#elsewhere

"Oh, is the kid there? He spent some time up at home. Citrine likes him."

"Connor ? Yeah... a lot of times he is. Great kid" A nod

"if you're looking for other nockers to confab with, Margalita is one of my wife's and my wards. Her deal is explosives and projectiles... but she's remarkably creative in making it constructive"

"Explosives can be fun. Did some experiments...."

is there a nocker who hasn't? but he doesn't discourage her. Indeed his kenning indicating that it's not any device that's drawing the chimera, it's the girl. And Lovecraft confirmed it

"What sort?"

"Fireworks, mostly. I mean, they're painting with color AND fire!"

Vali feels a tickle, the little blue never is exploring his horns.

"Yeah, Margalita went nuts with the fireworks" He grins "Good stuff. Had one that broke up ahead into the shape of the Big Dipper"

"Cool! Art would love that."

"I mean, he's kind of Star-Bear themed, anyways."

His eyes roll up "They'e not that interesting, little one, but fine. I do like your color though" then to her "Oh yeah, Art is a big astronomy buff. He used to ask me about stargazing as a bunk. It's time consuming but quite effective"

"He's good at it. We're gonna make a starship."

"You two need to go visit Skyhook sometime"

"Which DOES involve firework. Ha. I think technically we're not human but what's more speakin' of humanity than strapping yourself to an explosion and hurling yourself into Space? I bet aliens do weird stuff with theoretical physics."

"Skyhook?"

"It's in the County of Renaissance in the city of Tijuana. Skyhook hold is run by a Nocker named Tweak. It was once a hold ruled by this uber seelie jerk hole noble who shamed himself and was deposed... long story there. But Tweak took over it and converted it to it's original dream. See the area did construction at one time for Astronaut helmets and other equipment design and production. Now it's dream is exploration of space and flight and more. They've got skyships, drones, alternative energy research"

"No shit! We can do trods now, we should go!"

"Not TJ can be a dangerous city, but that aside..well...it could be fun. I do have to tell you the Skyhook crew are not friendly per se. You have to have a thick skin to put up with Tweak and Necropsis"

"I'm a Nocker."

"I suspected" he says with a smile "But Necrospis is a pooka whose lies are venomous and Tweak is... well, she prefers the title Mama Captaz and she takes very liittle shit. That said, if you can impress her, you're impressing someone who even Sir Franklin respects"

"Right, the Boss Lady has mentioned him."

"Oh that's right, Baroness Nadeen would fill you in" He has moved deeper into the yard and near the entry so he doesn't have to risk being overheard by mortals as much "How's she doing by the way?"

"Good?" She shrugs.

"It's summer, so she's in charge."

A mental note was made. He didn't realize they'd started that policy. "I'm glad she's well. You wouldn't believe this, but I remember when she was newly arrived and very confused why the world wasn't bending to her will. It would rain on her, and when she told it to stop? It didn't. I actually over heard her say that the clouds treachery would be remembered'"

"I dunno, the rain might stop on her word at home. She's done some impressive magic shit with storms. The was this Spriggan?"

"Yeah?" He's curious "Tell me about it?" He gestures to the door "And can we go inside? Getting a bit warm"

"Sure!" And so Vali hears about the Spriggan who tried to kidnap her brother, and other fun adventures!

ANd Vali listens

and if asked, shares what he knows of Skyhook

(End scene)