#ccsemberclub

He takes his own cup up again, and a biscuit. He takes a bite, and smiles at CC.

She puts a hand on Emerson's leg, not meant to entice, ,but just let him knows she adores his company.

His lingering gaze gives that adoration right back, even if both hands are full.

A faint wrinkle of her nose, the slightest of frowns... but mostly, no, a flat reaction, at least on the surface.

"Thank you."

"Most welcome." Gravely. He tones down the twinkle. "You know, it strikes me that this issue is one I might be of assistance in."

A nod of support to Emerson

She looks up from the papers, eyebrows lifted in a silent inquiry.

"If you wish. I understand very well the nature of a personal vendetta." With a slight smirk.

"All great men have hobbies" CC says with a nod

"Tush." Mildly.

"It... is very personal, aye."

"Of course, but, well, dear, we're fond of you- and we worry that you might be out numbered." A bite of her lip as if making up her mind about something

"If not us old fuddy-duddies, to tell me you have -some- confidants and assistance?"

"Well... there is Earl, of course. He knows some of it."

"And my parents are aware, to an extent, that Paler has located me. We have taken precautions to protect them."

An impressive eyebrow. "Your kinain parents?"

"Love and family, good start. " CC says "Apologies dear, sometimes I do like to advise- may I pass on a ...possible starting idea? It's a rather random grab of a straw."

"My parents are not safe from his machinations, and I would not have them fall in ignorance into his hands."

BOTH eyebrows. "No ignorance, hm?" He glances at CC. "Fall is closer than I thought."

Sip.

She narrows her eyes, delicate chin setting into a... rather stubborn jut.

"They are kinain."

"If I may say, CC's random grabs are usually pretty good." He encourages.

A sip and she waits.

"...Aye?"

"The notes given, what we overheard, indicate that your nemesis might take the form of a dougal, and might have a speech impediment of sorts. Now, the fellow that came to mind could be completely innocent, but I have noticed a dougal sidhe, one who is a mute. He writes on a board or note pad. He seems studious which might cause others to leave him be while he observes. I don't recall what name he goes by, and he could be the lad he appears to be, but if a balor lord wanteed a cover, there are worse to take"

"At Firnost? If it is the one I think... no. No. I have seen Paler."

"Yes well, forms can be hidden with art and treasure... as one who knows metamorphasis myself. I find it useful."

"Hm." Slow agreement, or at least consideration. "You've seen him?"

"I am a soothsayer, nu?"

"But this... this indicates he is isolated from much of the House. Miriam's theft was part of a large operation."

"You used -soothsay- to spy on him? Bold.... Hm." He considers. "You only rescued her, well, recently."

She nods.

"And she was taken....well, when you were an infant to... 17 years ago?"

CC sips ,she gave her own hunch, and it could be wrong so.

"Aye."

"Hm." He sips his tea, glances at CC.

"She was taken. I was not."

A glance back

"What good is a newborn baby, hm?"

"To them? Naught. To Paler?"

"He prefers the long game."

A sip "Indeed, but the long game can change. "

The boggan nods. "The House, however.... can be short-sighted." Sip, munch. "And, impatient."

"Aye."

"I find this fellow offensive," She admits "To treat his own offspring as tools and weapons. "

"Less. You value a tool. You take care of a weapon."

"Dear, our hold is small, but if you need a haven, well, you have a discretion beyond your years. Think of this as a bolt hole anytime you like" A look to EBG to see if he agrees

He nods. "Of course."