#earthrunes

"Oh, probably. We'll have to puppy-proof the house..."

"Sure thing" He smiles

"And introduce her to the mini-panda..."

Ladybird seems to really like the ear attention

Sparrow is wearing a soft smile, clearly smitten.

Colton smiles, "I did good?"

"You did good."

If he had a tail, it might wag as well

"You really are a good squire. And you'll be a fine knight. You even impressed the Aesin."

"All I did was capture a mini panda" He says with a blush.

"Well, I sent you up the tree."

"You've been brave in other ways. And there's more to being a knight than fighting beasts."

"Thank you, " A pause, "The Aesin seems to be the sort who expects manners but not flowery manners"

"Yes. They are very traditional. Like Gwydions, but... stuffier?"

"And yet wilder..." He considers "Odd,isn't it?"

"Yes. He's the first I've met."

"How was the Eiluned?"

"Close to the chest. Very hard to read."

"Huh, typical I hear," he says "I don't think I'd make a good Eiluned. I'm not curious or secretive enough"

Ladybird bounces around.

"Well, there's a lot of houses. Or you don't pick one at all. Just - talk to people. Be mindful of the burden as well as the boon."

"Right" He nods "I will. Right now, Liam and Fiona are probably the ones I like most but... then I know more great people from there"

A surprised look, wings flicking. "You are considering Liam?"

"Sure, House Liam does important things. They fight harder for the Dreamers than anyone"

She gives him an impulsive hug. "We try!"

He's surprised, but smiles, "did you think I didnt notice after all this time how hard you and August work?"

"Well... I thought.. there's Frank, yes, but... most trolls... we're seen as Oathbroken. There's a story behind that, but..."

"I know, but I'm not most trolls either"

"No. You're ONE troll. If... if you have questions, just ask." A nervous flutter. "I came a bit late to it, for all I chrysalized Liam. August knows more than I do. Frank the most."

"Well, Frank is still away on a quest, but I will"

"I miss them... I hope they are well."

"I hope so too..." He looks amused "Ladybird is checking out your closet."

"Yup. Eiluned." She bounces up to her feet and crosses over to retrieve the retriever.

The most interesting night robe belt is in her mouth

She gently pries the belt free. "Nope. Okay, we'll have to get you things just for chewing, won't we?"

"I forgot to get her toys"

"No worries. We'll figure it out. I bet we can find an old stuffed animal somewhere, or a tennis ball..."

"Sure" He says.

"I think I know where one was" He volunteers to look for it

"Adventure!" She follows, coaxing Ladybird along.

A bark, a wag, and charge!

(End Scene)