#earthrunes

"He would make an electronic library."

"that's not a bad option, within reason"

"He may not scan all, nay."

"Honestly, I don't think he'll be hard to keep in line"

"True. He is a diffident sort."

A low whisper "is it wrong I almost find it funny that Coradel steams whenver the word 'heir' is used about him? She's a friend, but.. it's like watching kettle on a fast heat shoot the steam out"

"Oh, aye. Tis fireworks."

"She's got him practicing with a staff three times a day"

"Unsurprisingly"

"I think he's going to injure himself How did I, the original push over, finnd a sidhe I feel SORRY for?"

"Hume has a talent"

"I know part of the problem, he doesn' feel a REASON to fight, sure, defending his people should be enough, but sometimes you need i personal."

"I don't think he feels any obligation to the people here."

"Why would he? he was as welcome as athlete's foot when he arrived"

"Well... you know my opinion of the system."

"Is it not what they ask for?"

"he does seem to believe in the system, he just seems surprised they picked him. Mmm"

Earl looks about the library, checking under the table "Okay, for a moment I wondered if we had squire underfoot. "

a few spiders wave back

He wiggles his fingers

"I do not think he has earned such laud."

A quick, familiar step outside in the hall, and then a quick knocking at the frame of the library door.

Earl looks up "Company" a smile though

"Bid her enter, love."

"Please, come in," Earl says knowingg his voice carries further

"Ah, good...I thought I might find you here, Sir Earl. Hello, Miss Zara...though I think I must get used to calling you Madam, instead," she muses. "I hope you are both well?"

"Miss Zara is yet a welcome name to mine ear, Lady." She smiles.

"As you wish. I thought you might appreciate the added mystery of Madam Z." She makes an airy gesture, but also winks.

"Oh, there is an appeal, aye..."

Earl smiles "I care little what she calls herself as long as she calls me hers. I'm well, thank you"

"Good. That's as it should be. And I did want to check...all is well with your rooms? No undesired boggan assistance since the Spring Cleaning?"

"Ivanka's been great at preventing that" A look to Zara

"Oh, she has been an excellent addition, yes. Which brings me to the reason I was looking for you, Sir Earl."

"About another recent addition, that is."

"me?" He is surprised

"A new addition?"

"Mm, yes. I believe you both have met young Nelson?"

"Aye." A fond smile. "Clever little lad."

"We actually owe him for looking out for a friend " Earl nods

Coradel smiles. "Excellent. Then I think I know how you can repay that debt."

Eyebrow quirk.

"Sir Earl, I would like you to take Nelson on as your squire. As you are both fond of the boy and you perceive a debt, it looks like a perfect match."

Blink.

Coradel has the expression of somebody who has settled a matter quite satisfactorily.

"I'll send him to you shortly," she adds as she turns to go.

"I.. pardon?" He blinks

She pauses and looks back. "Yes?"

"Baroness... I'm not of any House. I'm a modernist knight, as oxymoroic as that must sound. I took the title in part to use it to protect my family from the system.. fighting fire. I had one ggirl who wanted to be a squire.. what she really wanted to be was an artist herself and I helped her reach that. Lovely bat pooka. But I have no clue how to..raise a squire"

"I mean, yes i AM in his debt..." No denying that, "But are you sure he'd want me?"

Coradel lets the silence hang a moment. "He needs a knight. You are here and available. I'm sure you'll manage to the best of your abilities...and after his recent treatment at Alabaster Hollow, I doubt he'll have much to complain about in being squire to you. I'm sure it will all work out splendidly."