#earthrunes

Nelson , Squire, hangs upside down from the library ceiling by tiny but colorful ropes. He hums 'bump bump de bump, bump bump de bump...dah dah da..' as he swings back and forth getting closer and closer to the books on the top shelves that aren't meant for childlings

Bronte has been bribed, with a brand new (To her) Goosebumps book

But it's a timed exercise, can he achieve his mission before the Bookwyrm is done reading? or Miss Zara returns?

Septa is encouraging him!

Yes, the spider sisters have their own view on this. So far none of their webs have been disrupted.

Another swish, a swing, and he snags a book on the top shelf... fingers gripping

Bronte shivers delightedly, oh dear, she's already approaching the 'big reveal'

The sister waggles her pedipalps in spidery applause!

Then a slight flicker of glamour, and a strand comes loose... the Eiluned has to switch his weight

And on the ground, Poppy stands there, wearing a monocle, working her gimmix cantrip

The sidhe boy gives her a look, but keeps up his music theme. He has only seconds! 'bump bump de bump, bump bump de bump...dah dah da.. doodily doodly di" he takes the book, seeing it is a hard cover, he uses it to 'zip line' down the remaing strands and hopes his portal passage works of this will hurt

And he manages to go through the wall

rather than into it!

Poppy grins, breaking character, but only for a moment "Until next time, Double O Elfen"

Poppy then grins, and turns to Iris, who also has a monocle 'You was rite, this was more fun than a troll trying to play mini golf!"

"I told everyone" Isis smiles, and strokes her barbie doll, who is wearing a white cat outfit. She did not tell everyone, then turns to Enri "You have failed us."

Enri , dressed like a generic goon judging by his low budget 'soldier hat', mimes choking as his sister glares, and then.. plays dead

Isis steps over her brother and talks to Poppy "We really need more trapdoors in this place. I'm going to ask for one for yule"

Poppy helps 'dead goon' Enri up, "Oh, so that's why we need that lever"

****

Earl grins "I tell you, August, I'm actually proud of the little trouble maker. " down in Jack's pub, they share drinks. Neither alcholic

"Ah. Which trouble maker would that be?"

"oh, my squire, Nelson he's... okay, I've never been a mentor before , not like this., It's rewarding"

"Ah." August nods "Yes. I have thought that it might be time to change Tylar's status, perhaps Velvet's as well. But, I have not yet really managed to talk to them about it."

"I haven't heard either complain about squirehood," He ponders "Point of fact, Tylar seems incredibly comfortable with it" A look "And I suspecct Velvet , while she doesn't want you deceased, enjoys the ring side seat. Still, both have served admirably well"

"And they deserve recognition. However, I'm not blind to the idea that perhaps they might not have the ambition of gaining rank. If they are happy as squires, I would not move them out."

"I suppose you could ask, but they might be too modest to be honest" He ponders

"I plan to ask them." August confirms.

"I can tell you while Zara's no believer in the title system, she's got nothing but praise for Velvet's help at the library and outside of it" a sip

"You two want actual booze anytime soon?" Jack offers

August just gives Jack a shy smile; of course he doesn't.

"No thanks, Jack" Earl waves him off

Jack grunts and goes back to polishing the bar

August sips his very nice soft beverage.

"I -do- mean to speak with them, honor them with a prize they will enjoy."

A nod from Earl "Any advice for Squire rearing? I'm trying to give Nelson challenges in a fun fashion"

"Ah, Nelson is a different age from my squires when they came to me." he offers apologetically "And different experiences."

"True, he's very much a boy"

"And yes, I have Velvet for a different viewpoint."

"Velvet's rather insightful when called upon" He nods "But she thinks highly of you, and not just for her morbid curiositiies"

"I'm honored by that, but most of the credit must go to Zara."

"Oh you'll not hear me lessen my trueheart's contributions on any matter" the way he says Trueheart is like it was a breath of fresh air, nay, the very oxygen on which he thrives

August smiles; he -knows-.

"How's Coradel? " Not just because Coradel is a friend, but because he knows his friend August lives for her as much as Earl lives for Zara

"She has been much occupied by County business these last weeks. I think she frets a bit, at that, but duty......."

"I know balancing mortal studies and county business is tricky." A sympathetic nod "I thinkn she's put hume to work on some project? Not sure on that though"

"I, ah, I think he is at work on many projects. Yes."

"And then there's our Rusalka, Veronica's been testing her power"

"She has?" he sips, thinking "I suppose... well, that's good?"

"I suppose... but the power of the lue has been interesting. Apparently she can appear as who, orr what, folks want?"