#earthrunes

Almandine, Seer of Earth Runes is preparing his notes for another relaxing day of pure occult research. Ah, it's a relatively easy life until one is needed. Few demands.

"A rat-a-tat-tat?" Comes a voice from outside the door.

"Mister... Vince?" The Eiluned is surprised, the pooka is not a regular seeker of his services, "Come in."

He puts his notes away.

He steps within, carrying a tray - a small kettle steams, a porcelain cup is set out and a small variety of teabags are laid with small crocks of cream and sweeteners. All of the crocks are clearly labeled for common use, not the sluagh supply. The setup has the flavor of Delores about it - clearly he's sought advice in the kitchens!

"You've been sequestered up here for so long, I couldn't help but think, why, my good friend Almandine must be in the mood for a fine cuppa after working away, grinding at his research hour after grueling hour of scholarly pursuits..."

"Hardly grueling, but thank you, Vince." He suspects there must be more to it, "Over there please if you'd like" A small side table that he often directs visitors to so they don't mess with his desk.

He sets the tray and gives the seer a small courtier's bow, forgoing the full sweep in favor of NOT knocking piles of paperwork and books over. Perhaps the librarian or the scribe have finally taught him proper Study etiquette.

"I'm glad to hear it, for while gruel may be nourishing, it is hardly a fulfilling pastime, should it be all one consumes. Ah, how does thy research progress? Any interesting new developments?"

"A few," he says "Sir Bachdion tells me you're curious about the mortal susan's off spring... as he is too , of course. They're on track to become fae... amazing really, but not this young if that's what this is about."

To the seer's credit, he is not rude and moves to join Vince at the table.

He gives his head a shake, then a pause, and a nod, and an emphatic shrug. "Who can say what curiousity catches a cat? Oh, to be a cat, though, t'would be a marvelous thing. For a Lion may stand out regal and royal, but a cat, now they say a Cat may look at a king, and travel on little fog feet, to prance through the moonlight unremarked, and gaze upon any which they wish."

"No doubt Isis would agree" he says

A smile, his face crinkling up at the mention of the childling. "She is such a dear. And yet, so young, and so innocent. Now, if I were her, I might, rather than revel in being a pampered puss, dream of a time as a jaguar, roaming the nights, leaping from branch to branch with a swish of my mighty tail, rudder to the ship of muscles that soars the trees with ease."

"If only, there was a way one could pick and choose their form to the occasion - but alas, if everyone knew this, we'd all be cats, no?"

A bright one, this Eiluned, "Shapechanging to... ah, I see I think. Vince? Are you seeking to learn metamorphosis?"

"Why, I can't say that the thought ever crossed my mind." He demures, reaching out to lightly press a hand against the kettle, re-heating it with a touch of pyretics, and running a fingertip lightly along the rim of the cream pitcher, chilling it at the same time.

"My simply kitchen arts do just about the same, why, I can just serve a cup of tea and no one will notice that I'm king of the forest."

When the drinks are served, ,Alamadine partakes , "You're excellent yes. As point of fact, the true master of metaphorisis around here might surprise you. Innish, herald doesn't boast of it, but I've seen him transform into a raven in order to deliver a message. He did it rather effortlessly."

"Oh-ho, truly he is skilled, in that he hides as a simple courtly herald. Alas, his secret identity breached, I simply must warn him that you are revealing all of the gems of his inner sanctum. Perhaps he shall be so grateful for the insight I provide that honor leaves no recourse other than that he shall train me at once."

"Not being absolutely sure how to take that, let's just not mention me hmm?" a smile

A stroke of his chin, thoughtfully, and he relents, "I suppose I could make an exception, on light of our long and illustrious relationship. My, do try the honey, it's sassafras and delightful."

Almandine does, "You're quite welcome. I try to encourage magical studies.. . education is important isn't it"

"Truly it is. And should anyone have need of anything I might assist with, well, you know that my door is always locked and double-bolted."

"Most generous sir" The seer says "I hope you enjoy your form shifting"

"Indeed, everyone I know enjoys my form already, such that it is my solemn duty to continue to surprise and delight. Enjoy your tea, good sir." A bow, his tail this time brushing and knocking just a few pages down, despite his attempt, and a sheepish grin before he takes his leave.

A sigh, but a nod "Indeed. Thanks for the tea."

~fin ~