#earthrunes

Of course the healer is in animal form, but Coradel is confident she'll understand whatever she says, one way or another.

And Claire says "I feel very sorry for the daughters of eve... but mostly I want revenge"

A furry little shrug, then she rests her head on her paws and SNORES.

August tilts his head a little, interpreting the opossum's narcolepsy.

Then she opens her eyes and gives Magnus a Look.

Magnus says "Fine. I won't get up. Honest. And I'm fine glamour wise."

"She's saying he needs sleep. We should clear out...and Magnus? SLEEP." Unmistakably a directive.

August nods, and offers his arm to Coradel. And then Claire.

Coradel takes the offered arm.

Claire gives a LOOK as well, "Do what the healer says, even if she doesn't say it, or so help me..." But she takes the other arm

"I'm sleeping already ..." He looks at Emma "ZZZZZZ..see?" he makes zzzz sounds

Coradel gives Claire an approving look, then allows August to escort them both out.

"Selfish boy."

Hmph.

As they leave, he sighs and shakes his head.

"I know it's his profession but....."

"...but four bullets is not standard practice, and we will have Something To Say About It."

"I've read a bit about the legal and criminal aspects of human trafficking, Coradel. I'm surprised he only took four, knowing him."

Clare seethes quietly "Reckless jackass" Clearly NOT meaning August

"Well, I can't say I'm not proud, but I'm perfectly capable of being proud and annoyed at the same time."

"And he will be getting our help henceforth."

"Thank you, Baroness." Claire says

"Of course, Dame." Then, "He'll be fine, Claire. You know he will."

Claire nods "Yes . Emma's very good."

A note of gratitude. One gets the feeling the possum healer will be getting something nice next Yule

"EarthRunes is fortunate to have her." August agrees.

"Absolutely. I'm glad she found us."

August looks to Coradel. "You have business this afternoon?"

"Court, then 'class''' she adds with a bit of an eyeroll. "Which I'll do in the parking lot."

Delores shows up, papers in hand "Court is ready, Baroness"

"And, off I go." A kiss on August's cheek. "You're welcome to join if you want to listen to tedious petitions."

And Delores begins to fill her in "Apparently the big news is dreamers, and the distribution there of... a rise in nightmares, oh.. there's the matter of Beltaine plans..." And so on and so on

August perks at 'Dreamers'.

Coradel goes off to Court with Delores, listening to the previews and getting ready for the show.

(End Scene)

Magnus waits and opens an eye "Good work, Emma. you can let me go now"

"They're gone" he adds "this is my best chance to get the mission done before they storm in. I'm all healed. really"

Nope. The possum stays put.

"I don't suppose you're open to a bribe? I have a best hits of Ray Stevens CD, it's yours if you release me"

"Weird Al's best hits?" he ups the ante

Coradel sauntering off independently (the only way she knows how), August escorts Claire wherever she wishes.

Claire has to go to court too, to guard the Baroness.

Then August takes himself off to his study.

****

In his study, he finds some Siv's scribing 'homework'. She's gotten much better though she 'tires' and it shows after writing beyond the first two pages

He nods, familiar with the phenomena. He jots a few notes and recommends some hand strengthening exercises. After a moment he adds "... which will also aid in your combat skills, obviously."

That should snare her interest.

A letter of update from Squire Velvet. He'll need some lemon juice to cause the secret writing to rise.

He does have some handy

It reads notes on what she's learned, useful tid bits. It seems Velvet sees no shame in spying on anyone, with the possible exception of kith siblings such as Zara