#fenixtj

She listens intently, then says "It is true then that the bee child is the chosen one. Poor child to carry such a burden"

"It seems to be the case." Jessica admits "No matter who it might be, though, I would wish to protect them."

"Some would just let prophecy unfold, either the child is the chosen one, and will win, or she is not , and someone else will rise. That is how fairy tales work" She opines

Jess's lips twist upwards. "Chosen ones have fairy godmothers.... and elder mentors."

That gets a weak wheezy , but approving , chuckle "Well said. And a truth. One cannot push the power of the fairy tale then shy from their role, mmm? Your boys, they tell me of you caring for them too. Chosen or not. It is possible I can help you against some of this swarm, but the best thing is for me to help you help the chosen."

In the other table, Ahpuch pokes at a bug crawling on the table, as if checking to see if it is a spy

"I would be honored to have your assistance."

"May one ask if this is to be a complete charity on my part?"

"One may; I trust you'll allow me to compensate you appropriately."

"The childlings tell me your word is as good as a mad woman's golden arm" She says "Very well, the swarm is not here yet. It is a threat looming, and all you have met so far , mere shadows. But along a tarnished trod, there is a path to something that will aid the chosen one. If you wish, you can seek it on her behalf, risk the dangers, and bring it back to her"

"A tarnished trod.... Balor-held?"

"Oh, no one 'holds' it, and few know of it, but if anyone tries to claim it, it would be a Balor or perhaps one of your Rovers. It is open a small fraction of the time, two days from now, two minutes past the sunset, it will open..for less than a minute, then close again.. at least on this side. It is to the sinster side of an old church archway.... you may already know the one. From there..."

She sips

Then continues "Once on that tarnished trod, you should listen for the croaking. "

"Two days from now, two minutes past sunset, open less than a minute, sinister side of the old church archway, listen for croaking."

"Yes... you won't be safe" She warns "But then, if you manage, you'll find something to help the chosen work... miracles"

The boys are listening in while trying to look like they're NOT listening in

"There are others who might wish to take this quest, and how have stronger standing than I do for it."

"And yet, you are the one who has been given the knowledge and the quest it speaks of. If you do not go... it may not go as well"

"Mmm. I will speak with them about it."

"As you wish," She sips "But I have traded knowledge to you, not anyone else. And the dreaming watches us all. keep the circle small"

The boys SIP their tea

"I would include the child's parents."

"Parents don't fare well in fairytales. On the other hand, Mrs. and Mister Necropolis are... formidable. Do as you will, Senorita. You are a creature of conscience as well as duty. That is your role in any tale I suspect"

"I want them to know, at least. Have a say."