#earthrunes

"We best brace for the next one landing," Rosco observes, "Hope whoever it is is half as sweet."

"Thank you, Hume. She will have a formal mentor, but I think she will also appreciate a peer closer to her age."

"Mm. The other is a louder soul."

"Do we have an idea when that might happen?"

Hume looks confused, "I'm a wilder, not that much closer but.. thanks?"

"Within the week," The Seer suggests.

"So a mentor for Miss Nema must be found, with a thought for the next."

"Seer, I wish for you to be Miss Nema's mentor for her year-and-a-day. She seems a bright and curious girl, so I suspect it shouldn't be too much of a burden to guide her."

"I... will yield to your choice, of course, though I sometimes fear I'm not ideal" the Seer says "May I also ask Sir Bachdion for advice and tips on same?"

"Of course, as long as he is willing to offer them."

"Sir Bachdion is lion-hearted, aye...." the faintest of frowns.

"Happy to," Sir Bachdion says with a smile.

"Zara? A problem?"

"What? Nay."

She tugs on her braid, expression conflicted.

Coradel doesn't seem to be buying it. "A concern, then?"

"...No?"

"These two are fun," The Namer Rosco observes to Sir Bachion "The LIBrarian has learned a kind of flash from the Baroness, and the Baroness is curious thanks to the librarian's friendship."

She gives Zara a look that says, Fine, keep your secrets. "Well, for now, mischief managed, as they say. Thank you all. Job very, very well done."

Cautiously. "I could... mayhaps... assemble a list of suggested texts for the young lady's education?"

"Texting, about time, Zara," Hume starts to say.

"Books, Hume."

A blink. "My dear librarian, based on what I just witnessed, I'd be amazed if any of us could keep her away from the library. Your guidance in that regard would be most welcome. Seer Almandine, I'm sure, will be happy to receive your recommendations for her."

"Aye." Resigned, she nods.

Hume sighs "oh." A bit disappointed but not saying so.

Lily and Melia strain to eavesdrop from the air vent and door. Trying to shush the spiders into not betraying them.

"Baroness, forgive me, but I wish to talk to you when you get the chance?" Sir Bachdion asks, and soon pulls his liege aside. Leaving Zara be with others. It is a bit more crowded than she likes, but the tea is good and the Seer and her fellow Namer deserve a time to bask in their shared triumph.

Zara finds a spot to settle - where she can observe, but not be so observed.

Zara achieves just that, and finds herself feeling quite content. She has been accused of being gregarious for her kith, but she has learned to enjoy observing crowds without being pushed into performing among them. Also, it's pretty obvious Melia is being used as a stalking horse by Lily, and she suspects Nelson's own curiosity has him trying to scry. IT's adorable really.

Earl sends her a text, TXT: I found an odd Chimera or two after the dance. Show you later. I know you've been busy. 💙

TXT: Be home soon! 💜

And she will, as the crowd does eventually start to fill in, more knights and staff curious as to details, and she just KNOWS they'll ask HER questions and forget they're supposed to pay for that sort of thing. IT's not their fault, they're not sluagh. And already boggan gossip is flourshing. Taking the best of the tea with her, Zara? Zara slips away and none the wiser. It has been quite the adventure!

(The End)