#earthrunes

A sloppy tool of a fell being. Whatever this being is, whoever, it did not target Samson, but anything, anyone... any beast. It is thriving on misery. August , watching this, feels old memories of a long gone life rising, memories of enemies most foul. He WARRED against these things once! Zara feels... an unwanted kinship, but thankfully a distant one. This is not a thing of fear, at least not fear alone . She looks for clues, and sees behind the shadow a red star.

Her spindly fingers squeeze the Liam's warm hand, cold and clammy and sharp.

August looks.... thunderstruck.

Acheri... Dark Kin, those denizens that fed well during Covid, and one, like a glutton returned to table, has found a new trick!

"Not personal, it seems. But a threat, nonetheless..."

Perhaps the Da'an has put Samson in danger so that the word would get out? Tricky thing, Da'an

August is sure as a lord of the marches in the dreaming, he FOUGHT those things

"I know what this is."

"We cannot easily undo what plagues Samson, though we may act to protect others while the threat shows. Ah, some good fortune being in the home of a Lioness."

"Healing Samson is the priority, although that can encompass preventing illness in others, and elsewhere."

"Aye. But still - have all the household wear the badge of Fiona, the scarlet and silver. Adorn the beasts in those colors."

He nods. "I can make it so."

"Ribbons, collars, tags will do."

"And what plagues Samson is a magical ailment. No mundane thing may cure it, and... the pooka's Heatherbalm, it seems, is not enough."

Indeed, a scarlet sash might ease Samson, though it won't cure him

It is possible Samson is suffering from a HYBRID ailment, a true illness amplified by fell magic. So magic might take the worst out but the horse will still need TLC and antibiotics

"Would it help if the scarlet and silver were chimerical? Or partly magical?"

"It couldn't hurt..."

"I may need to examine Samson. I know not the cure, though I see the cause. That which sent it should be driven from these lands."

"From all lands....." August murmurs, almost to himself.

"Yes, of course. Coradel has gone to make arrangements and I must speak with Lord Hume but we plan to meet at the stables, stay there for Samson through the night."

"I can check my books, see if there is anything..."

Bronte perks at mention of books

"I wish I could stay and help but I did say I would find Lord Hume. Ah. Forgive the question, but -how- will wearing Fiona colors help?" he frowns, rubbing his temples.

A featherlight touch on his temple. "Magic must needs obey laws. Trust me, aye?"

"Did not the red blood of the lamb drive death's hand from every door which bore it?"

"Of course, of course I trust you, Zara. With my life. I just want to understand."

"Bold and bright. Let thy trueheart's banner be a shield for all she loves."

He nods. "Will you excuse me? I'll spread the word and find Lord Hume."

"Aye. Be safe, August. I need not admonish thee to be brave, for that is a given."

He offers her a soft smile, and a gentle squeeze of her hand.

"I shall meet you hence, at the stables, with what knowledge I discover."

"Thank you." another quick squeeze, and he departs.

And Zara hits the books

(End Scene)