#earthrunes

"Who would benefit from strife between DeBuke and Rivervale, or between Rivervale and Bergen? Brekke has been a vassal to Hemlock in more than one life - and he is bound to her by oath, nu? To protect his vassal, as she serves her liege. This attack was in his own house."

"I'd be hard pressed to believe that blame for this could fall from the DeBuke's onto Rivervale. Chieftain Clementine is too sensible. Then again, the chief doesn't have to believe it, for dissent to rattle among the rank and file..."

"They are mistrustful of sidhe, and reactionary. They have good reason."

"But... the two Lodges are close. Trolls are, perhaps... ah.. more direct as they relate to their kith brethren. Proud, but blunt. "

He nods. "More likely then, a chance to discredit Hemlock?"

"And the Blade is less interested in that. So! Who would be most opposed to both a commoner Grydion noble, and a sidhe Gwydion noble? Both rather staunchly seelie..."

"House Ailil would be counter to both..." He considers.

"Just as a nature of opposition."

"Ailil, aye. Balor. Leanhuan..."

"The Chief has battled and bested Balor more than once. And they were working with Thallain. That's two points towards the towered serpent. " He considers. "Yet, it's easy to see them as a foe. Another screen? Or could it be that simple?"

"Thallain and Balor are tightly allied." She frowns. "And Balor lack the subtlety of AiIil, for all they think they may scheme."

He frowns as well.

"And all three houses are oft associated with one dark circle." Her frown deepens.

"Never had a Leanhaun brave enough to tangle with the Chief, not in my time here, at least."

"Mmm. You should ask why the old Mountain no longer plays guitar. But be careful whom you ask that."

"Not the Mountain himself?"

"Perhaps the new mountain."

"I.... do not know him well enough to be certain. The Kings are close-mouthed, as a rule. Though, with every rule, there are glaring exceptions."

"A Lioness may dare where a Kestrel falters."

"A lioness, hm." He nods. "I think I know a family member that I might ask."

She taps her fingers nervously against the delicate china. "I know not if this is the Court of Winter Whispers. There is not enough information to be certain. I could, perhaps, try to scry and see if da'an has aught to reveal... but... Thallain are difficult to dismiss. And seeking to destabilize Bergen, too, would fit their aims."

"An omen might be welcome. If nothing else, it's more than we have now."

"Aye. So. I will do this for you."

She sets her tea aside, and rises to collect supplies.

"I would appreciate it. Do you mind if I watch you prepare? I know little about the Soothsay art."

"I do not mind. Traditional divination tools often form the backbone of soothsay bunks. They tap in well to the nature of Da'an. Weaving, spinning, they are also strong."

She sets out a silver bowl, polished to a mirror-shine.

"Tea leaves?" He look into the bowl, but does not touch.

"I prefer tea leaves for personal readings. And, for myself, I like the symbolism of tarot. With.. ah.. an audience... I prefer scrying pools and crystals."

She takes a pitcher, and fills the shallow bowl with clear water.

Lights are dimmed, candles lit.

And, in the darkness, the black water becomes a mirror for the flicker of flame.

he watches, the flames reflecting off his dark eyes.

Images dance and play....

Seeds of red spray...across farm land. Across forest... and on fine stone. Vines grow... and the fruits are howling and red

In the farm, onne hand eats of the fruit... and the red spreads throuh the veins of the blue hand. Far away, a blade with a crown design on the hilt is cleaned and sharpened.

Symon hisses softly, then muffles the sound lest he interupt.

And shadow puppets dance and laugh

Zara frowns.

"Even on tough soil, a rotten seed can take root."

"Aye."

"We must have sharp eyes. Trolls, bless, do not see well in the shadows."

"I don't know the DeBukes well. They're not likely to welcome any strange slug meddling..."

"Nor would Rivervale welcome mine - but I... am bound to the DeBukes by Oath and Alliance. And you have your own ties to the mighty trees of Bergen."

"The seed spread at the farm, though." He gums at his lip. "Forewarned is forearmed."

Zara nods. "I shall go to the Farm. But you must needs speak to the Shacklebreaker."

"She.. ah... does not entirely trust me."

"Whose hand holds the blade?"

He considers what he saw. Slender fingers, or strong and callused? Fair, or blue, or too indistinct to make out?

Zara shakes her head. "I could not see that. I will try, but da'an cannot be commanded, merely persuaded."