#earthrunes

"And the lamb? Lost?"

"We very nearly lost Roland." A grim face "In truth... the lamb appears lost." A beat "But we know where the thresher is, where is heading. You see.... the boy's blood is all over it. And the Mountain and I have our talents to use that"

"Aye? North, nu? Hopefully Roland is well-tended, and shall heal, but the lab must needs be retrieved, for I fear what may become of it."

"North north, and east, but mostly north so far" He says "The Mountain and I take turns keeping the spell going. A technique not unlike keeping a fire going, or passing a baton." Interesting magical technique that she had HEARD of, but never mastered herself. Something to pry into later

"The Chief is being stubborn. She insisted on handling this herself. She ordered others to let her handle it. The lodge could not deny her will... "A smirk "So we sent Buck. Technically he doesn't answer to her as a DeBuke"

"Good."

"Perhaps not, omens said that if she took this task, she might lose a part of herself" A frown of concern "But yes, Buck is with her and even sluagh, perhaps especially sluagh, know the power of love. It is warmth in the ice, it is moonlight in the obleitte" (sp)

"Clem needs someone who can tell her no."

"And Buck loves her, which is even better."

He nods slowly "I am fond. Earl, is he involved in this search ? I do not assume that just because your hearts are joined he knows ALL of your doings. He knows you are sluagh, after all"

"Earl is aware. And fretting, of course."

A sigh "of course. Trolls. Do they not know that we worry them so they may learn to face their fear of powerlessness? It's good for them.. in moderation"

A soft chuff, amused.

"He has useful skills, and he will be able to find me if there is need."

"Well, I for one, am delighted he has won such a respectable young lady, and from a fine family" He says putting on victorian aires which most sluagh find soothing

A soft clattering sound, NOT a rattle, but the click of bones on bones as a ghostly snake writhes in, a delicate note attached to a tuft of shadowy yet somehow still iridescent feathers.

It ‘eyes’ Bronte with empty sockets, and gives a wriggle that may be interpreted as a polite greeting from one lizard-kin to another.

Bronte rises and whispers "By the pricking of my thumb... "But said wit hrespect

The note is handwritten and short, but polite.

_No knowledge other than that which came from your own hold. Will keep an ear open. Apologies for lack of presence, I am afraid that a sporting event has proven required attendance. (The things one does for friends- one does as they must)

T_he snake relaxes and waits in case there is a return note, but otherwise departs at the end of tea.

DeVere notices this arrival and.. the messenger "The Denier's eyes are about in the cause. Good."

A quick but polite thank you note is sent back with the snake chimera!

(Who is allowed to witness & report on the Tea)

Mr. Gluminsky comes in, but only long enough to say he will keep eyes out but has no news "The tragedy grows, and I am, alas, blind to it"