#elsewhere

"Baron August did inquire about an expert in sidhe souls, knowing my interest he asked.. and i did inform him I had a contact. hower, in naming said contact it appears i am now forbidden to interact with others and must curb my activities despite this contact being by my word, a neutral party"

Coradel listens, then looks to August. "Why?"

"Dark Kin."

Her eyes widen. "Squire...can there truly be such a thing as neutral Dark Kin?"

"Yes, indeed, three adhene groupings in fact. They are NOT thallian"

a bit of a betrayed look

A puzzled look. She gracefully settles in a chair. "Tell me more."

"When the war of the trees arose between the Fomorians, and those that sides with the tuatha... there were those who stood aloof from the burgeoning hostilities. The keremet and the moirae, both of whom had long filled a unique role in human and fae destiny, observed a studied neutrality . This is one reason those two may walk the silver just as kithain do"

"I suppose...I have heard of them, but have not thought of them as among the Dark Kin exactly. As you say, they're different from the Thallain. But...you mentioned a third group?"

"That .. I do not remember.. but the contact is a Keremet and I have already said more than any decent sluagh of my knowledge for free. I shal lbe disgraced" A pout

"We will not speak of it, Velvet." gently.

Coradel mimics the gesture she's seen both Velvet and Zara make, her hand splayed delicately over her heart. "I am deeply honored that you would find us worthy of sharing this. And no, of course we won't repeat it."

A look to August. "If she already has the contact, and is secure in her safety in making contact..."

"If." he ....agrees.

Vevelt looks touched at the gesture, then says "thank you, Baroness"

"Well, that seems to be the case, doesn't it? But I understand August's caution in this case, Velvet. He would be mortified if something were to happen to you."

"of course, baroness, but I've survived the last three teas with the man."

A curious tilt of her head. "If you hadn't survived, how would we have learned of your demise?"

"miss zara would uncover it I'm sure" confident

A grin. "Of course." She looks to August.

"I did not want to burden Miss Zara with the discovery."

"Miss Zara is a sluagh, she knows death happens"

"Yes."

"Of course death happens. However, your death would be a significant distraction."

"what a flattering thing to say" she smiles toothlessly

"Well, I mean it. Still, can you say with confidence that you do not anticipate significant risk in further contact with this Dark Kin?"

" I can." She says "Certainly less risk than he himself takes"

"His risk? From other Dark Kin?"

"His main threat is from ignorant kithain who assume all 'Dark Kin' are the same, begging your pardon" She says "But yes, there are some Dark Kin who would consider him a leak"

A little frown. "After that slight, I may rethink my earlier kind words. But I understand your point."

"If I may?"

"Of course. I'm the one who is intruding on the conversation."

"He himself who?"

"I did not mean it as such,lady but it is hard to find the .." A pause "Pardon, Baron? My contact"

"Yes, but I understand if you do not wish to say."

"I believe the Baron is asking for a name, Squire."

"Oh. I do not wish to say. I began vague for a reason, my lord. " neverous "You see if word gets out I am so open... I know you say no one will find out, but, well, to use Miss Zara's term.. a shanda"

"I would never press you so, Velvet."

"At the same time.... I must, on my own account, be assured."

"Should he be willing to talk to you directly, Baron then I know names, at least use names, would be required"

"I thank you for that."

"May I ask, for now and forward, you do not bring Adam's situation..... to light of interest?"

Coradel listens and nods. But then she blinks. "This is about Adam?"

"To some extent."

"I.. you do not wish me to .." the sluagh looks confused "Why am I doing this if I'm not allowed to ask questions about his unique situation"

August exhales, slowly and without judgement "If another, a titled noble, were to ask questions about you and yours?"

"I suppose I would be worried" She admits

"Let me learn, then."

"I fear he may nto show for you with no information to go on" She says

Coradel looks between the two of them. "Is the idea to have Velvet seek the information, or for you, August, to speak with the Dark Kin?"