#elsewhere

August wisely sips his tea.

"I heard a story about the old baron and some friends," Fahdalia says "A quest to forestall darkness?"

"Do tell?" Jack wipes his bar

"Yes, long long ago, but you know how it is with Eiluned stories. You can never be sure which way is up in the telling" She smiles

Novem settles in atop a brandy glass, listening to the stories.

"That's right," Jack nods "You can never be sure. So why muddle things with speculation? Can I top your drink for you?"

Fahdalia makes a nose wrinkle that must have been adorable decades ago, and is still somewhat endearing

"What if I were to tell you, a story of a harem frozen in time, eager to reward the first man or woman who came upon them... in exchange for your former Baron's story?" She offers

"Well, now that the basic set up is know, I can write my own imagination ticket onn that one.. and thank you" Jack grins earthily

August ducks his head.

"Your friend is likable but irritating, Baron" Fahdalia smiles at August "But he's also a good brewer"

"He is. Ah, I have that on good authority." honest to a fault.

"Didnn't have to agree with the irritating part, August" But Jack smirks

"I meant about brewing, Jack, my apologies."

"Oh, a character flaw makes folks interesting" the eshu chuckles, then "There's a spider on you wine glass over there"

Jack looks over "Oh? I don't pester spiders here. For one, they keep the mosquito population down"

Novem waggles her pedipalps at Jack, friendly-like!

"Speakinn of which" the grump Satyr nnods to the spider "good work on getting rid of those gnats in the garden i that was you and your sibs? Those annoy me greatly. Walk right into every time"

"My word, well, this brings to mind old Annasi stories" The Book mobile driver smiles

Novem preens. The sisters can be a bit vain.

August looks at the glass, then stands and moves to examine closer.

"Ah."

He retakes his seat.

"Now, this is a story," Fahdalia says "of how Annasi got all the stories...and then scattered them to the world"

and she tells the tale, of tthe Sky god hoarding the stories... of Annasi 's cunning and trickery, and how his overconfidence almost got him crushed more than once, but in the end... he freed the stories andn was entrusted with them when the Sky God realized stories were good to share

Novem might be biased in her enjoyment

Shamelessly.

August applauds softly at the end. "Another for the lady please, Jack." indicating it should go on his own tab.

Jack nods "You got it. And.. nice story. Fahdelia, you sure you don't want to stick around a bit longer?"

"Books won't deliver themselves, Jack" She takes the refill then a toast to August "Many thanks"

"You're certainly welcome.... ah, are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow.." She sips "I'm toasty rigght now and I do not drink and drive"

August smiles. "I'm happy to hear it. And, happy to escort you to your room, when you are ready."

"You're very kind, Baron" She smiles "But I feel I'm stealing you away rom duties. Are you sure?"

"I am. Your charge is well cared for and healing." he assures.

"Lovely girl" The eshu nods "Thank you for looking after her"

"Both an honor and a privilege."

"Baron....."S he blinks "'m sorry, I almost nodded off. Maybe an escort would be wise"

August slides to his feet, standing, and offers his arm. "Allow me."

"Jack, thank you. Please put it all on my account?"

She takes it "Charmed"

"not a problem, August. I enjoyed her company"

He nods to Jack, and takes the lady to her room, through the halls of the manor.

They might pass near the bale... where two folks are having tea

********