#fenixtj

And should Ellie peek after, she might hear a whisper "now young countess, my people are private you know that... though if one were to bring tea to my door, I couldn't refuse them could I?"

Little feet running off!

And he settles in expecting he might get tea

Indeed, there is a knock.

The door opens after a moment and the grump peers out "mm why, what a surprise. company?"

Ellie holds a tray - tea, yes... and cocoa.

"Hola."

"Hola... I am Miser Viggo. And you are?"

"I am Countess Eleanor Hyacinth du Violette ni Beaumayn."

"Charmed" He bows low "Here, allow me to take that and put it on the table? If you care to join me?"

"Could I please? Thank you."

He takes it "Most welcome" and he settles the tray down then pulls a chair for her "to what do I owe the honor, Countess?"

"Well, you are visiting. And tea is nice for visitors." She sits, her feet swinging a bit above the floor.

"how very hospitable. Please forgive me if I am not my usual self. A night by the fire will do me good. but company wonn't stop that. Your Countess jessica is a very nice woman"

Ellie nods. "Jessica is very nice, and very interested in protecting her people."

"Just so. I know of her legends, of course. of how the Mad Baroness Rathbone was a tyrant.. and sought to use innocent pooka for a foul spell"

"We have lots of pooka. We just got a new one!"

"Oh? How lovely who?"

He asks also "marshmellows?"

As if one might ask if they'd like sugar

"Marshmallows are delightful. Yes, please."

A sprink of the fresh marshmellows with a small clean spoon .

"She likes to be called Kit. She's a fox. Bad people tried to hurt her, but Sir Jack stopped them. She was scared, though, and had nightmares when she changed."

"A new Chrysliad is a blessing.. and Sir Jack is to be commended" A nod "now you have given me knowledge. traditionaly, over tea and hot coco, a sluagh might give knowledge back. What sort of thing interests you?"

"Do you travel about the area? Would you know about places to the North East?"

"I have traveled though I'm no eshu " he says "I do know a little about the north east"

"Have you seen any schools with teachers who are... nightmares?" She produces a drawing.

He stops, then says "there is a private school at..a small thatched building where a sterile white sign flaps in the wind nnow and then... and there is a bell with no clapper. It is said to be safe for no changeling. I am a teacher myself, but I do not think that is the school for you"

She bites on her lip and nods.

"Could you draw me a map to it? I know lots of things."

"beaumayn..." A frown "The countess jessica might not appreciate this... do you have a pencil and paper?"

"this is a very big request you make, little one. i may ask for a favor later"

Ellie nods. "I understand. But... something must be done, for the kids there."

"It is a bad place."

Ellie has... well, crayons and paper.

"Shall I just write the directions instead?" He tilts his head curiously "Might be more accurae than a map"

FROWN.

"I think a map would be better, if you please."

"I see.." He nnods at the frown and he starts to draw, and when the drawinng begins to look like her dreams ? her heart leaps... and perhaps dreads.

And he mostly uses the gray crayon. Very fitting

"Oh..." She fusses a little. "That looks right, yes."

"I wish you had asked for some other knowledge" he confesses

"I am sorry. But the dreams won't stop, I must do something."

"perhaps tell an adult?"

"You are an adult."

"Ah, so I am" the sluah says "touche"

"Won't it be better when the bad people are stopped?"

"If they are stopped IF. But yes it will be better" He sips "Now, I want you to bring dross with you if you go.. and plans in case you get captured."

"I won't go alone. Salma wouldn't allow it."

"Wise..very wise" Viggo says "Shall we talk more of this? Or more pleasant things?" He asks