#earthrunes

"Delightful? She's a malefic oderious harridan"

"Indeed! She sounds a right terror, a children's-book monster!"

"I don't think I'm explaining her well..." A dubious look "Or maybe i just don't understand sluagh well"

"Oh, she sounds horrid and unpleasant, certainly. But perfectly monstrous yet harmless is a rare combination."

"I suppose I never thought of her that way before" Siv ponders "I wonder if the fact she's harmless is why she is so monstrous? It's the only power in this world she has"

Zara nods. "Likely. She sounds lonely and unhappy."

"She drives everyone off... she's mean to them all... why woudln't she be lonely?"

Siv isn't sure she likes thinking of McGillicudy as a remotely sympathetic figure

"Aye."

"And if no-one is close, no-one may harm you."

"You said 'Mrs' - what became of her husband?"

"I.." She pauses "I don't know. I always imagined he chewed his wedding ring off like a coyote escaping a trap and fled"

Another one of those eyebrow arches.

"Either that or stepped in front oncoming traffic, ekither wway he'd be free"

"The world is a place of six billion private tragedies."

"You sound like a russian novel" Wry

"Oh, I like the Russians!"

"I tried reading some of their lit... I Kind of wanted to DIE after "

"Aren't they beautiful?"

"Bah, give me Treasure Island anyday"

but she smiles

"Well, I like that book too... oh! Did you like your present?"

"I love it, thank you" And siv gives a hug impulsively, dangerous over tea settings

Zara blushes a little. "Well, good."

"Sorry, I get very un trollish" She sits down blushing a bit herself

"No. There is more than one way to be a troll."

"How dull life would be if they all acted the same?"

"I imagine you'd be bored of Earl if he were some square chested warrior type who thought paintings wre a luxury"

"Feh."

"Earl would not have caught me... truth, nor desired me... were he typical."

A smile "And that sort of thing is why I want to join House Fiona. So I can defend and be inspired by love like that... "

"So - do you think to join Truthbranch?"

"No no. I'm.. not suited to that" A troubled look "For a similar reason I'm not the best Liam"

"Oh?"

"Are you not defending love now, with your new friend?" A nod at Jennifer. Bronte has curled up to sleep, using the piskie's neck as a pillow.

"I.. my birth was odd, leaving much much like an Arcadian sidhe, so banality packs a bit more punch for me than most. I'll ask you kindly not to spread that around, or at least, not sell it cheaply" Flicker of a smile, then at mention of Jennifer she turns "Oh aye. "

"I... well. August is an old and dear friend. You do not seem a poor fit."

"Perhaps, but I don't want to focus on mortal love so much as love in general. " She ponders "And truth, while I am willing to bow to those of greater title, I already do anyway, a wider house might give me more freedom. "

She nods.

"Will you be seeking a title?"

"Nah. I mean, if I earn one that's grand- Mum and da would be proud if I weree a knight, and if I wanted any title it would be knight errant I think, but just Siv Waveborn ap Fiona would be quite the honor"

She nods.

"Well, I think fighting for love and justice is a good way to make an impression."

"Coradel is a Truthbranch, after all."

"Ah, not just a member, but among the founders" Amused "I know."

"Exactly."

"But for me, Fiona is enough .. I am too tied to the fae side to prioritize mortal love so... Fiona is grand." A smile "And even if I become immune to you spooking me, I'll be polite about it. "

SIGH.

"Well, I must lodge one formal objection, aye?" Humor leaks around her ostensible scolding.

"Of course, you are loyal to your kithain dream," Totally understanding