#earthrunes

Sparrow can't help but notice that her mother has gone a bit bonkers on the cleaning. ..and redecorating.

Well, at least none of her murals have been painted over. ANd here, all the cleaning has revealed a new nook.

Sparrow sits, contemplating the space - making sketches of ideas.

It does have merit. Mmmm

The Aerie, maybe... floating in the clouds, a sky-tower....

"You sure you're not a Dougal in disguise? You find a space to work and you're drooling" Gowdeen smiles from behind her.

"Well, who doesn't like surprises?"

"I just got done talking to Dame Honoria. She has an idea for a sauna or hot tub for your mother and father as a gift. Do you know which they'd prefer?"

"Mother would be naked in either, so either must have some privacy..." She considers.

"right. Fiona hold" Gowdeen's , artificial or not, shine with amusement

"Exactly. But Father would want modesty..."

"I think the hot tub...."

"Well, I'm sure they'll like either. Honoria is worrying too much if you ask me. But I told her I'd ask if I saw you first." A smile, "Please, don't let me distract you from your own craft. What painting are you envisioning?"

"Me too, but I think the hot tub is more versatile."

"Well - a Dreaming scene. A tower in the clouds. Fantastic birds and... an a blue dragon..." A note of sadness.

Gowdeen Nighthaven nods. She and Sparrow have grown to know each other, and yet, despite obvious interest in.. intimate possilbiites, nothing has happened, yet. It's not rejection, but darned if Sparrow is sure what it is. She does know the Dougal is supportive and always ready to offer an ear. "A place known and lost then?"

She nods. "Yes. The Aerie. The dragon... I can't remember all of it, but it is sad. It is something lost."

"Will putting the sorrow to paint ease it perhaps? or strengthen it? I confess.. I don't wish to see you depressed everytime you pass by your own wonderful work."

"I don't know. I don't mind a little melancholy. And some - most! - of my Five have found their way back to the world."

"Yes, I've met Sir Grey. He is a very standoffish man, but a good one."

"He... oh. I never found him so."

"Perhaps for you then" A smile, "And your little Gwydion is fierce...and , though I do not say it to her face, adorable"

A laugh. "Oh, she was so ANGRY at being a childling - but look at her now? She rules the entire brood."

"A benevolent tyrant" she smiles "She also looks after them. Though I do believe there is some sort of 'test of courage' going on in the library. I do not think the sluagh there intended it to become a rite of passage."

A chuckle. "Miss Zara might be quite miffed."

"I think Squire Velvet can handle them in the short term. Sweet girl, but I do wish she'd stop asking me if I'm feeling ill with intense curiosity anytime I cough around her."

A flutter. "Oh, those are her 'studies' - sluagh, what can you do?"

"As long as she does it to some one else" A soft laugh, "So.. your ayrie? As it was? or.. as it could have been? or as it maybe again but in the mortal world?"

"As I dream it."

"All the better" A hand on her shoulder.

She reaches to touch the hand. "Maybe I'll dream strongly enough again."

A smile, "perhaps, but you dream beautifully here."

"Pardon, ladies" Inishhe, the Herald

"Hello, Herald Innish."

"Regent, I'm sorry to trouble you, but the key club is asking that we send a witness for a togail on behalf of the nobles. I would ask the Baroness Coradel but she's in conference. I believe any knight would do, but I lack the authority to pick one. "

"A togail? Oh, could I go?"

"Unless you'd like to send your brother or Dame Claire. I ah, don't reccomend Sir Sergei, he's not a people person"

Her feathers fluff. "I could offer a boon!"

"You sound excited about it" A smile from the Dougal

"You could indeed if you truly wish to do it yourself" Innish says

"Well, it's an important milestone. Quite an honor to be invited, isn't it?"

"It is," the grump herald smiles, "Can I Put you down for the task then?"

She nods. "Yes, please!"

He makes a note and tells her the date, "A gift is not expected, but good point about the boon."

"Oh, her name is Avis. She's a pooka. She is becoming a wilder."

"What kind of pooka, do you know?"

"A bird of some sort" he says "I'm afraid I don't know what type beyond that. I'm told she's a sweet girl, playful with a sense of humor but never intentionally mean in her pranks. They say she has 'rose colored lies' "

"A bird? Oh, see? Perfect!"

"I have to say I can't see any other noble fitting as well" Gowdeen nods.

"The Key Club is v-e-r-y independent."