#earthrunes

Coradel pauses, then raises the glass to Jack. "This is absolutely delicious, and thank you. And why can't I go?" she finishes with a demand of August and Magnus.

"I said I was not sure you could join us." August clarifies.

"Mom, it's my case and I might be ... well, there are certain skills and temperments needed"

"Oh? Please, say on."

She takes another sip.

"Glad you like it" Jack says

"We'll be working with mortals a lot.. mortal authorities.. so those who are too young to mortal eyes can't be the face of things. Makes no sense to them"

August blinks, then nods.

"That is true."

"And sword skills are little help in gun fights if it comes to that" He says to Coradel gauging

Coradel gives narrow looks, first to Magnus, then to August, then back to Magnus again. And she levies a ferocious pout.

August sighs, but soldiers on. "And, ah, Magnus.... you made excellent points about how you have worked with mortal authorities, and want to cast a wide net to capture all those involved in this vile traffic."

"Oh that yes..." Magnus says

"Well..." Coradel sits back and folds her arms a bit petulantly. "I shall simply have to get into my own trouble, then."

Jack is cleaning a glass "Nothing bad can come of this" he might be heard saying softly

August looks pained but doesn't object.

Coradel shoots a sidelong glance and a mischievous grin at Jack.

"Magnus, do you know who is at the head of this particular tangle? Who is leading the traffic?"

"Zara hasn't told you?" Magnus says

"She.... you.... that's not an answer to the question, Magnus."

"Investigator, dad. I know things." He sighs "One of the leaders is a Satyr by name of Tantalus. I believe you've tangled with him"

August nods gravely.

"But either he has partners, or lieutenants.. and quite a few sponsors" A frown

Wide eyes. "I thought he'd been...handled."

"Apparently he did not learn from his ... handling." August says softly.

"Well, who allowed him to be UN-handled?"

"It's fae light.. humans on the ground.. it's how they avoid fae notice..." Magnus says "Mother.. If I find a locale where some headbreaking could be handy, would you like to work with my wife to tend to that?"

"Absolutely, Magnus, and I'll be most upset if you forget to invite me."

"Assuming combat is necessary." August reminds.

"YES, Dear, I get it." Coradel gives August a look of exaggerated annoyance...and then pecks him on the cheek to show she doesn't mean it.

A gentle smile.

"I wonder if you'd be willing to meet with a few others, Magnus. Discuss strategy and tactics?"

"I suppose i best as it's being done without me" he says

Inish comes in "Baroness.. have you time to come to the throne room? Message from the Countess"

"If you choose not to join, there would be no choice, would there?" Reasonably.

And he looks over as Inish speaks.

"Oh. Of course." She rises. "Perhaps she has some juicy trouble for me," she says as she winks at Magnus and kisses August's cheek once more. "Lead on, Herald."

August squeezes her hand as she rises, watching her go with regret.

And Innish heads off to do just that

She gives August something to appreciate as she walks away...and then she's gone.

Jack admires "I'm no warrior, but I can see how she could lead an army to battle. She just takes the lead and they'd not even care where they were going"

"Magnus, perhaps .... could we speak in the library?"

"I'm not even tipsy yet" He protests

"It's, ah, not that. But if you'd like to drink a bit more, I can wait."

"No no, let's go talk to Zara' He says

August sighs, settles up with Jack (if needed) and walks with Magnus to the library.

They head on "Really, Dad. Did you think i wouldn't find out? She's great at hiding secrets. you? Not so much"

August offers a soft smile. "My faults are many."

"Yes, including working behind my back on MY case. " A hurumph

"One could reasonably say that while the trafficking case is yours, I've been working on Tantalus far longer. So he's mine. But, it makes better sense for us to work together."