#dreaming

"Good thane, " Ruzgarla says "Stories DO get out, is it not better they begin at the truth?"

The Thane considers then says "If we knew the full truth, I would agree. Let us just say that dark carriages in ANY tale bode ill"

"Oh, I know my gothic tales... "

"Of course, Madame LIbrarian" The Thane says "But you understand I am reluctant to say more and add to social panic. I am a thane, a low position as nobles know it, but the people see me as 'of the establishment' a weather vane for winds of fortune. "

"Aye, of course. But we scholars - pray, forgive, we are not warriors - will we be safe here? Our guides..." A nod at the eshu "would not wish to be tied down at our sides in dry tomes. They wish to explore ere our return trip."

Tziporah says sweetly "I thought I might go dancing"

"Security is higher than usual" the Thane says "You'll find my fellow thanes scouring the city and waiting at certain entry points. However, the hold itself seems most secure, and I think you will be well there. Outside of it? I reccomend escort. Some commoner groups have suggested a 'buddy system' which seems practical to me"

"Ah. A buddy, Salome."

The sisterly look of death is well documented in screens large and small, novels and novellas and so on, we need not give detail to it here save to say Zara is given one. And is often the case, Zara is as like, or more likely to feel a smugness than any sense of true dread.

As is the prerogative of the elder sister, of course.

The thane misses this, and simply says "Ah, in the tale of John the Baptist's demise." He nods and they continue

"Aye. Salome." A gesture at Tzip. "Esther." A hand to her own chest.

"I do not know if mortal areas are of interest to you, but this city has a varied assemblage of religious creeds and temples, synagogues, mosques, and churches of all sorts. I will warn you of those currently housing more banal individuals" And he does, and gives a few more suggestions which ones are reported to be safest, then adds "All though in these time, safer, as I said, is more in question"

"As for Dances, sometimes they are held at court. Indeed, there is a masquerade ball scheduled to be held soon, but is invitation only and I do not have the authority to extend such"

***Moved to Odyssey*\