#earthrunes

Adam stands, his own eyes glowing.

"Are you?" His grandmother repeats

"Yes, GrandDame." He sheaths the sword.

"Good. The Dreaming has taken her back. You have failed as a FIona in choosing revenge and pride and rage over love... your lady is now in the Dreaming, somewhere. You must go. You must quest for her...stay on the Silver. Learn the lessons the Dreaming thinks you have neglected... and you must win her back. Nabuni live. She is no longer a simple chimera, she is now the Beloved, and a Beloved wronged! You must be the penetaint suitor. The sword will guide you to her, but it may take months, or years. If you wish to abandon this quest, so be it but then you lose her"

"Never."

"Magnus, you're no boggan but if you would..." Bodraste gives pleading eyes "He's my grandson.."

"I"ll get him some supplies... "Magnus bows to the lady. then looks to Adam "And a book of lore"

Adam frowns.

"Unless you want to refuse that much help?" Magnus says seeing the frown

"No, Sir. That wasn't...." he looks back at GrandDame Bondraste. "On Thursdays, right? I'm your grandson on Thursdays. At the house."

"More than you know" Bondraste sighs "I had hoped you'd learn more of why ...when you dreamed. My son was your father by blood"

Adam blinks, processing this.

Magnus has stepped out. Perhaps to get supplies

"You.... he..... what?"

"My son is the one night stand your mother slept with when she had you" A look at him

"...... Why?"

"Why did he want your mother? She's a lovely woman"

"No.... " Adam takes a seat. Or at least, gives way into one "Did you know that the whole time?"

"Adam, I'm very tired. But... at first I suspected. Later I knew"

"I'm sorry, GrandDame." He glances towards the door. "I'm leaving. Otherwise I'd wait. Gran... GrandDame. Who was he? Is he still alive?"

"No my dear boy. You are all that remains of him" She sighs

Magnus returns "Here we go.. a backpack, travel food, water jug, a ball of twine, and a book of lore."

"Does mom know? Dad?" Adam is kneeling at the GrandDame's feet, and he rises as Magnus answers.

He offers to take the things, tucking everything in the backpack.

"I'll answer that when you return" she says "A reason for you to return even if you fail to win her heart back. Adam...pursue her with a humble heart."

"I"ll do whatever I have to, to find her."

"Finding is not winning, Adam" She warns "You have lost her twice. Lose her a third time and..." A sigh "Just follow the sword. It is your best link to her" She rises and kisses him on the cheek "Go, you foolish boy, know that I love you"

He hugs her. "I love you."

He offers Magnus his hand. "Thank you for everything. Please give my best to Sir Bachdion."

"And.... and everyone. Please."

He looks back at Bondraste. "And my family?" including them in his farewells.

Magnus shakes his hand "I'll try to keep a look out for all of them. Fortune have mercy on you"

"Thank you."

He dashes over to Bondraste and kisses her cheek.

And then he's gone towards the Trod and the Dreaming!

Bondraste gives a sad smile and watches him go

Once he hits the silver... they seem to sense it

"Magnus, I'm so sorry" She says "He wouldn't know"

Magnus sighs "It's quite all right. Perhaps I'm not meant for mentoring. Jodfrey will voice his concern... and it will.. MUST fall on one of us. "

"But you won't be allowed to teach if it comees to that" She says concerned

"Better I take the blame for faulty education than Bachdion, yourself, or mother. " he sighs

"It may come to naught.." Bondraste says "oh my dear boy. I thought the nnaming would HELP.." She looks.. no feels, older than she did before

"Rest, Grand Dame" Magnus says "Rest and... and, perhaps it has. We must hope. Now I neeed to go explain to his best friend and his family that he's run off..and why."

"Not run" she corrects "Quested" A nod

"Quested" he repeats, and bows his head.

(End Scene)