#elsewhere

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Zara groans and shudders with a passion she has never known.

Earl watches and wishes he were involved "So one of your favorite modern writers is doing a book signing in person AT your college and you might want to be there?"

Yes ,the email just went out on the college news list

"Ayyyeeee."

Earl ls grateful his lady is down to a whisper, o therwise that pitch with Volume would like shatter glass

"so who is this author?" curious. She's so old school. Any one still LIVING who impresses her is..well in a small group

"Sarah Waters." Swoons.

"I read one of her books you loaned me I think.. Tipping the Smith?"

"Tipping the Velvet. The other is Fingersmith, nu? You combined them..."

"Oh. Well, no harm done" He says baiting her just a bit.

A gentle tut. "Oh, which one should I get her to.. mm. Fingersmith, aye. She should sign that one, yes."

A smile, then "Oh wait, I think you actually have an early printing of one?"

She nods. "First edition!"

"That's definitely the one" He says then a bit of concern "It will still be kind of crowded"

She frowns. "Aye... but.."

"So your boyfriend will act like a wall for you?"

He offers

"Yes please?" Pleading eyes.

"It's supposed to be for students only but you can veil me up until we get in line and then drop it if need be" He takes her hands "And you know how I adore when you let me be useful" he kisses them.

"Well, you'll be with me..."

"I know, so for me a treat"

"It'll be wonderful. And you make a most excellent tower."

"Oh wow. I bet Gabby is going to fight to get ahead of us"

"Maybe Gavrielle could come with?"

"We'll invite her. One more buffer"\

"A loudish one, but yes. I am used to nockers."

"I know..oh, went to Firnost earlier today while you were at class. Dropped off that rare book find we have one of for Madame Sinistre, or at least where she can find it"

A kiss. "My thoughtful hunter."

Rewarded he beams

"How is it you can make me feel like a champion for just dropping off a book?" A soft squeeze of her hands.

"Well, thou art my champion, nu?"

"I am, and gladly. Mm I hope the signing doesn't happen the same day as the parliment plans for the Truthbranchs"

"mmm..." A frown.

"Speaking of crowded places..."

"I know." A sigh "maybe there's a balcony that's less used there?"

"Aye. Some unused gallery?"

"Is it strange I.. I mean, it's good we have a place commoner voices can be heard, but I'm almost dreading it? I mean... Ailil may love politics but I find it distasteful"

"I do not like politics, especially noble ones. The Parliament seems.. farcical."

"Given how much power is held by the 'upper house of lords' sitaution.. yeah"

"Exactly." A huff. "What will we do about that Namer? I shall ward the house, aye - he knows I have the art, no point in hiding it. But... how long until other sidhe know?"

"I wasn't even using it." Sulk.

"Hey" He hugs her softly "He doesn't know how much you know. Yet. And... well, you have a mentor to turn to if you need. I don't care who he is. I bet my Great Uncle could eat him alive"

"Likely..."

"And .. I guess your power shines like the moon now" a kiss on her cheek "Like your beauty"

"But there is a risk. Sidhe like to think they alone hold that art."

"I am far from a Naming master. Indeed, I still can't Sain, let alone reweave..."

"Most namers are grumps by the time they master what you have as far as you have" \

"But that Eiluned is no grump."

"Well.. yeah there's that" A nose wrinkle