#earthrunes

After all, everyone knows Anne was merely accused of witchcraft as way to remove her.

"Okay, this is..." he follows "Different?"

It's likley the boy didn't even realize what he got in a trade, or maybe tradesman himself...

and then, under the moon's gaze, the words , the REAL words become visible....

"Exciting!"

The introduction is in elegant script, it is the tale of a witch, indeed, it is both diary and mystic tome, not of Anne Boleyn , but of a handmaiden and servant, of a sluagh assigned to her!

A soft coo.

Earl wraps his cloak about her shoulders. Happy to see her happy, but also aware he may have lost her for a bit, unless he wants to offer himself as a lap to sit on or a shoulder to lean against. Which he does.

She snuggles back against him, tilting the book so he may see.

"Aye. The boy and Emmitt."

He looks at it, amazed, "No way" he blurts softly

"Well, I think he may be 15 or so..."

not at the emmit, but "One of your kit hwas there? A ring side seat?"

"One of our kith is always there, everywhere."

"A point of pride well earned" He says

"Of course, Emmitt would wish to test him. Think you it would help that the coronet that he abides beneath is worn on a blue brow?"

The book is wonderful, the handmaiden is a witch of the old ways, of the forbidden ways, and a sluagh aside. And how she watched the doom of the six fingered mortal she adored unfold. Even a glance shows morbidity, obsession, sorrow, and magic.

"Perhaps, the Chieftain of Rivervale is a friend. Mind you, they admire her as chieftain, not baroness, but yes. it would matter that it is her."

"Aye. And see, tis easier, I think, under trollish rule... "

"Our nobles are less pomp" he says

"But yes, if Brekke supports his training, he's in like flynn"

"Mmm."

"I do not think this is a thing to beg Brekke's permission."

"Merely mention he's from Brekke's ah.. demesne and it might be enough"

She nods.

"He has, I think, the right soil."

"I've seen Satyrs who are strong in arts before, but it's always... a means to an end I guess? Magic itself as a passion? I've never heard of one doing that"

"Why not?"

"I would think more - magic is art and dance and music and poetry. It is philosophy, it is the universe itself!"

"I suppose it is, I just hadn't encountered it before as a passion for satyrs. Sir Bachdion is potent he gave me tips in Wayfare, but the deeper lore, the bones of magic, don't really appeal to him."

"But this young Wayburton..."

"If you see potential, then I'm sure Emmit will too"

Amusement "Also, he has, intentionally or not, endeared you to him with this gift"

"He might appreciate a less troublesome student."

"...Aye, he has."

"Please, you're Emmit's favorite, though he would never admit to favorites. Without you, that old Mountain would have fallen asleep with his pipe in his mouth mid lecture."

A smile.

"it's true" he nods, then smiles "And Aunt Agnes has told him as much to his face." A pause "Of course, she's one of the only ones who dares"

"Well, he needs that."

"Yes he does," A snuggle "Now, flip the page, I'm dying to know about how she first met Anne"

"Aye, aye..."

A snuggle and they read by the moonlight. Oh so many secrets that mortal history has forgotten. Passages secret, and hearts conspiring.

Zara whispers the text aloud to her love, sharing the story.

And he listens close and attentive.

(End Scene)