#earthrunes

A sigh "I should start now , shouldn't I? May I paint the Varich as baby eaters?"

"Ah - now tis a time for subtle persuasion, nu?"

"It is a sad thing, in this world, that the targets of persecution may not indulge in the vitriol of their oppressors."

"To show our anger loudly, to lash out, to be aught but careful and controlled and 'reasonable' and diplomatic - one misstep may be turned to ammunition against us."

"I have caused ALL sluagh trouble?' distressed at the notion. She is just a child

"While they may rant and call us evil, vile creatures... we must constantly disprove their accusations. We cannot ever show our wounds."

"Nay, Lily."

A less certain nod, "I twas curiosu and it.. it did not seem right that we should be so scared of them that we spy on anyone but them. But I suppose I should have considered all factors"

"I am sorry that you do not live in a kinder world. The Varich will hate you, for how you were made. But you are wonderfully made. You are a blessing."

a weak smile rises, toothless but dawning like a sloppy moon

"Do not forget that, even when you must deal with their unreasoning hate. And do not give in to it."

"I shall not lower myself to their level" she promises

"We shall make certain you can be safe. And aye, it will take study and practice."

"I needs must work on my realm of nature so I can better deal with animals used against my snooping" A choice

"Aye! That is a plan."

"And, I thank thee for looking after me when you found out I was detained."

Zara smiles. "I am not totally heartless."

"Ah, and Dame Claire did not mistreat me, though the soveriegn use twas rather unpleasant. how is a slugh to squirm out of such"

"That can be difficult, aye."

"A most unfair art."

A nod

A tilt of her head "Thy paramour is approaching"

Zara doesn't hear Earl's foot steps. Curious

Zara listens - if not for Earl, then for the raven.

She hears the raven, chortling as enjoying the gameof attempt to surprise. Then she hears.. Earl's breathing near the door. But how is he being so quiet?

He's outside the door, she's sure of it

The door opens very slowly, a small crack. A troll eyeball...

There is a glamour about him and... ah, his eye is an inch higher than it should be

"Ah!"

"Tis not catlike tread, but no tread at all!" She claps, delighted.

Earl then nearly falls through as he rebalances "Ah, umm" Floating "yeah, I tried to 'fly low'"

"Still caught me though I see" Sheepishly he smiles "Guess that means our next date you pick the locale"

"Oh, but I do appreciate the effort. Most valiant, mine Hunter."

He settles to the floor softly, moving towards her for a kiss ...perhaps unaware there is a childling here

Zara meets his lips with hers.

He savors the kiss

"seems rather unsanitary" Lily observes

And Earl pulls back to turn "Ah, we have..company"

"Aye, we do."

"Hello, Sir Earl" Lily curtsies

"Hello, Lily" Earl ahems "How are you doing?"

Lily glances to Zara rather than answer right away

"She is working on an assignment."

"And I intruded, how rude of me" Earl says with a formal hand spread over his heart to the girl "Please forgive me, Lily."

Lily smiles "you are a most courteous man, Sir Earl. tis a shame you weren't born a slaugh"

"I would have him in any way the dreaming would provide."

"Though I did spend time as a sluagh for a few hours and learned much" earl smiles

The little girl's eyes light up 'Thou jest"

Earl shakes his head "Ask Miss Zara if you like. She holds all my secrets save two, and is free to sell them or trade them or gift them at her whim"

"Ah, mayhaps I shall tell you of my time as a nocker, then..."