#earthrunes

At the library, a Dougal is runing a tablet camera over the various book spines, the ones with titles

"So much hard copy" He clicks

records

and scans

"Aye, tis. And they hold the memories of hundreds of hands and eyes."

"Well, I'll be getting E books for each one, no muss, no fuss" He says

"Wait, do you have all these already indexed on cards or something?" Hopeful

She raises an eyebrow.

"Why yes, I do." Dryly.

"Oh that'll be much easier to get the titles and authors from" He looks around for it "Don't worry. Soon folks won't even have to TOUCH a book," A beat, and maybe he sees somethin in her eyes 'Unless they want to, of course"

"And you will find some of them will resist being scanned and converted to a new strange magic."

"You are, of course, welcome to try."

"I can get them in shape if I have to," he says "I work very well with things, even old things magic wise. Once I dictumed a door to unlock. Don't you worry, Miss Zara. Your library is getting it's electronic shadow up and running in no time"

The boy (Wilder or no he seems a boy) seems to want to help.

"I admire your confidence, Journeyman Hume." Why... why does that feel like less than a compliment?

"Thanks" he pauses as i settles in "uhm thanks" A cough "Truthfully computers related things are the only thing I do right so working to help you give medium options means I won't just be taking up space here." A look at her "How open do you want access to the e-library? "

Zara considers.

"Some books I do not wish scanned - you know well how easily data may travel. Others, limited to the hold.. but some, aye, may be open. You will find a good number of mortal books in the mix..."

"Wait, there are books off limit from scanning?" He seems stunned "But what about the notion that information wants to be free?"

"Blasphemous notion," From the hallway, the older but unsained Minerva's footsteps were heard by Zara, but like Zara's voice could have told her to stay away

She raises a brow. "And yet you place a password on your email, and encrypt your records?"

"Well, fair point but books, I thought the point was reading them?" Then he sees Minvera and blushes "Hi, Minerrva." The difference between a thirteen year old male and 16 or so year old teenage girl is.well.. obvious.

"Hello, Lord Hume" She curtsies, then says to Zara, "Miss Zara? Sir Earl asked that I pass on a message? he's almost dressed and wants to know if you want to go to the farm a bit early today?"

A soft sigh. "Oh, we do have obligations..."

"The point of books is, a'times reading them - they store information, they hold secrets and knowledge. Not all knowledge is meant to be scattered like pearls before swine."

"I don't knnow if I aggree, but ... you're the librian. I'll just make copies of the mortal related books for now and then later see what exceptions you make for the others?" he says "Oh and can I copy the kids books for a children's library?"

Zara nods. "Aye. You may start there. All of the fiction is open to you, as well... there are some chimerical volumes there, though do note that the satyr shelf is not for childlings."

Lord Hume blushes "Gottcha" His eyes drift towards Minerva who pretends she doesn't notice

Indeed, Minerva says "Would you like me to assist with the library today while you're gone, Miss Zara? I'm sure squire Velvet will be taking over in the next few hours at latest but I can fill in the gap or beyond as you and she like?"

She nods. "Perhaps you could introduce Journeyman Hume to the novelty called a 'card catalog."

"Gladly " Minerva says

Hume coughs "Uhm thank you"

"If you shall pardon me, I am away." Hand on her chest, a bow to both.

Lord Hume nods, some part of his kith offering grace. Minerva actaully curtsies. No title has Zara, but magic and the likely Eiluned appreciates that

Off Zara goes. Obligations.

(End Scene)

"Ready to go?" Earl asks

Zara joins him, garbed in delicate greys of lace and cotton. "As ever shall I be."

"We'll survive" He says , and plucks at his bow tie "But if I hide behind you... don't snicker" He kisses her for both a bunk, and because she is kissable

And they vanish to find themselves at the farm.

**********