#earthrunes

"Mmph, wonders never cease. I confess, I am not a fan of most sidhe nobles, but Earl tells me some of them have their moments"

"I am not fond of sidhe nobles, but I am fond of some fae who are sidhe, and some who have titles, or combinations thereof."

"Now - is the entire book a trap?"

"Mmm... no. You can learn more advanced varations from it with study, but it peeks at you when you peek at it. And sends wwhat it sees..elsewhere. I left it as a kind of trap, a way to steal back what was taken. When I was younger, angrier and maybe a bit less responsible. It's dangerous though, because Da'an will not be mocked. For example, in there are ways, suggestions on things like Fate's fire but with a nick name like 'beneficial' on the casting itself. "

"It does not send it to you?"

"I didn't say where it went" He replies a flash of old wolf teeth

"No. So?"

"Well, I need to touch the book again but it's possible old Rosco has learned a way to get a copy of the copy that is supposed to come to me. You can see why I came right over when you told me, and not just for the pleasure of your company. "

"Well, you may see it - but of course, I reserve the right to peek over your shoulder."

"Not sure I could stop you if I wanted to" He admits, "Being taller helps, but I've grown too fond of you as a student to swat your hand and send you to bed without supper. "

"Besides, I did figure out your trap afore it stole my name."

"Mmm Ravens it turns out crow quieter than roosters but just as proud" He smiles and reaches for the book. Speaking to it "I am wild hearted one. I am the Angry Son seeking wisdom. I am the bearer of Crystal shield. I am the eyes behind the smoke. Remember me"

For a moment it seems the book is truculent, like a son who defies his father to assert his own independence, but then, reluctantly opens to hear the old man out

Zara leans forward, watching with both eyes and kenning.

The glamour flowing is not just Emmits. There are nearly a dozen all together, but Emmit's is strongest, followed by Rosco ,and... a third. A decidedly feminine feel to that last..builder? Contributer, Mistress?

She gently pokes at it.

"Zara you need to be..." His mouth is moving but she's already feeling adrift

Zara certainly tries not to be lost!

The redcap is almost lovely, rare in the kith, but Zara sees her eyes glint with more than one kind of hunger and she reaches out to take Zara from the aether and swallow her "Well well, I pop you like rock candy"

And Zara sees the cap's mouth open, the gullet seems to be an infinite abyss, yet it also has secrets in the maw... it would be easy to just let herself be devoured, one more secret among the many secrets all safe in the belly of...

She snaps out of , Emmit holding her hand "Zara. Please stop tangling with the wills of those book builders"

"A consortium!"

"You and Rosco built this together? You and a sidhe?"

"And who is that Redcap?"

"It's not so easy to explain... Rosco wasn't meant to be a part of this. But he was under orders to study the book... so he joined in.. you see, the book is not a finished product, it's a work in progress"

"Am I endangered by having Rosco in residence here? He knows I am a Namer - I cannot hide that from another, though may, perhaps, be able to hide behind his roar..."

"...Are there more copies? Did... did Jeomry have one? The murdered Namer?"

The old man closes the book, and takes a sip of the tea. Taking his time and forcing her to wait. She knows this trick, she's used it on Velvet and others to help someone find patience.

Irksome when one is the target of it rather than the one using it

She folds her arms, looking impudent! But then, it IS winter.

He finishes his sip, finally

She waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaits.

"First of all, Rosco and I have tried to kill each other once, but that was during a war. We have an understanding now. Second, you could have a better distraction for hiding your ...talent than he. He's as noisy as a thunderstorm in stone valley. This book is one of a kind, because it has not been so much just made, as grown. It does not have your true name..yet. So I advise you be careful with it. In fact I think I'll tell Rosco I need to take it into my safety again. We may fight about it, but nothing lethal. Jeomry's book from what i hear was more meant for beginers. This is more advanced. There, all your questions answered."

"All." An amused scoff.

"I do need to track down the redcap who took the book. Perhaps I should direct the one from here..." She gestures at the book. "His way?"

"Rosco may conclude, rightly, that you are my teacher. 1122 says you encountered him."

"If Rosco does, he does. I'm in the open now. " At the mention of the redcaps "How does someone with no teeth lock on with her jaws and not let go like that? You're like world's quietest Pitt bull"

A bit of pride despite his words

"I? I am but a bookish librarian. Ask the Baroness."

"Oh yes, and If I want to buy a Bridge in Scarsdale, you'll set me up at reasonable rates" Amused "Just leave the lady redcap alone. She is far more dangerous than just her teeth, and she I were.." Wistful "Let's just say two ships passed in the night, and one ship took a bite out of the other one and nearly gave it a limp for life."

"Aye - but that Redcap teaching himself Naming?"

"One who killed - or helped kill - to learn it?"

A frown "What do you think?"

"I.... understand the resentment, to be overlooked because of your kith. To be denied teaching. I understand wanting to know, and being willing to do much to gain it."

"But I... to kill someone? To aid in the death of someone? I have... I... I did not stop Coradel from slaying Paler. And in some ways, I am very glad he is dead..."

"But Jeomry? He was arrogant, and decadent... but..."

"Oh my dear girl, that was not your fault. Not even the most clear sighted seer, the most talented prophet, the master of soothsay and it's thousandfold omens, should expect to know and be able to stop all crimes, save all lives." He puts a hand over hers, "Such arrogance, however well intended, leads only to misery and madness. You are a lover of life, and that is good. The world needs more. But you not responsible for every life's loss."

"Nay - with August stolen, I knew Coradel would not show mercy. I did."

"And I cursed him. I knew no other way to stop him."

"But this?"