#earthrunes

"So many young souls lost" Gluminski laments

Beldame however looks understanding "As long as the suffering is mutual, dear. I am sure he pines for you as strongly"

DeVere nods "My observations are he does. But, if I may, her Earl is no ordinary troll. You should see his paintings some time. He has a flair for the macabre"

Yes, a bit of fatherly pride there

"My artist, aye." She nods over at a hanging painting - full of gothic arches and mysterious shadows and im impression of reaching hands.

"A TROLL did this?" Beldame is surprised and delighted, "Yet it speaks of such encroaching grasping terror to come"

"Miss Zara is his muse, her methods are not ours to know, but it is clear she inspires" DeVere notes

"He should have been born a sluagh, the poor boy" Gluminski says "But he deals with his disadvantages stoicly"

"All kiths may find shadow, nu?"

Velvet, who is dating a boggan still, does not comment. Alas, her love does not always understand her need for funeral service foreplay

"Clearly your oathheart demonstrates just that" Beldame nods "I will to survey more of his works. It has been sometime since my own artistic endevors"

"There is a gallery which is quiet, if you wish to explore it. Your own art?"

"Tapestries," The old woman says "I used to find old houses the rich were about to 'refurbish'" she tuts "And use magics to create a tapestry that resembled people facing horrid fates... people who could easily be their grandmothers or the like. Fun for me, and it sometimes kept out the riff raff"

"And the gallery, noted" She she sips her tea.

"Why, thou art Lachesis! How delightful!"

"More attropos these days, I have not made one in.. oh, years" The old crone waves them off

"Oh, but thou must," A tut from Velvet "We have looms here, and needles. And it would let you reclaim a part of yourself"

"I have been known to do my char with fiber, but tapestry? Nay, tis not aught I hath tried."

"mmm, was I ever this presumptive when I was young?" Beldame eyes both wilders, then smiles "I suppose I was worse. If it please thee, and as I am a guest, mayhaps I could offer two kith sisters a few lessons. I am sure you will grow bored with it quickly mind, but if we persevere, perhaps we'll depict each of you being haunted or drowning in a bog or the like?"

Velvet fights the urge to clap at the very notion, but looks hopefully at Zara "Miss Zara, would you be willing to join me in such lessons?"

"A bog? Delightful!"

"I would be most interested, aye, please."

"I could, mayhaps, learn you a measure of tatting in exchange?"

"Ah, you have already given me too much charity by treating me so kindly, but if your math disagrees, then, I shall try to see if this old crow can learn new calls"

"Oh, lacemaking makes me feel a bit like a spider. Tis not a joy I would be stingy with."

"Ah, your withered little heart is generous still, very well" She says

"And my knight hath taught me of scribe work, calligraphy and more" Velvet offers

"My penmanship could use work" Beldame indulges, then says to the gents "Pardon, gents, we seem to have left you out?"

"You may make amends to me by allowing me to show you the gallery here, and my own shop. Every trinket a tragedy" Gluminksi says proudly

"I am hardly offended. I came here to be ignored" DeVere says wit ha grateful look to his daughter in oath

"Why, Mr. DeVere, I had forgotten you were there!"

A tiny quirk of a smile.

The old crone faux gasps at Mr. GLuminski's audacity, "Why sir... one might feel as if she were stalked on the streets of london"

"Minsk, actually" GLuminski says "London has too many happy tales"

It is clear the crone is not offended as she gives a SLIGHT nod to Gluminski

DeVere raises a cup in salute to Zara "As it should be... how dreary to be somebody"

Bronte of course, cannot help but say the WHOLE thing, illiciting some new amusement, and Beldame's utter DELIGHT at meeting a bookwyrm.

And introduction Zara is no doubt too happy to make

(End Scene)