#earthrunes

that from slug

August holds his tongue and keeps notes.

"It's needful" the seer says

"Nor am I... but.. perhaps a fuddle, to dull the pain?"

"Good... because there's one more thing he needs to do..."

This from the seer but he waits to see what the baroness makes of it

"I suppose he could argue that we underestimated his ability to get out of our dungeon. Less need for a beating, and less of an evil-sidhe reputation."

"One more thing?" she asks Almandine.

"Mind you, with a chimerical weapon? I suggest we let him stab someone during his escape"

"Why, exactly?"

"So the boggans will gossip about it, and it adds to his cred"

"I'll volunteer. I'd prefer he not touch the thanes... "

Coradel frowns and looks at Slug. "It had better not be too good a shot."

slug says "But you were going to help my mom it feels... wrong to.." the sluagh protests

"Oh, but poisoning our steward was dandy" The Seer says

"Drugged, not poisoned but ..yeah"

"Which was also to help his mother, so... at least his motivation is consistent."

slug says "so...this oath of ..contrition or redemption you can just..whip one up?"

The Seer says "Oaths are words of power, many were shaped over the course of centuries , they are the threads that form the very sinew of troll strength and some would say their honor, they are what separate just lords from brutes, they are art and craft, lore and gut feeling combined. They are nothing said lightly, and constructed even more carefully" then he says "And of course I can just whip one up. I'm Eiluned." Ah, there's that House Pride every sidhe has

She chuckles softly.

Coradel smiles. She rather likes Almandine's attitude.

slug grunts "So you need to hold me for a day or two right?"

"Yes. I think that's best. Let' s not make this place's reputation a laughing stock security wise. Ah, assuming you agree?" He looks to the Baroness Coradel

"And make sure the troll cannot contradict you..."

"Agreed. And he will continue to harass you, you know that. Can you withstand his bullying?"

'ff.. we're in separate cells. I know what ogres want. they want you to shrink away. I'm good at that" Slug says

"Good enough."

"uhm... when I 'escape' ...what if Rollo guts me?"

She looks to Almandine and Deryn. "We can keep Rollo in the loop on this, can't we?"

"He's loyal... in my opinion." the Seer says "Actually, all your thanes adore you"

"I... Delores is a kithmate. But... I think he might also understand Slug's desperation."

"Oh, I have no question of his loyalty. But I was fostered by an Eiluned, so I understand a little bit about sometimes needing to keep parts of a plan secret."

slug gulps.

The Seer says "Order him then. He understands that."

Coradel nods. "Well, cook up that oath, Seer."

He bows low, and withdraws

"I will reach out to the good doctor."

"Good. I will speak with Rollo. What do you think, two days before the 'escape'?"

"Seems reasonable..."

slug shrugs

"I think we are done here for now. We will draw you away for that oath...we will call it 'further questioning'...and you will 'escape' after that. But for now...I think we return you to your cell."

He nods "I..thank you both. "

"You are welcome. Do not let us down."

"I'm not much, but i won't" He is escorted back to his cell . Rock snarls at him from his cell but doesn't try anything.

Sparrow goes hunting for Ladybird, since Goodest Girl was promised pork chops.

Ladybird is in Sparrow's room sitting attentively on a rug. When sparrow shows, she sits right up hopeful!

And when Rollo is relieved of duty, Coradel takes him aside and advises him of the plan.

"Oh, GOOD girl!" And, yes, there are treats!

And finally, she goes to check on Delores, and orders her to stay in bed for at least 24 hours.

Rollo says "Affter this goon slipped Delores the mickey? I... fine."