#earthrunes

She nods, but it's to show she's listeningg, not agreeing completely

"Painful choices."

"Mortal laws are often .inefficient"

"Justice requires careful consideration and involvement."

"The facts need to be known" She nods

"I agree. And then it takes bravery to face what is true."

"But when one knows the facts, one should not be held back by laws to seek justice"

"Isn't that the point of justice? There are laws, and facts, and evidence, and bravery, and a process that applies to all?"

"But it has never been so. Why turn on the news ...police officers can kill an innocent and their greatest punishment is the loss of a job? Poliiicians can rob millions, and get away with it, where as someone who shop lifts might end up in prison for months"

"In this world of darkness, the law and justice are strangers"

"Which is why we all continue to seek Justice."

"And here, we rely on Coradel."

"I can see that" She nods

"I'm glad." gently "Thank you."

A quirk of a smile. "Can you imagine the day that Hammurabi's code was lifted to stand in Babylon?"

"Oddly, it was considered a mercifiul law if I recall.. an eye for an eye is a lot better than 'you die for takinn somone's eye'

"Veronica, it's not perfect. But it gets better."

"yes, when people take action. " A nod

"And mortals continue to improve, and we with them."

"Improve? I remember being.. far more powerful." A knit of her brow

"At least I think so"

"I meant in matters of Justice. We were all more powerful, before the Shattering."

"Well, you improve the system," She says "I'll take care of the backlog" And she dimples

August starts to frown but his brow clears as she smiles at him. "Ah. Well."

"I think.... there's a process?"

"I suppose there is" She nods "I'm told I'll be taught magics."

"Of course." he exhales "Magics are part of being Fae."

"It was that talk of powers.. I would like to learn how to judge people fairly, to use magic to see into their past actions, what they've done, and who they are"

"That would be.... a useful skill, I agree."

"thank you. "

"You are welcome."

August has finished his cocoa.

"Baron. Is.. is there some way I can earn my keep here?"

An understanding chuckle. "I am sure of it. Stewart Delores is the one to approach, and Mistress Zara may have some thoughts as might Seer Almandine to guide you."

"Good. I.. don't like the idea of being too reliant on anyone for everything."

"Understandably. Self-reliance is a good thing. But remember that our Fae society does depend on each other. The Escheat, again."

"Yes, and I have visions of.. sisters who swam with me but we were many then" A sigh

"There may be others, after the Yule star."

"The Seer says that was a once in 800 year event" A pause "Maybe. I remember seeingn hte light.. but..some of the things I saw? Did not look like me.. not llike Rusalka"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I think there might be other dreams that came through as well"

"You mean new kiths?"

"Or very very old ones"

"Of course, of course.... the Yule star was last seen in the 1600s. The end of the Shattering."

"Ah, closer to five hundred years..." She ponders then nods "Thank you"

"You're welcome?"

"Sorry I just.. I need to learn more what my kitth can do, what the price is. I've been told that much"

"That is where literature, and even Sir Sergei, will help."

"Yes" She nods "I'm sorry, wnat me to get that for you?" Meaning his cup

"Oh, no." a smile "Thank you, I'll take it back myself. Can I take yours for you?"