#earthrunes

Klutzer gulps "how about I just throw an extra ten percent on it and keep my blood?"

"I will agree to the extra ten percent. Not the blood and hair." A look that suggests Gluminski might be wise to take that.

Gluminski looks a bit saddened, but bows "The Baroness is gracious."

She likes the sluagh, but agreeing to a contract without reading the fine print, regardless of the language? Zara would be shocked.

"Good then," she says with a nod. "Please settle your accounts, and then Dame Honoria please escort the crafter and his prototype to your workshop."

Klutzer lets a breath out of relief "Well, guess my work is appreciated by SOME body.." He reaches for his wallet and goes off with Gluminski

"The potential of your work is appreciated," Coradel corrects as he goes, then looks over to August, appreciating the sketch he made in his notes.

It is the clockwork horse.

As expected. But she's always loved his sketches.

The next hearing is easy. Another Sluagh request

Coradel turns to them to hear.

Lily comes forward and whispers "if it please, I believe with notes taken from various healers, and dark magicians, I could cultivate and recreate a chimerical strain of small pox. As thou knowest" the childling says formally, "Small pox is ALL but extinct save for a few samples kept by the government... in the name of conservation I ask a chance to recrete this rare and precious gift"

Coradel's eyes widen. "And...why exactly would this be a good idea?"

"Well, if it gets out and wyrds enough, it could course correct global warming by a population balancing event?" Hopeful smile

August looks quietly alarmed too.

Toothless, but hopeful

Coradel takes a drink before saying, "I think that might harm a great many Dreamers, and thus undermine much of fae society. It is too great a risk, and I cannot endorse the experiment. My apologies."

"However, I do appreciate your...curious mind."

"Oh poo" She sighs "Well, thank you for your time, Baroness " A pause "Might I instead try to breed a giant Tardigrade chimera? "

A pause before Coradel says, "Try breeding a gerbil-sized one, first. Then we'll see."

"Have a plan in mind for its care and feeding," she cautions.

"Gerbil sized" She beams "Thank you, Baroness. I will" She curtseys and goes off happily. Perhaps to find out how big gerbils can get and plot accordingly.

Herald Innish says "And .. now we break for Lunch. Enjoy everyone" As he frees not just the court, but the baroness running it

Coradel's lunch starts with her powering back the rest of her cocktail and requesting a refill.

She gets one!

Then she (gratefully) takes August's arm so he can escort her to a proper meal with much pleasanter conversation.

A conversation that has nothing to do with small pox and giant water bears!

(End Scene)