#earthrunes

"Well. Investigation is in order."

"So it would seem" Velvet nods "Will you need assistance?"

Zara nods. "More eyes are always better."

"I shall inquire by.. official channels" the counntess adds

"The privilege of rank, thank you."

"I will keep ear to grounnd locally" Gluminski says

Zara nods.

"A pity The Denier has not yet returned" Harrowstep frowns

"He is seeking Miss Lily."

"Who is also missinng. I though her more mannely" Gluminski tisks

"It is unlike her." She fusses.

"Yes, very" Vevlet also fusses

Symon appears shortly thereafter, looking mostly back together. Except for his greasy hair which is… up in a rather feminine, if severe, bun?

"Denier." A small bow.

“Librarian.” He bows, a little, but distinctly, lower.

“Lily sends her regrets that she cannot join us today. The discussion of her own Namer’s fate, as closely tied in as it was with her brother, was not something she wished to visit at this time.”

“I’ve impressed on her the importance of transparency amongst kith kin in such circumstances. We toe the lines oft enough that any empty chairs around the tea table are a cause for concern.”

"She IS very young" Ruxandra says

Rudely (though not intentionally so) there is a knock at the library door.

Brow.

"If any wish to take a step to the reading nook, now would be the time."

"Miss Zara?" calls Coradel from outside.

"The Baroness."

Zara approaches the door.

Things fade, annd suddenly the room seems empty, save for Zara, annd POSSIBLY the Denierr

She opens the library door. "Coradel."

(And August)

"And August!" A smile for the pair, hand splayed over her chest.

Coradel was just about to turn and leave with August, but then she smiles as the door opens. "Ah, there you are. I'm not used to seeing this door closed. We need to speak with you a moment."

Zara gestures. "Come in. Would you care for a cup of tea?"

"That would be very nice, thank you." August says quietly.

"Yes, lovely!" Coradel is her usual social self, but she also seems to have an agenda in mind.

Zara prepares three cups. She had a pot already!

"Oh! Almost as if we were expected," she laughs quietly. She accepts her tea when served, and she sips appreciatively.

And August takes his.

Symon has slipped out as the nobility approached, though - if he had a chance, would have shared the information about the new school (or new to him, it may also be well known in these parts...) to the other sluagh before he went.

Zara knows how they take their tea. She settles in with her own. "Now - though I do enjoy your company, this does not feel like an idle visit."

"I, ah, I spoke with Coradel about my over-reaction. She wanted to speak with you."

August confesses.

"Ah."

Coradel touches August's hand, then turns to Zara. "I'm not sure what he's so contrite about. I think there's something strange...and at the very least, there's something upsetting about that namer being assassinated, given that he was the one presiding over...well, over that day." Another sip. "I've asked Magnus to look into it. However, I know his abilities are limited. He certainly cannot sneak quite like one of your kith."

"That day." She nods.

"Most odd, indeed. And many odd circumstances. You wish me to... ah... bend my eye?"

A blink. "That's a very disturbing image, but yes. Or if you're not available, perhaps Squire Velvet? And...well, may I confess something?" she lowers her voice just a tad.

Zara glances about before leaning in to nod. "Aye?"

"I'm very curious to see which one, you or Magnus, will find out the truth first. I shouldn't be, because such comparisons wouldn't be helpful here...but I can't help it."

A small smile, and another sip of tea.

August sighs softly.

"Oh, it is not a competition." She lies smoothly.

"No, of course not. But the information must be uncovered, and uncovered skillfully, correct?"