#earthrunes

"Good." A nod "So it was some OTHER moronic thing " Sympathy

"Aye."

"Everything was so wonderful, and he spoilt it."

"Wonderful , let's hear about that part if you would. Sounds like something was going great" She says

"Coradel gave him a room here, so he may have his own space. It is up in an unused garret, suitably cobwebbed..."

"Oh, a garret? I'm actually a bit jealous." And she is. though not about the cobwebs

"Aye."

"Didn't even know this place had a garret" A blush . She clearly should have explored more

"Well, I found a.. a... bauble, forgotten. A trick-box."

"Oh yeah, knowing you that took what, five seconds to untrick?"

"More.. it was very cleverly done."

"In a room cloaked in dust and cobwebs."

"And then, before I could finish even seeing what lay within, he declared we must needs give it to the Baroness. That it was hers by right."

"Whaaaat?" Siv blinks

"For the Eiluned made her his heir, and the hold was his." Huff.

"but you just got it" Siv says

"And surely, not every object in the hold belongs to her. I do not."

"Certainly not, you are no mere thing" Siv nods supportive

"And that box was abandoned, lost, forgotten..."

"For years perhaps. Maybe even the baron himself had forgotten while he was alive?"

"We have no proof it was the Baron's. I had no time to whisper it."

"Well that's just impulsive" Siv says

"What's the point of finding a buried treasure if you barely have time to run your fingers through it?" She says sympatheticly

"I had not even discovered their purpose."

"Ugh. That's got to be like foreplay with no pay off" Siv grumbles

"He tried to backtrack."

"Of course he did " She shakes her head "Probably not gracefully I'm suspecting?"

Huff.

"Oh dear" At the huff "not graceful at all. I'm sorry, ZAra. Sounds like all was perfect there for you. Glory of discovery and research about to begin"

Siv herself is not a researcher but she knows it brings some of her more cerebral buddies joy

"So, you see, I must needs be left alone."

"Of course" She nods "I'll be alone with you"

"Trolls!"

Siv says "Zara, we are what we are. And I know, I know, you are what you are... but I'm your friend, and friends of any kith try to be there when their friends are down. Now if you want me to shut my yap while we wait in the dark, then that's what I'll do, but ap art of you wanted attention. Or you'd not have done this in the library. And no shame in that. We need folks to show they care now and then. Even sluagh"

"This is my library." Sulky.

"It is," She agrees "You are hostess here, and overseeress... is overseeress a word? Should be. you are it's watcher and keeper to make sure it is not abused or neglected. But Zara, you know that it is also used."

"Nay."

"It is. You have made The repository of knowledge as well as stories here. Oh others have knowledge, but your graceful hands and keen vision have made a place where young wilders can escape with Anne at Green Gables. you have made sure there are books that teach the language of flowers. Histories that do not glorify the nobles over the common folk."

"They may have it tomorrow."

"Aye, but not my point. You have in baricading in shadow, made clear you are hurting. Are we then to act deaf dumb and stupid to your pain?"

"I'm not hurt. I am wroth."

"Mm a fair point. Are we to act deaf, dumb and stupid to your call be it wrath or pain?"

"....aye?"

Siv actually smiles at that a bit, her lips curling " I see. thenby that logic, I am a clueless and vaccus friend...so be it." She says "I got these new boots from Aunt Kerri and Uncle Olgar. They're fanastic. Fit great, good for the road yet look nice. I'm wearing them now. Now you can see them even if I can't so take a gander. Really show off my calves nicely don't you think?"

"Leave." Oh, now she sounds miserable.

"And if I do not? " Siv says "Zara.. I'll go if you insist. I'm not a complete ass, but I think you need a friend, if only to sit here quietly with you."

"I do not wish to speak of your boots."

"Okay " She nods "We won't. But if you ask me to play the clueless idiot, don't be surprised or offended that i complied. Earl ruined things. I see that. But why do you think he said that?"

"Because... because he believes it."

"He wouldst merrily hand over what is mine to her."