#earthrunes

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With news brought on (My word, why do these things always happen on holidays?) to her by August, Zara finds herself in a rare situation for a slaugh. She knows only the basics.

Unconscionable!

It's entirely possible that in this case, sluagh are losing to... boggans. Now Zara likes many boggans well enough, given moma and poppa's lineage how could she not? but...to behind them in knowledge?

But she does have some kith sibs locally to ask. Squire Velvet, and a certain antique dealer for example -if they know. And she could visit further- the Countess Harrowstep might know but she is likely busy

Tea. Clearly.

Bless Ivanka, of all the maids here, she's the one who understands that for such a gather things must be just right in the sluagh way. Zara's prize tea set, the finest tea options that Steward Delores often hoards like a mad squirrel in spring who won't let go of the nuts, the proper seating options of wingback, spindly chair that seems about to collapse, and curling derby accent chair which has that odd slash in the back and a few tasteful stains on the other side where one can easily imagine a murder occurred. Furniture with history

"is there anything missing, Miss Zara?" Ivanka asks

"A seat for thee."

"Oh, but Miss Zara, I have the blood but not the spirit," The maid is stunned and frets "I should serve by the side quietly, less I blurt too loudly something foolish"

"If that is where you are most comfortable, but you are a welcome presence."

"I think it might be best," A look of relief , "however you honor me with a request for my opinion, I would of course give it. But Mister gluminsky, while a gent, can be a bit set and I don't want to startle him. Let's see, Squire Velvet, Mister Gluminsky, yourself..."

Of course, others could be invited from further afield if Zara wanted. Everyone from Earl's father, the Countess Harrowstep, Marazanna of Scarsdale, or even.. ugh, her brother.

The Countess is invited.

Squire Velvet is the first to arrive to find Zara waiting, "I have failed to be fashionable late. Do forgive, Miss Zara. My paramour vexes me." Oh yes, still holding a grudge for his refusal to properly break her heart.

"They can be difficult, I know. But vexation is part of romance."

"And boggans can be useful fonts of information."

"Indeed, so much smoke about their fire atimes, but he is useful" She eyes the chipped cup reserved for her "Oh how lovely, a blemish older than I am, artfully added by history's withering grip. "

"What is the current smoke?"

"Should I wait for the others?" She inquires

"Is it worth the wait? I suspect it may be."

"While the source is dubious, perhaps others can build upon it. I shall wait, your pardon" A nod

more come the sisters alert Zara

"Soon, then."

to everyone's surprise, Countess Harrowstep arrives before Mister Gluminsky. Zara may note with pride she is wearing a Vashti original shawl along with an older dress. Both shawl and old dress are moth bitten, but the bites on the shawl are more familiar. Squire Velvet curtsies

Zara rises to bow, hand splayed over chest. "Welcome, cousin." No titles amongst the sluagh - but the honor of kinship.

And it is the hand splayed over chest gesture that the Countess returns, "Thank you for having me, Cousin. I hope the effigy I put up lasts. Technically most will see me 'pining' in the atrium of my hold." A look to Squire Velvet "no curtseying here, Miss Shadecandle. Miss Zara's teas are no place for feudal fuss, though I AM most impressed by your latest exploits"

The squire blushes, "too kind."

In other circumstances, Symon would have slunk in. However in a room full of Sluagh, he's as good as stomping in through the front door.

"Ah, you are young, why such heavy feet?" Mr. Gluminsky comes behind Symon "What's next, you grind your teeth?" Gentle teasing

He glances back over his shoulder, and nods politely to Mr. Gluminsky. "It's spending too much time around trolls." He explains. "They get so damn fidgety if you just appear in the shadows."

"Ah, this I See" he says in that slavic touched voice "Must be like mouse in an elephant display at zoo. My sympathies"

"Rather a forest of blue sequoia that way..."

Countess Ruxandra Harrowstep turns to see Symon, "Denier, an unexpected treat. You travel far"

Ivanka smoothly puts away hats, shawls, or the like, with expertise

He fumbles a little to give a proper bow. The snake around his neck tightens suddenly so that Quetz doesn't slide off when he suddenly bobs forward.

"Gurk."

Glumuski looks fondly "I remember my first near strangulation.."

Slender fingers carefully pry a fraction loose. "Countess. Uh, it's my pleasure."

He looks for Lily.

And..does not find her

Perhaps she is late?

Clearly she was invited, there is a small chair for her reserved

Mr. Gluminsky gives a sluagh salute to all, but chiefly Zara "Ah, Miss Zara, thank you for the invitation"

Symon eyes that small chair with some concern.

Velvet follows Symon's eyes, "mmm I would have thought young Lily would be delighted to be invited to the 'big sluagh table'"

"Aye.." A frown.

"Excuse me." He slips out into the hallway, and tries a call to the Thompson household.

Abruptly. ".... He was Adam's Namer."

"He was almost as old as I, tthough his time in holds made it look less so, he named many" Mr. Gluminsky shrugs his shoulder blades popping softly

"And Lily.." Another frown.