#earthrunes

"This was not inevitable. There was a poisoner, and the redcap. He didn't kill the Namer, but..."

"He likely had a hand in it. I'll bring it up to the Cyrstal Circle" He nods

"I think there is a call for a Redcap namer - but I think that he must be made aware of the bounds within we work."

SOmething she says gets his brow up, not in a bad way "The way we work eh? You mean you listened to all those lectures of responsibility that I rambled about enough that it stuck with you even when Unseelie?"

"Would you have taught me if I were capricious and uncaring?"

"No, never, and you wouldn't be you if that were so. To your core you are a lover of knowledge and using it well. You were among my most beloved apprentices even before you and Earl claimed each other 's hearts truly. Perhaps it's come time to show you off to some of the Crystal Circle. That way you may share some of your view points and concerns."

A blink.

"Ah... "

"I know you're not a mistress of Naming yet, but you are of Soothsay and you have an insight. It cann't hurt to show you off a bit. Well, not TOO Much anyway."

"I would imagine a commoner would need to be extraordinary for the Circle to take notice."

"And I am not openly a Namer. Nor can I be, nu? There are still many sidhe who would see my knowledge as a crime."

"I'll deal with them if I need to" Oh dear, taht protective troll look

"I do think Rosco is... safe enough. I was not going to give up my place here."

"mmm you think Rosco would tell on you? "

"I could not conceal myself from him." She frowns. "Perhaps for a little while, aye, but not long term."

"And so, he knows. We had a lovely tea, and he lent me the book. He did warn me it was dangerous."

"I asked him to keep my secret. I... believe he shall, though I do not yet know him well."

"Zara, oddly enough I think you can trust him to keep your secrets. He has somethings to atone for and... for that alone he'll likely abide by his words. As for hiding your naming nature, there are ways to dim it. I'm not supposed to tell you how... you understand it's in the Circle's interest to be able find those with the knoweldge? But I can tell you comparared to Stompy, you're quiet as a mouse. He's a good cover"

"And there is a risk - to hide it, I can risk damaging my own power."

"Having an Avalanche crashing nearby can be a useful distraction."

"Mmph , a few jokes about him being good for something come to mind"

"Zara, you'll be fine. Now, about the book, you'll forgive me if I try to get it moved to the farm? I hope?"

"Well, I can get to it at the Farm, if I need to."

"Right?"

""If I told you no you'd just fuss and pout, then Earl would get all growly at me, and who needs that?" deadpan

"Aye. Earl's ire."

"Was a time that boy wouldn't look sideways at ANYONE ...he doesn't give as much ground as he used to. Wonder why that is?"

She sips her tea. "He always had strength. He may not have seen it, but trolls can have weak eyes, a'times."

"Aye, such as not seeing the obviously amazing young man a grand nephew has become" A raise of his glass in toast, then a sip "You're getting some fancy stuff here regular aren't you? I'm not a tea affecianado, but even I can tell"

She grins, quietly smug.

A chuckle "Now, tell me some more about things around here. You have a namer. Who did he sain?"

"Three - a nocker, a pooka, and an Eiluned."

"Always nice to see Pooka in the world... until they get bored. " A sip "Eiluned eh? Bet the nobles are pleased to have one"

"Well - she is a commoner sidhe. I think she was expecting a coronet."

" A commoner sidhe? Oh my... I confess I'm torn on that. I tend to think the whole title thing a source of nothing but trouble"

Zara nods.

"It shall be interesting to see how her tale twists. I like her - she's smart and curious."

"Da'an has a plan for most of us.. or at least a few improv notes" Emmit nod

"True. And even without a title, her kith and House will open doors for her."

"That's the way of it..." he drinks "Of course, some DeBukes had fun on Samhain. Wilders went out, caused a bit of Chaos, and slipped back for dark. " A shake of his head "Would you believe there's a Baroness missing a set of hosiery?"

"Just one?"

"One that I know of, game for the young that sort of thing"

"As if you are immune to Samhain hijinks."

"I, apparently, broke into a Namer's room to read his books."

"The man should keep tidier care of his book and I was looking up prophecies"

"Oh?"

"You now how it is, veil is thinner, but notes can be shakier.. quite the trade off"

"What did you glean?"

"Rolling pin beats crown" He frowns

"Hm."