#earthrunes

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Some time later....

Earl has his lady in his lap, or perhaps she has him as her chair? He strokes Zara's hair "Okay, I can't tell if you're trembling with excitement, fear, delight at learning such things can happen, or frustration at what you can't remember, or maybe it's me who is trembling a bit. You okay?"

Of course only Zara knows which of these is brewing in her. Shanda mostly averted, she and Earl are alone at a place of her choosing.

"I don't know WHAT magic it was! Naming? Soothsay? Chicanery? Tis not a perfect fit for any..."

"I must get another look at that book!"

"...mayhaps a combination of arts?"

"Love, it put you in another body" he says alarmed "is it really worth the risk?"

"I mean... maybe it was a glitch of sorts? A mix of samhain mists and treasure fault?"

"Exactly - I have to know! Mayhaps it is a thing I could learn to do?"

"Why would you Want to?" He asks "I mean, what's the point of brain swapping? or bodys swapping or whatever it is?"

"Well, think of the places Coradel could go that I can't? Or a redcap, or a troll? It is akin to the cookies - and truly, every one of those experiences was enlightening and delightful."

"But imagine, mayhaps - to curse one to experience life at the mercy of their own architecture? To place Scrooge in the workhouse, so to speak?"

"I suppose... "Cautiously "But wouldn't soothsay be fine for arranging that same lesson?"

Frankly, he worries that all the nocker influence in his love's life may have her with just a teensy streak of 'mad scientist' in her, but best not to mention that theory too soon

"I mean, it sounds like you want Karma but with extra steps?"

"It might have been soothsay, though drawing down fate is unpredictable..."

"So far Rosco seems happy to keep your secret. Is it really wise, " he points out sounding a bit like Clem when she's being drearily practical, "To lose a peace with a man who respects you?"

"or at least seems to?"

"Perhaps I could look at the book openly?"

"You mean, just ask him? No sneaky stuff? " He ponders "That.. that's different. Worse he can say is no"

"You're right, it sounds mad."

"Perhaps mad enough to work?"

Feeling a bit unseelie himself, he can certainly understanding wants feeling more important than well, almost anything, and shes being most reasonable trying to find a way that will worry him less, "It might be" he concedes "I had a fright, I confess" He runs a finger over her shoulder blade "But I don't want you frustrated with curiosity. Why not try it? You want to talk to him alone? Or want me nearby when you ask him? I don't know him that well save you compared him to an Avalanche."

"I am not afraid of him. I am a Namer in my own right."

"I didn't say you were, or that you're not, I said I had a fright," he gives a squeeze "you know I am not fearless. Losing you would be like the river of my night ripped from my world. I'd be dry and empty. "

"I would not leave you. Thou art mine, aye - but I am thine."

"Each other's" He assures and gives a kiss "So, go seek Rosco out when're ready. Either with me or alone, and I'll support you no matter what you decide"

And well, at least she knows where Rosco's room is. When she seeks it out next, she notices it is busy

Not directly, but sluagh and Boggans alike milling about

Eyebrow. Time to spy!

Velvet whispers "he's going to take an apprenttice..."

"Feh."

"Alas, the news is all but useless... the boggans are already spreading it.. for free" Disgust

"An easy path for someone, it seems."

"Details ARE unknown. Most are assuming it's only for sidhe"

She scowls.

And Rosco peeeks out "Folks? I am flattered that folks are interested in learning my trade. I'm honored truly. I had NO idea so many wanted to lean how to carve out roulette tabbles, or make playing cards, or mold dice..."

Several sidhe look alarmed , wait, physical labor? Many commoners looks, sad

"So yes, spread the word if folks are interested. I'll be a lot of go fer work but you have a chance to learn some game making skills"

the boggans mmph and depart.

Clearly the gossip isn't what they hoped for

"You, sirrah, are troll. And not the blue kind."

"Care for some tea, Miss Librarian" He grrins "Well, tea for thee"

the old man looks a bit smug at her trollish accusation

"Tea would be delightful."

And soon they're set up drinks. The Dougal prefering coffee , cream and a dash of Whiskey, but Zara's tea of high quality "I had help with what tea is consider qualiy. I Hope it right?"

A quiet nod.

"Now, "That they'e alone "Have you rrecovered from that ah.. book mishap?"

"I am quite well. And intrigued!"