#earthrunes

"No, certainly. I won't have a good time." He promises soberly. "I can stay a bit. If ... well, I -am- interrupting."

"You are not, not one bit."

"Do you want to work together on some cataloging?" He offers to go get the cards and such.

"That would be lovely, yes. I have some acquisitions.. children's books, given the demographics..."

"That's great!" He smiles and gets the materials, bringing them over to divy up. "Ah....." Hesitant as he sits down and organizes his things.

"Some picture books, and important chapter novels... a delightfully tragic one about a little boy who turns into a cat, which may please the pooka.."

He squares the cards up. "I'm sure it will. Ah. Zara. Speaking of childlings, ah... have you... had a chance to speak with Miss Shadecandle?"

"I have! Lovely girl."

"Do you, ah, have any... thoughts? For me?"

"I believe you would be kind to her, and would be as good a sidhe as I could recommend. She has good intentions, and would, I think, do well serving a scholar."

"So... should I, ah, should I ask her, then?"

"Do you like her? Would you want her?"

"Yes." Honestly.

"Then yes. I think her curiosity will make her an asset. She is well-mannered and intelligent."

He smiles, sunny and warm on the face of the beholder. "Thank you, Zara."

"I ask you a favor though - one, I know, you would endeavour to do anyway. Protect her."

He sobers immediately. "Of course. With my life. Is she in some danger?"

"Not directly - but... courtly settings are difficult for sluagh."

He nods. "I understand, of course. That's why I... ah. Well, I won't ask her to attend except on necessary occasions."

"Or, mayhaps - station her. Give her a use, set her to observe, unseen."

He nods. "Excellent idea. Somewhere ... out of the way?"

"Exactly. Give her some discretion - I imagine she will find the best spot."

He nods. "I will."

"Are you excited?"

A shy grin. "I... am."

"Good!"

He ducks his head and pulls a stack of books closer, starting to flip through, find information, and make notes on the card.

He offers Zara a soft smile.

She returns the smile, and goes to clear a shelf. Content to work and whisper with her friend.

"You know...." he muses as they work "... I had the strangest dream a few nights ago."

"Oh? Do tell."