#earthrunes

"Extra credit" An amused eyeroll.

"You would be surprised how well it works on some" a soft chuckle

"Fair enough."

"The baroness might favor those of romantic or ah..enthusiastic nature, refugee wise"

A sigh. "Fiona."

"I suppose it is too much to hope that a sluagh mgiht join us? We are .. out numbeered here"

A sigh. "True enough. A few more kithmates would be welcome..."

"Mister Glumenski is wonderful , of course, but his visits here are few" She sips "not that we are social creatures, but I have noted that the more sluagh there are reclusing in the same area, the more agreeable that area becomes even when those sluagh rarely meet. Is that your experience?"

"It is. Though I am.. well, you are most tolerant of my overly extroverted nature."

"It would probably do well for you to have more proper role models..."

"oh miss Zara, if.. if I may, you have turned your unfortunate condition to the betterment of sluagh kind as a whole . Such powerful personalities as the Baroness, and the Steward? However well intentioned, they would walk all over us if not for you acting so outspokenly. I do not mock your trials, but you redirect it with courage and conviction where it is needed." A nnod "And while it may cause you some respect at times, it is more than regained by your learning, your sense of propriety, and your gift for accumulating secrets that puts you ahead of many of we, your kithmates"

Zara pinks and hides behidn her tea.

"yes, no point in dwelling on that since it is settled- you are a perfectly servicable role model, and if a flawed one, the flaws make you interesting, like a well aged tea set" Hurumph and she sips

"Too kind, Squire Velvet."

"Now, have you read the newest Natalie Gold yet?"

"Oh.. " she says "it was so good... I am enamoured with the character of..."

(And fade to talk of such fine literature)