#earthrunes

"Lady Minerva, may I introduce Mistress Zara, our Librarian." he continues to speak quietly.

Zara places her hand on her chest and nods.

"A pleasure, Mistress Zara." And she returns the gesture, it seems odd to her, but when in rome so to speak "Your library is a wonder. And it's inhabitants fascinating"

A little grey smile. "Aye. It is a homey place."

"And you, new-come to this world, have found it."

"Yes, I did, didn't I?" Pleased with herself, then an admission "Also, to her credit, Baroness Coradel gave it rather glowing reviews"

The name makes August smile.

A smile. "I am glad to hear it, aye."

"This was, of course, an Eiluned hold, before... remember you, of the houses?"

The girl seems to be determined to at least look over the title of every book she can see

August glances at the book he was handed before offering it to Minerva.

"Vaguely, and Sir Almondine has been charged with teaching me out of suspicion I might be an Eiluned. Isn't that curious?"

She takes the book, "Oh thank you, Baron. Mmm maybe I'll find a name that rings a bell. The only names I vaguely remember is my son... or is it my daughter's?" A sigh "Elyonthea.. no that's not quite right"

August thinks. "Zara, do we have much in the way of Eiluned histories?"

It is a treatise on names and meanings.

"Well, you've the colors - tis inauspicious to check too soon."

"But I'd really like to know" She informs Zara, not whining, no, sidhe do not whine, but an entreatment to the universe that it should please share it's knowledge.. now.

"Zara is a most powerful worker in the Arts. If she believes it isn't the right time to check, it is not." August says gently.

A gentle shrug. "Da'an has its reasons. And if you be aught other than one of the moon's daughters, you would still be well-taught by Almandine."

A sigh "Yes, I suppose." A pause "Da'an, what's that? It sounds important"

If she can't learn what she wants right away, maybe she can learn this

"Fate. The Will of the Dreaming."

"Oh," A sigh "Well, one can't fight fate...." A pause "Bribe the operator of the loom maybe"

She skims through the book of names

"Oh, aye. Persuade. Bribery may prove a higher price than you can pay."

"I think I shall be pestering the seer a great deal" She reviews the book "How did the two of you last a year and a day not knowing your real name? I fear I shall go mad"

"Well, I was six..."

"Oh, so you are very versed in changeling lifestyles indeed. I envy you, Miss Zara" She wrinkles her nose "Sofia? mm not sure"

"Regardless, you may wish to choose a use-name... after all, your true name should be a closely guarded secret. To do otherwise is to hand power over you to another."

August nods solemnly.

"August and myself have retained our mortal names as use-names, but the Baronesses have not - why, Sparrow even has two!"

"YEs..." realization then "Well, I was using Minerva, I even like it fine. It's mine by the right of conquest if nothing else... but that wretched boy who tried to kill me maybe raising a stink and it seems the Baroness doens't like me using it? I'm not sure. Pooka are frustrating sources of intelligence"

August looks confused.

"Mmm, I must admit, I did not expect this manifestation - I thought, mayhaps, his mortal would bloom a Dreamer, or prove a changeling herself. Not a host."

"Of course he is upset. Your "conquest" is harsh."

"I was dying" She says to Zara

"Aye. I know this, too."

"Death is not a thing any may escape. But not all may bear to watch it."

He clears his throat. "Pardon... I might have missed some occurrence? I have been working, as you see."

"The Rivervale boy, Adam. He had been working with two humans evicted by the Autumn Person."

"Minerva's host was one of them."

August's face goes very grave. "I see."

"Yes. 'Mother' is in a hospital under a covid excuse. I've been advised to act like I love her when she returns"

She flips through the name book

Zara frowns at the sidhe's back.

He takes a long breath in, and exhales slowly.

"You have taken much from her, aye. And you have mortal needs, now - this is no Arcadia."

"Clearly," She says "I know that to my bone, that this is no Arcadia" She looks up to see their expressions "What ? you both seem.. tense"

"I... regret the need, and keep your mortal host in my prayers."

"If you..wish?"