#earthrunes

He lowers his head, like a youth rightly chastised by a wiser crone, "Clearly no, Miss Zara. But it behooves us to squirm just a little when a non sluagh is involved, such as the noble troll"

"Aye. But is that the reluctance? His title?"

"Nay. A few of us had good relationships with nobles of other sorts and places. Mostly as good customers for secrets who paid well. And nor do any of us resent trolls, well, save one troll and that is not Earl. It is the desire to prove we've not gotten too rusty I suspect. Pride, even after trauma"

"Of course."

"Earl, of course, being a noble, stubborn troll, would say naught was due him."

"But you and I know better."

"I know our kith, and know the weight of the favor I am owed."

"Earl does not, and would accept half his due."

"But I would know."

"It would be most rude, nu?"

"And a discourtesy to you, even through your paramour, would be ingrateful indeed. " a contrite youthful look again. Yes, she is definitely the crone here. It's easy to feel as if her hands were shaking with elder experience, to imagine herself properly weathered by tasks of a near century. Ah, yes, that is a pleasant fancy

"I shall inform the others that Sir Earl is to be rewarded with full diligence" He adds

Zara places a hand on her chest. "As for me - I am patient."

He returns the gesture and bobs his head, "A virtue that compensates for any tendency towards gregariousness. Thank you, Miss Zara. Ah, but if i may? with all intention of repaying him well, in what manner do you think Earl might want to be repaid? Trolls often deflect reward if left to their own devices."

"They do."

"But... there is a matter of his cousin."

"His cousin?" brows go up, but curiousity rises as well

"Well, he cares for his home... and there are threats to the farm. I believe we have a means to aid, and kill two birds with one stone..."

And Zara outlays The Denier's omen, the red seeds, the threats... and, so convenient, a centaur on quest for loooooooooove, who needs to discover threats and fulfill needs.

"Ah, aid the centaur, aid the farm, aid the kin of Sir Earl, and do him good turn. Yes , betwen so many of us we should be able to play the proper role. The mysterious stranger at the crossroads is a favorite of mine"

"Exactly. And suitably discreet, methinks."

"But of course, a lack of subtly is.. well, sloppy" He nods "I learned that when I was pulled away discretely for a naming" a bit of a smile

Zara smiles.

"And I remain here in that capacity, for my kithmates, for others who have the need."

"The Dougal certainly makes it easier to hide."

"Indeed, he is.. loud" An admission "But congenial"