marzana rises and bows ligghtly.

"Oh, you have a guest. I can return later."

Leonora inclines her head in quiet greeting

"You have met Miss Marzanna, aye? She is a friend from home."

August bows. "Miss Marazanna. Welcome to EarthRunes."

"A pleasure, Baron" Marzana says politely

"Would you care for tea?"

"Oh go on, August," Leonora says "Enjoy tea with the ladies. you're far more cultured about it than I am . I tend to talk to much, Besides, I could use a shower." A look to Zara "though thank you for the invitation, and nice to meet you, Miss Marzana"

August kisses Leonora's hand. "Thank you again,Dame."

"That would be very welcome, Zara. Thank you."

"Charmed" Marzanna says, seeming to quietly approve of a Fiona who is so self aware

Leonora smiles at the kiss on the hand , "most welcome"

"Take care, Miss Leonora." Zara places a hand on her chest.

"You have a lovely tea, Miss Zara" She returns the gesture and sways away, hips moving with that subconscious huntress stride

Marzanna confesses "She seems a lovely young lady in more ways than one"

"While... exuberant, as the Lions are wont, she is very well-intentioned, aye."

"Please, August, take a seat." She prepares a cup of tea - sugar, no cream. She had not prepared for non-sluagh guests.

Marzanna takes her cues from Zara on how much maybe said before this non sluaggh

"We were discussing changes at home. It seems that the Nocker I saw is claiming to be the count's "niece."

"And has very strongly asserted herself as Chancellor."

"Not so strongly" Marzana says "Pray forgive. She was quick enough to take the position, but seems to have most..liberal grip? Pray pardon"

"Aye? And yet what has the Count done, since her emergence?"