#earthrunes

Tea is served in the library.

Squire Velvet says "So your lessons go well?"

"Oh yes, I'm learning how to terrify plant life, soon, animals" Lily assures

"Now, why have you sought me out?" Velvet says

"I wish to learn... of cookies" Lily says "Magic ones that change kith"

Velvet nods "Miss Zara is..."

"Not telling me who makes them" Lily says "And I have such a splendid idea of where to send them"

"And where would that be?" a brow from the older sluagh

"It's called Silverwolf. My friend's father is there. I think a few hours as a pooka would be good for him" Lily says happily

"Ah, you misunderstand it's nature, Lily. One does not get to pick, it's random" Velvet tuts "Besides, a Varich co rules there. She'd think you were trying to poison them"

" I was going to send it in Connor's name" Lily points out then pouts "Random? You mean it might make his father a redcap or a boggan?"

"I fear so," Squire Velvet replies

"Oh bother" Lily sighs

"It did seem a nice gift to give to Connor, his papa a pooka for a day" Lily laments

"Quite kind of you, Miss Lily, but I'll not tell anyone of your sentimentality. It would not do to be too known" A sip "Those we care about often seem to grow smug when they learn of it. My paramour has more power over me than I dared imagine. Mortifying and not always in a good way. I'd change it, save for the worst thing"

"What could be worse than having someone else with such import over your heart?" Lily says

"The fact that one grows to like it" Velvet warns.

"Insidious" The childling gasps

"Just so" Velvet nods

"oh well, I shall simply have to find something else to get him for his Unbirthday" Lily huffslightly, frustrated

"Unbirthday?" Velvet inquires

"Pooka" Lily reminds

"Ah, of course" Velvet says , then sips again "Do you wish to wait for Miss Zara?"

"While I'd be honored to see her again, I probably should drop by grandmother. Grand Dame Bondraste is sad we have moved back to Bergen for the most part. so I let her spoil me. It is my duty as a childling to be given unreasonable amounts of a largess by a grandmother figure" LIly says kindly

"You are a dutiful grandchild. Remember, if she begins to crave childling flesh, you must be respectful even if you shove her into her own stove" Squire Velvet reminds.

"Of course" Lily nods "This is the way"

"This is the way" Velvet nods.

And both enjoy tea and civilized sluagh talk, such as the proper disposal of elders gone cannibal.

And soon the childling goes off, while Velvet smiles and looks at the spiders "She has to know you'll tell miss zara. Clever girl, to ask Miss Zara to reconsider her lore vicariously yet avoiding the indignity of sniveling. The Denier has taught her well"

(End Scene)