#earthrunes

August comes into the library to see a very curious thing- a snoozing Bookwyrm in the lap of an Eshu

He pauses, and blinks. And he approaches quietly.

"I told her a story" the Eshu explains, "Sweet little dragon girl"

"She is." he whispers, soft to avoid disturbing the bookwyrm.

"Shall I try to settle her elsewhere?"

"Oh no, it's fine" The Eshu's fingers stroke the paper like scales gently. Fadhalia asks "Now, how are you, Baron? May I say this is a right wonderful library. Beats my humble book mobile all hollow"

"Nonsense." with a soft smile "Your bookmobile takes books to the people. It is, if anything, as or more important."

"Now you're a flattering young man, you are," A look about "BIT dusty in here? You have a sluagh population?"

His expression shifts; fond, very fond. Odd in a Liam? "We do."

"Well that explains it, and they do love their books. Had one boy squirm his way in while I was on lunch break and I dnd'tt know for hours"

The baron chuckles warmly. "That is perfectly typical."

"It is... yourr hold's children are a lively bunch. Good kids, Enri's a sweet boy."

"They had a hard time to start with." he says soberly "They are recovering and developing in positive ways, to their credit."

"Oh now, they say it takes a village, obviously this village of a hold is a good one" She smiles

"We do try to have all hands in."

"if they be loving hands all the better"

"We care for our childlings, no matter how they come to us, or why."

"Well, kinnd of you to take in Miss Liddel. "

"It is our duty. And, our privilege."

"Well right of Haven only required a roof and some access to the bale. Been in more than one place wherrre that was a cot, bread and water , a smidge of the glamour and a boot in the butt the next morning. Too many don't do their duty save the bare minimum"

He looks.... affronted. Offended! "That is.... "

"I am sorry, deeply, that is your experience."

"Why should you apologize for others behaviors, Baron?" She takes a free hand from Bronte and pats the Sidhe's hand "That's on them. "

"I feel some responsibility for my Kith but.... thank you." He strokes the dragon-ridges in her lap absently.

"Now that way lays madness, I could tell you stories about Eshu that kill for the right price, or who ravage and run. I'll have no part of their crimes on my back and you should bear no blame for every tyranical ailil or crazed balor brute."

"I feel I have a duty to raise my Kith.... all of us..... if I can." calmly.

"You're good folk" She nods

"We try."

"Now, if you like, later I'll tell you and baroness a story. Earn my stay. What sorts of tales do you and she like?"

"Ahhh... Ah, perhaps different sorts of stories."

"I think we both enjoy the standards."

"Ah, would it be unfair to assume a Fiona lady might prefer ... ROBUST Romances?"

He clears his throat. "It would, ah, not.... but a Liam might prefer.... something.... ah, else."

"Well, I think I have just the thing" the old woman smiles

"I'm sure we both look forward to it."

Fadhiel craddles the snoozing bookwyrm and slips her on an Encyclopedia set

Such a nest might have been already set up and available. August nods with approval. "Well done."

"Thank you. I like Bookwyrms, they're a ift of dreams that I never tire of. "

"Bronte is our delight."

"Far too few of them tthese days" the Eshu nods "it's good she's treasured"