#elsewhere

He nods sadly.

This was expected news.

"What about... curing disease?" tremulously.

"That's one area were mortals can be better than us, but if you get creative,.. what kind of diesase?"

"Heart disease?"

"mmm spring might help yes, certainly better than a heather balm. if it was a virus or something... you might try Status from winter. It can put anything to sleep, that includes a Virus' spread."

"-Just- the virus? Or... or whatever other malignancy might be a problem?"

"I'm not a doctor, but sure.. be like saying 'hey, you will sleep for a hundred years' to just a part of someone or something inside someone" Dylan is clearly brilliant but almost casual about it

"What about... a ... disease of the brain? Dementia?" he asks, carefully hypothetical.

"Not so sure about that... this one area where you want someone who has the art mastered, AND medical know how."

"Surely there's no Fae in Concordia with such a combination." he says a bit wistfully.

"Then maybe look outside Concordia? If I were you, I'd look into the Galation confederation... the lack of noble rule there in that part of Europe has allowed Art access to really spread"

A single blink, and he thinks about it. "The Galatian Confederation...."

"Mind you, it would still take resources. You hurting for cash my friend?"

"I... I'm comfortable." he admits a bit stiffly "I am getting by."

"I can pass the hat if you want? Won't be a lot, but we help out folks es.. we help folks out here."

"I thank you but no." firmly for such an old man "You have already done much for me."

"If you say so, Roger, but seems to be I might as well have a big question mark over my head and wait for you to right click me then it's all up to you"

"You...." the old man's eye tracks upwards to look over Dylan's head, baffled.

"Sorry, quest giver in video games. Maybe before your time. "

"Oh, a video game! Oh, no, I don't really play those."

"But you have given me a bit to think about... and hope."

"yeah, shame. They can be fun. " He offers his hand "Roger, if you need the balefire tonight, we can set you up"

"Oh...." he trails off and looks at Brenda.

"I'm good, but if you need it Roger, or want me to stay, I can arrange it"

That from Brenda

"Oh, no, thank you. I'm happy to stay with you." Roger gives Brenda a look of hopeless longing.

"Okay, we're good, Dylan" She smiles

"Yes, good. Thank you, Dylan." he offers his hand.

A handshake is done "Now you excuse me, I have to.. meet with some friends to help move some furniture"

"Of course. Be careful, though; lift with your knees."

"Always"

"keep the 'secret room' until you finish your drinks if you want" He smiles

"Oh!" the old man seems to remember he has tea, and sips it "Delicious."

"You're a sweetie, Dylan. Gonna hook you up with a friend yet"

"Frickin threats.." he says and moves out

Roger sips his tea.

"Well?" Brenda whispers "What do you think?"

"Useful information, and some ideas.... of course I don't have a name to turn to but that can come after this."

He murmurs back.

"Who's health is at risk here?" She was paying attention

A side glance, and he sips his tea; he doesn't spill it.

"Fine.. Later . Just to be safe" A finish of her own drink

"Shall we?"

"Let's... " she moves along "Open for the door for me to sell that 'crush' thing you have going"

He hops up and does just that! He follows along with her with puppy eyes.

And out they go. He over hears someone say, not meant to be overhead "Poor Roger there has it bad. Way too old for her though"

That bothers Emerson not at all, and Roger doesn't hear it.

Once they're out of ear shot "Now, who's health?"

"Let's get back to Kansas City."