#earthrunes

"There we go...." he murmurs.

"And.... rosemary? I think."

August helps her molt, he has worked with delicate pages, materials of all sorts, and yes, book covers too. Slowly, carefully, he frees the shiney new, ever so slightly bigger Bronte, from her own former skin.

And the glamour and the care has worked an interesting effect. Beyoynd Bronte, her old hide still holds intact! At least for now. It's almost like a second bookwyrm! Albeit just the shell of one

With effort, it could be preserved or touched up!

Bronte however, now free, stretches happily declaring as she takes flight, “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.”― Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man"

"Oh she's all shiney and new and lovely!" The little liam gushes

"We'll leave this for Zara, shall we beautiful one?" August carries it carefully to the Librarian's desk.

"Darn. I was thinking of swiping it and seeing if she noticed," Siv smirked "That'd be one way to get her to visit Rivervale. "

Bronte however seems to like August's idea better, "An officer and a gentleman, sir"

"Oh they can touch up the old to make memories, I bet" the Squire says

August smiles as he wipes his hands clean.

The molt leavings are held just so, thanks to August's skillful work and careful placement. Bronte herself is in a much better mood, and proudly shows off the best of the childling and even young adult section to Squire Kasssedy

Siv looks over at August and smiles, "Zara will love that you kept it intact for her, Baron. "

"Good." With a quiet smile.

"Still wish I could swipe it and lead her on a hunt..." Siv showws her fearless side. "I might end up with a light curse, but it could it be worth it"

"You shouldn't steal, Lady Captain," Her squire looks up "Not from friends especially. It's bad."

"It is?" Siv takes a shocked expression on, then looks at August "Baron, did you know this?"

"I did." he affirms, then adds "It is not your place to correct the Lady Captain, my House Sister. Even if you -are- in the right."

"Im sorry" She lowers her head

"Oh now..." Siv says sitting down on the ground near the girl "you can find ways to slip it in without being direct. You sidhe have a gift for that. Mannerly lectures and all. Less direct fuss, more hinted concern and breadcrumbs. Heck, Hearth Kerri gives master classes. She can take you from smug to feeling very small with a raised brow and a few delicate questions that sound sweet as honey"

"You're not offended?" The squire says

"Not really, not this time" Siv says "But as you know, holds, noble holds, are places with their own particualrs. The baron is right, about both things. And it is better you learn in here than in an open court"

August just smiles gently. No judgment from him.

"I'll pay attention" the squire takes a look over at her mentor and knight "But, these are amazing books. I love Aslan so much."

"Naught wrong with that, " Siv smiles "He does know the deeper magics, yet he still played with the kids."

Bronte proudly shows off more Narnia books. This is her Lair, after all

"Someday you will meet my friend, Vince." August says "As the Lady Captian said, he is a true Son of Aslan."

"I would like that" The girl looks up "I've never heard of a Lion pooka"

"Rare animal ,but is a rare fellow so it fits" Siv nods

"Do you think he would like to visit Rivervale when it snows, and pretend he's freeing it from Eternal Winter?" The squire says thinking about it

"Oh dear lord, he'd love it" Siv chuckles "I'll offer if I see him"

"I will mention it as well."

"Just remember to give my squire credit for the idea" Siv says proudly.

Kassedy is already lost in the books again

"If you wish, Lady Captain, you may leave her here to enjoy. She's safe."

"mmm, well, I do have a few folks to check on." Ahem "Squire, I'm going to leave you here. If you meet Miss Zara, please tell her I'm about, and remember your manners with her. She's wiser than you know. And pay attention to Baron Truthbranch. He's a gentleman as well as your House brother and a hero"

The girl looks out "Oh. Okay. Thank, Lady Captain. I'll be fine here"

Siv looks dubious, but then nods "Thank you, Baron. YOu're very kind"

Kassedy feels herself being Watched.

Kassedy for a moment isn't phased because she's really into Narnia but slowly she looks up and about

She meets the steady black gaze of a white-haired sluagh. Madame Zara is silently sipping a cup of tea. How long has she been there?

"Oh!" She looks embarrassed. the curly haired girl rises, and smooths her outfit before curtseying. "Miss Zara I assume?"

Zara nods. "Correctly, aye. Hello, Squire."

"Oh, you know me? I'm Squire Kassedy of House Liam. Lady Captain Siv is my knigght. Baon August said i could read here. OH..did you see? Bronte molted but he kept the skin almost entirely intact!"

"Quite a feat. Last time it shredded. Are you enjoying the book?"

"Oh yes. I love all the narnia books. "She gushes "But you have one that's illuminated, it's like double magic"

"Oh, aye. A'times, one feels you could fall into the pictures as a wardrobe. Wouldn't that be an adventure?"

"It would" She smiles happily " like the picture that took folks the Dawntreader"

"Aye! I wonder what it would be like, to be turned to a dragon..."