#earthrunes

(Dex plus Lockpicking or other skill you think works)

(Pause)

/roll 7

Zara clicks the lock about, ready to open it, and the mechanism shifts anew, the lock seems to speak with a female voice "rude, if you persist I shall scream for my warband. I have a hundred of them in the area"

She has it partly opened. (And will need more successes to do it in total)

"My apologies. There is no need to scream."

The lock seems to calm again. Mm about one third of the way open.

She trails her fingertips along the spine. "In truth, I wished only to know what book has entered my domain. I am the Librarian here. It is my duty to catalog, nu?"

The book does not respond but the lock seems to almost hold its nose up which is a very odd image. A stubborn set to it. Zara could use her cantrips to encourage it or the book itself to talk.

She taps a rhythm on the cover, casting willow whisper. "Wake, wake, and welcome."

The book wakes with a different voice, younger, no doubt reflecting Nema's new seeming with a happy yawn "mornin"

Clearly ready for a first question.

"Hello, New Accession. I am the Librarian. Could you please give me your title for the catalog?"

"Yes I could," It giggles playfully.

and answers once.

It would appear to be a cheeky little tome.

A sigh.

"Manners."

"Please report your title and a brief summary of your contents for the card."

"That sounded like a statement more than a question" Another giggle "But very well. I am now called Nema's Book of Facets. I hold truths that are meant for her, or that she finds. Beyond that, I'm not supposed to tell for they are secret truths which are the best type of truths."

The lock, at this point, speaks up in a more mature and less amused voice "Stop, this is a breach of security. Tell her nothing more."

But the book says "I gotta. Magic's got rules. Next question, please."

A wry twist of her lips into the smallest of smiles. "Truly, a precious gem. Nay, thy fresh-faced Moon and Stars may keep her secrets."

"Finally - would any of the truths within bring harm to the people of this hold, ere the child learn her Name?"

This creates a long pause, then the young voice says "I just got here, so I am not sure of your hold's weaknesses or the weaknesses of the people. I will grow as the childling grows. Treat her well, and she is not likely to grow dangerous to you, and my growing secrets will not likely be of harmful nature and certainly not intent. Treat her poorly and... well, booger, who knows?"

The book is meant to grow? A diary as well, or something more sublime?

"I wish only to protect my hearth, Gem. I care for the people here. But it sounds as if I need not hold you in safety through her fosterage."

"You do not, for much will be witheld by me until she is ready for it. This will frustrate her, for, don't want all want to know 'now'? Is there anything else, Librarian?" the title said with respect, but then it is a book.

"I fear I cannot promise you will not attract Bronte's attention, but a Bookwyrm will as she wilt. And I suspect your charge will wend her way to my shelves soon enough."

"She does love books. I fear your bookwyrm will be frustrated by trying to read me, which could kind of funny. Lock will get a work out" It giggles then yawns "I'm going to rest again."

"Eh, better enrichment than an emptied cardboard box."

And the whisper ends.

Content, Zara heads back to the hall with the book in hand.

Soon she rejoins The Baroness, and notices the girl is asking questions about the Escheat of Sir Bachdion. And he is happy to answer.

Coradel might not notice Zara's return right away, what with her being a sluagh and all.

"But what if a rescue requires something else that risks another escheat rule?" The girl asks Sir Bachdion. "Like if I wanted to rescue someone in another noble's land?"

However, when she does, she goes to speak quietly with the Librarian. "Is that it?" Indicating the book.

She divides her attention so she also hears what the girl asks.

Zara nods.

"It's safe enough. No book is entirely safe, of course. That is part of their appeal."

Sir Bachdion grins "Well, Fiona tend to think Action is its own reward and we might dash in, then apologize if need be. Others might suggest asking the other noble first. What would you do you think?"

Nema Eventide ponders, then says "I think I would like to learn more about the noble and the dangers first, then see how I could best go about it."

"A perfectly fine answer," Bachdion nods "Things get complicated for wilders and graybeards, but you're a childling so you can keep it simple if you wish."

"Good," Coradel murmurs to Zara. "When she and Bachdion finish, you may have the pleasure of returning it to her." She gazes at the girl for a moment. "So far, I think I like her quite a bit."

Zara smiles, looking rather like a cat with cream.

"I believe she will be a good fit, aye."

"She will need a formal mentor."

Nema asks a few more questions, and gets more answers. The girl seems to be a bit of a sponge.

But finally Bachdion says "Okay okay, let's save a LITTLE for future lessons. Mm?"