#earthrunes

The sisters have quietly gathered - though not all. Sharp eyes may spot perhaps seven of them. 1122 is settled in Zara's hair.

Indeed, the sisters are thought fondly of, and more than a few are 'favorites' of this sluagh or that one.

Mr. Gluminski makes sure the old toad in his coat pocket behave itself

"May I please relate some of my discoveries now?" Lily asks, a bit forwardly, but she is young

The smallest of nods.

"Rivervale's trolls are up to something" she says "Gerd seemed very distressed after a mission. And now, I suspect Lady Captain Siv is up to mischief, for she seems invigorated. And invigorated Fiona often are so because of trouble. "

"And Siv would be Siv, Fiona or no."

"Yes, but if I may observe, she is the most Siviest Siv I know" The little girl nods her head as if this were sage commentary

"That's what you got? They might be up to something?" Jacob raises a brow "But you don't know what?"

Siiiip.

"How rude," Lily says, ruffled, then she frowns "I confess, I was trying to learn about the census, so the other did catch me by surprise"

"Census?" Mr. Gluminski asks

"In Gardens."

"Ah," the grump says

"Yes, it has the Chieftain most curious," Lily says "I am surprised. I didn't think the Chief hated math. Isn't a census just counting?"

"I would be mindful. Choose if thou wisht to be counted."

"Tis better, I think, for our strength to be.... less known."

Lily ponders "I think mostly it's of Chimera. Should I warn Lovecraft if the Denier has not yet? Should I hide the spider chimera?"

At this, the sisters grow curious, for they know little of relations in that Duchy

"I would warn Lovecraft, aye."

"And any spiders whose existence may spur trophy hunters."

"I do hope Damagog is okay" Lily whispers almost to herself, then says "Yes, I'll warn Lovecraft'

"While Rivervale might protect their chimera, I would not see the same at all baronies."

"Chieftain Brekke has always been inclined towards preserving nature."

Jacob says "I can help spread word to other Barony spiders in Bergen. I slip in real good"

Lily ponders this, then says "I would not be afronted by you aiding in my and the Denier's territory"

"Wouldst one or two of the sisters' aid be welcomed?"

"But of course," Lily says "I do not think Damagog would eat them. She prefers redheaded boys for some reason"

"Probably a family dish" Velvet opines

Jacob says "I have secrets too. A crazed nocker, mad with power, has constructed a horrible device of torture"

This is, no doubt, about the tiny tie their mother makes him wear

A soft snerk.

"A cravat would be better, methinks" Velvet says kindly

"I think the tie is rather dignified."

"It burns us... my precious" He makes a yank motion

"I do not understand modern slang" Gluminski admits

"And thy suffering does bring me such delight. I shall let our mother know."

He sticks his tongue out

Lily gives a cruel giggle

"Fine," Jacob says "Well, mother does have a new suitor. I don't know if she knows he's paying suit though. He keeps trying to sell her needles"

........

"...."

"What?"

"There's a needle salesman, he hangs around, flatters her " He shrugs "I know, more like gossip than proper news. I've TRIED scaring him off but it's not working"

"Kithain? Mortal?"

"Kinain," The boy says "He knows our world but isn't quite part of it"

A frowny squint.

"I think Nocker blooded... but might be some boggan in there"

"I see..." She fidgets with the teacup.

"So this secret IS worth something?" Jacob says surprised, then slyly "Then don't you think it's your turn to trade me something, sister?"