#earthrunes

"Both ladies are dear to my heart." quietly, as he sets the tea things away, then bows at the introduction.

Coradel does not seem at all dismayed by August's comment, and she gives Zara a brief glance before returning her attention to Florian. "I would hear more of your captivity, Sir."

"A pleasurre, Baron of good fortune" A head bob "So, where to begin? Shall I tell of how we were pulled out like hares on a greyhound run and used to tteach Varich how to 'hunt the enemy'? Some times thee were horns, blaring, ear drum shattering, to confuse us as we ran. "

Coradel accepts her tea from August when he serves her, a loving look before she returns her attention to Florian. "And how came you to injure the Varich you mentioned?"

Zara frowns, trying to solve serving Florian the tea.

" I took the blade out of his hand witth a smooth move ad cut him with it." Wryly

An idea!

he eyes the tea he cannot grip "Perhaps if .. use both stumps?"

Zara summons several of the sisters and whispers to them.

Coradel nods at the tale, and only now realizes the issue with the tea. She is about to offer to help him drink (which surely would be mortifying for him, but she might not realize it), but then she notes Zara making clever whispers.

the sisters click back

"Ah. Perhaps.... ah.... a straw?"

"Straw on tea? I think I'd rather die" Florin is aghhast

"I think Zara has a plan, August." She indicates the whispering and the presence of the sisters.

"I know it's ... non-traditional." sheepish

A plan! The sisters are soon dropping delicate - but strong - silver strands to suspend the cup.

August takes his cup of tea to a seat.

A satisfied nod from the nocker's daughter - teacup suspended!

"Clever," Coradel says appreciatively.

"I.. thank you, and your friends, Miss Zara" Florin says, and now having help parttakes "Ah, it's been so long"

"Tell me, Sir Florian...I am sorry to be invasive, but you are a house brother to me. Were you sained so, or did it come after your saining?"

"After, " he says "I had the good fortune to impress Countess Alaya ... in the county of Living Thunder... in Wyoming. "

"Oh! I've heard of her, but I haven't had the pleasure. Impressed her, did you?" An intrigued smile as she sips her tea...clearly, she'd like to know more. She already knows he has a silver tongue.

"Ah," a soft chortle "With military prowress. Fenncing is something I knew before I was a Fiona. Of.. other developments, I can say only It is my belief I never failed her"

"Hmm," says Coradel, still smiling that intrigued smile. "Then of your hands...I wonder if they might be restored. Or replaced."

"Ah, baroness, such works are possible, but...I fear I cannot afford..."

"Did not Bertram craft an arm entire?"

He did

"He did, indeed. His art is glass," she explains to Florian. "And then there's Honoria, who crafts in clockwork."

"How..curious. you believe one of them could restore my hands, but again, that is costly"

"I think sluagh hands are more challenging than others... they may do a discount, for the challenge. Nockers are rather prideful."

"Well...it might demand a bit of service in return," Coradel allows.

Quietly, August observes "An honored acquaintance of mine has such a device. A hand. It seems to serve her well."

"I..would consider it, if they would take my service"

August sips.

Coradel tilts her head, considering him. She seems to be weighing factors in some kind of calculation.

"How did you come to be captured in the first place, Sir?"

Zara sips her own tea, listening and thoughtful.

"Ah, that. I am embarrassed to say I was ..drugged." he sips his tea "the last cup I had included a strong sedattive. I believe I outfenced the wrong noble sidhe. "

"Mm. One can make enemies that way." A sip.

"His inability to read a proper Passata Sotto was his failing" A sip

An appreciative smile. "It can be hard to defend against. For an amateur."

"just so" a smile

Sip.

"I find myself growing eager to duel you. We must return to you the use of the blade, one way or another. But as to the service I have in mind...I must do a little more discovery before I can discuss it further. Please forgive." She finishes her tea.

"Oh, of course, my ..bartering ability is curtailed more than one way"

"I think we may be able to come to a mutually beneficial arrangement. In the meantime...two questions...are you sure we cannot get you a better bed?"

"There are some lovely garret rooms, quite ill-kept and cobwebbed."

"Please, Sir, consider it."

"Oh, you flatter me. And tempt."