#elsewhere

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Elsewhere... In Earthrunes

Squire Velvet goes about her squirely duties. Cleaning armor feels unnautral, it would have so much more character with a rust spot or two, but..well, it's part of her duty

"Thank you, Velvet." August says quietly as he enters. "I'm sure it's fine."

"i leave this to Tylar too often, lord. it's not polite."

"Everyone has their own strengths." He reminds. "Velvet... you said you might know someone who would have insight to those souls that don't wake."

"i.." A breathe, then "yes, lord. I do. but you might not approve"

August considers this. "I will not judge you for trying to help, or answering my questions."

"Well, you may ask, my lord" She says

"Will you put me in contact with that person?"

A sigh "Yes. But it will take a bit... he travels"

August nods. "Thank you. Please let me know."

She bows "It shan't be here in the hold where you meet. He'll want more.. neutral ground"

"I will accept that."

A pause then "My lord, the contact is a dark kin, an adhene"

A LONG pause. "Did you make this contact yourself, or do you know of this contact from another?"

"Myself, lord" A proud look "He is of one of the neutral parties"

A longer pause.

"Squire... please sequester yourself for now. I must think, and consult, on this."

"Sequestor..." A blink "Lord? Am I .. not allowed to leave the hold?"

"I would ask that you minimize your contact with others." Gently "Including Squire Tylar."

"I am .. in your service" A pout but a nod "but ..may I ask what lead you to decide to have me sequester?"

"That you are in contact, of your own accord, with dark kin is... something I must seek wisdom in."

"Let me learn more."

"of course, my liege" a sigh Miss Zara is right. One must tell them no more than the minimum

"Velvet, you have done what I asked. I am not angry. Just.... Let me learn more. Please?"

"My lord I know more . I am a sluagh. This is not atypical for our kith to delve in the edges . I feel as if I am being punished for sharing too much"

"That is not anything I intended. I'm sorry, Squire."

"It is good to know that is not what you intended, but no sluagh wants to be.. contained"

a shudder

"I'm sorry, Squire. I will hold you as little as possible." he promises.

"thank you, my liege" obeident and trying to be gracious

"Squire..... please understand that I .... value. And appreciate you."

"yes, m y lord. you feel protective and worry for me. It's.. touching. But you knew my interests when you took me as your squire. that I sought answers on spiritual matters with sidhe."

"Did you think I would only consult the sidhe?"

"No. I suppose not."

"then why are you punishing me for honesty?"

"Squire, please.... I don't mean to punish you. I ask for a moment, to learn."

"where would you learn when I know more than you on the.." She stops.. hearing something

There's a knock at the door to August's study. "August?"

"Coradel?" He goes and gets the door.

She's there, smiling. "Have you been closed up in here most of the day?" He gets a light kiss as she moves to enter the room.

"Yes."

"Well, I'm about to go talk to Bachdion about our trip, I thought you might like to come along."

August seems..... extra sorrowful. " Yes, I should. Thank you."

Velvet bows low

Her smile slips away. "What's wrong? You...oh, Velvet, I didn't see you."

"thank you for the compliment, baroness" She seems down

"Squire, you may speak with the Baroness and tell her what you have told me."

A puzzled look. "Velvet?" Encouraging.