#earthrunes

Geoffrey gives a thumbs up ,and eyes the crates of food Oh it's on now, mother fuckers. You facing Geoffrey the CHEF. I will make deliciously own your asses

Velvet whispers something to August he can't quite make out as the kitchen noise resumes

He departs and beckons her out to the hallway. "What was that?"

"Apologies" She whispers "but I did.. overhear some of the conversation you had with your legal mentor. as you know, sidhe souls are an interest of mine. I am invested via curosity into how this plays out"

August nods. "I have promise to help you in your studies, and I will tell you what I can but I am sure you understand a respect for privacy."

" i am a sluaagh, baron" She assures. Though, how much of that is agreement might be hard to tell "But please, what you can tell me is welcome"

"What did you over hear, then?"

"some of your hypotheticals. The value of a sidhe soul versus a mortal spirit"

"Value wasn't the right word."

"Well, you understand my interest regardless" she says "you yourself are sidhe, but of a House dedicated to the defense of mortals. It puts you in a unique position I think when it comes to questions of 'them and us'"

"Unique. Yes." Dryly. "You know we celebrate a new Sidhe soul joining us at EarthRunes?"

"Yes, Minerva" she says "WHo feels Adam tried to kill her. Adam in turn feels Minerva kidnapped or even killed 'the real' Minerva and wants naught to do with the newcomer. He was so angry he lost his temper and ended up apologizing, at least to Sir Bachdion... but he will still avoid Minerva. Minerva is stunned to learn not everyone sees her right to claim the body of a mortal, and suddenly fears she is in a hostile place and not the haven she hoped and needed. An over reaction, but such is the nature of the shining host... begging your pardon," She goes on "Currently Adam is being given as many chores and as much training as possible to distract him, and Minerva writes in a diary trying to encouage herself to endure"

Blink.

"That is.... comprehensive."

"I am a sluagh, my liege" as if to remind "I don't gossip. I get the facts"

"Of course. Well, ah, I am afraid I have nothing to add factually. I was asking the Councillor for his views on how our law and more would comment on the situation."

"Yes, but that is where you are so knowledgeable, lord, not law, though that is coming, but philosophy, and, of course, theology. The matters esoteric are not something i can learn just by listening at a door" A pause 'Not typically"

"That is a very kind compliment, Squire Velvet."

"Are you seeking philosophical and theological input?"

"on the matter of sidhe souls via mortal ones? Certainly. "

"We shall need tea and bisquits."

"I shall prepare them" She says with eager eyes

"Shall we meet in the library? My study? Elsewhere?" He gives her options.

"The library should be open for our use. I shall prepare."

A soft smile as she goes, and he takes himself to wait in the library.

And he finds Minerva there, reading, with two other books nearby

"My lady." A bow.

"Oh, " She rises and curtsies "Baron. I apologize. I was just.. reading."

"That is what the library is for." Politely "Please don't disturb yourself on account."

"I know, but I fear my withdrawal last time bordered on rude. I .. I am still coping with a mix of shadow memories and current confusion, but that is little excuse for any ingratitude on my part"

"Please. It is entirely understandable. All of us have been through such a thing. There are no hard feelings."

"Well, I must apologize to Mistress Zara sometime I fear. I am not sure I'm good at apologies." She admits "It irks"

An eyebrow. "Ah." Neutrally.

"However , if she is here, I cannot find her" A touch of amusement "I am told one rarely knows with sluagh"

"You will not see Zara unless she wishes you to." And the very observant will notice the slightest trace of wistfulness.

"So I surmised" She nods, "Still, her library is wonderful and she clearly maintains it incredbly well"

"So she does" a whisper

there in the shadows with a tea set is Squire velvet

"Will you take tea with us, lady?" He invites.

"No thank you," Minerva says "I'm grateful for the offer, but I am going to have to return to my lessonss from Seer Almandine"

August nods. "May I ask if you have had occasion yet to meet Dame Claire?"

"I have, " she says "A fine warrioress, very dedicated to her duty"

"Good. Please present my greeting to Sir Almandine."

"I shall" She gives a head bob, and puts the books carefully back where they were, gathers her notes, "Squire" A nod for her too, and she moves on.

Velvet has set the tea down, curtsies, and then watches the sidhe lady move on

"That is the lady herself." August says unnecessarily.

Velvet nods, and then after a beat, whispers "you suspect she is Ailil?"

"Ithink it is possible."

"my own dross, were I betting sort, would be on Eiluned, she seems very curious" Velvet says "The books she was reading, they're not just on names. One of them is on the history of this hold. "

"I have read that one, too. It only makes sense to acquaint oneself with the place you are."