#earthrunes

Bronte looks pleased and headnuzzles the sluagh. There was a time Bronte fit easily on one of Zara's shoulders, now she has to spread out more over two, at least the tail needs to hang over the other. She looks at the trove they've made and nods "I think I'll keep her" Yes, THIS is her main hoard, but she now knows she can visit

"I fear this might be more thy Library than mine, darling."

Bronte looks at it proudly "If you build it, they will come"

A soft smile. "Aye."

Ocha reports that the two Dougals are Dougaling, the namer excited by the find

Well, he would be.

Squire Velvet enters in "Miss Zara, Imbolc is soon. Will you wish the library open for the holiday festivities?"

"The Library is always a haven. But it is not a place for festivities."

"Well. Fiona festivities."

"Sluagh festivities are, mayhaps of a slightly different stripe."

She nods "I thought as much, it will be a rule of 'if you can squirm in, you're in' then"

Ocha says the situation has escalted, the Dougals have a PLAN to turn a few books into video games, including one by Talia Amur!

....

Video games?

Hence the escalation !!

Hume has improved, but there are times he has no sense of the sacred

One of her novels is going to be turned into a chimerical video game. Hume's girlfriend must like the book, which is flattering.

It is not.

Or not.

Velvet notices the expression "is something amiss?"

"Dougal."

She pens a note on a small piece of lavender paper. Undecim is summoned, and sent scurrying off to the Namer's office to deliver it.

And thus it is sent!

The note, when opened, is simple.

Minutes later, Roscoe has told Hume that 'more research will be required' and they 'should put a pin in it'

A satisfied nod. "All is well, Miss Velvet."

"Ah, good. The firebrand should be here soon.. there maybe a lot of celebration but I'll ask the troubadours to play less near the library."

"Thank you."

"Oh my ears are at stake here too" She reminds "I do not know if Miss Lily will be here or at Rivervale. Quite the back and forth on our little nightmare"

A soft smile. "She thrives."

"She does... greedy thing uses you and the denier ruthlessly for learning, then darts to shadows of her choosing" Squire Velvet says "Apparently the Denier has taken Oath with the Hammerstrike. "

"Troth? A sluagh and a troll? Why, such a shanda."

"Indeed" The squire lifts a brow "What err shall the neighbors think?"

"Lily believes it is mostly for the best. They require so much oversight this may help"

A rattle of laughter, the wind in dried cattails.

"Still, there is aught to be said for the union of Strength and Guile."

"Indeed, my own boggan love has lasted longer than I thought" A pause "he's forbidden to tidy up my room, of course. Love is love, but territory is territory"

"And there is no love without trial."

"It is true" She admits then sheepishly admits "Apparently I have not learned how to gossip properly. He tried to gossip with me, freely, and then I began to talk price. " A sigh "Which... is not how boggan gossip works"

"It is not. Though there is still trade - tis oft more a matter of flex."

"To showcase one has a prize, to assert dominance through sharing."

"True, they are more powerful than I first realized" She admits "We have the secrets, but they are masters at networking. He ruthlessly arranged a day off for me once and spoiled me. The cheek."

"Only thy due."

A fond look ,then "Ah, but to return to point, should we send some gift to lady Hammerstrike, covertly, to show our silent approval? A note with the name of an enemy she does not yet know? A secret of one in power near her? A collection of fine teas to encourage her bettering her tastes?"

"Well. As she is Oathed to our kithbrother, she is mischpocha after a fashion. An Oathing gift would be appropriate."

"Though, alas, as a Rivervale troll, I doubt she has any taste for tea. Gerd seems to be the only one with any kind of palate."

"Yes, regrettable she alone drinks properly there. " Mmm "Maybe a book that appeals to both troll and sluagh sensibilities?"

"A book is never inappropriate."

"Then we shall pick one that is filled with honor, heroism, and a dose of the macabre " A nod "Shall we go over the collection? Obviously we'll get her her own copy"