#elsewhere

Debts are for the seelie.

The Boggan says "As I'm your spymaster, I think I'd prefer that it wasn't more than I know, but I see the look on your face., But I fear you underestimate her. She is curious, but she has resources beyond yourself and may work to find out on her own. Though, she really shouldn't have enough time now."

"Exactly, I didn't cut it this close for no reason. The other Balor are feeding on Paler's corpse of a name to carry their agenda out. A new Agenda."

"A breeding program? I think you gave that away." Plum says

"Ah, but I know where they're going to strike. Which humans they're gathering first... and which kinain."

Eyes narrow.

"And I'd be happy to aid her...for a reasonable price." He says.

"Should I station our informants around those targeted?"Plum says

Snort.

"Yes... but whoever you put near that damn farm better becareful... we might yet aid them, but that lodge won't see it that way. Have a spy in their midst get caught and it's banjo music and memory wipes" The Baron says

GLARE.

The boggan chuckles, "yes. The others well, they have protections of another sort"

"All three locations..cover it." THe Baron says

Then the Baron frowns, "Any more news about the lantern? DO the Liam have it?"

Plumm frowns, "If they do, lord, they're doing a good job of hiding it."

"Damn. " THe baron frowns, "If that Lantern is out there, it should go to House Eiluned. The Liam will be too timid to use it "

"Or at least, they'll use it skittishly"

"Where as House Eiluned will , naturally, summon it's greatest sorcerors and leaders and get everything going, guiding the world to a better Dreaming" Plum says

"You've read our brochures. No wonder we let you in" The baron smiles

"I still think you're misreading her, lord. In one way. I told you of the bonds around her. Some of them are strong. Love is at play." Plum says

"Love has done me very little good, Professor. I doubt it aids her much better" He sighs

The boggan says "Perhaps, but..regardless. You see more to her than I do, I see more people devoted to her than even she knows."

"Well, good. Then if I can finally get her to see sense and join me... then I'll have them to." A nod.

The boggan smiles, "Ah, optimism"

"Machinations, Professor. Machinations sounds classier."

and the image finally fades.

Hisss.

So. Vashti, obviously. And Ivory.

She will needs go to this Parliament.

The door opens. Earl has returned. "hi honey, I'm home."

"Welcome back, Love. We have work to do."

"Oh - and warn the Farm."

"Warn the ..." His eyes widen, then darken "The baron is trying to take over the farm?" Dangerous look

"To spy on it. Likely birds, given Plumm's MO"

"Anything else?"

"....Paler. Some upstart brats. They seem to not understand what I cast upon Paler's works."

"Paler... he's dead. His heirs are... well, either on our side or scattered... or.. you know, dead"

"Precisely. So... it is either a pretender who has some kind of gall, or it is a sibling who needs reminded."

"Well, we know it's not Ivory or Vashti"

"Aye."

A nod then "Did the Baron say anything else about the farm? "

"These supposed Palers are also targeting it."

"Wonder what for? Revenge or.."

"Power?"

"And Breeding." Snort.

"And Breeding? Shit. Clem's going to eat these guys for lunch"

"Maybe they mean to steal Miss Evergreen?"

"Yeah. I need to call them" He kisses her. "And yes, we have much to do."

A thought "And I need to make popcorn"

Yes. Yes he does.