#kc_necropolis

"Oh.... yes, I suspect so."

"I... live between seasons, I think. Perhaps my nature? Nockers and Sluagh are not so akin."

He nods. "I would be happy to provide any resources you like for this endeavor."

She nods, frowning slightly. "I must think on this - one doesn't just plunge blindly into the Dream, as a rule."

"Of course." Sip.

"I know some Eshu, of course, but have quested without them."

"Did you want an eshu?" Politely curious. "I can make some calls."

"It would need to be the right one. They can be... well. Eshu."

He smiles. "A bit of Soothsay would assist that."

"There is that, true."

"You'll consider the idea, then? If not a quest, at least some help learning balance?"

She nods. "I like Magdalena - all of her, so to speak."

"You've seen both sides, then? I think I've only seen the Seelie side."

"Her winter coat is free-spirited... does not much care for restraint, to say the least."

"Hm." He thinks about this, chuckles. "Yes."

A sudden flash of that same storm-cloud in her eyes. "I am glad that he never got his hands on her."

A sip, and thoughtfulness. Then he says. "In a very real way... he's had a grip on her for years. Still does."

"I can understand that, aye. But.... there are worse possibilities than that."

"Yes."

He rouses himself. "Miss Zara, I did not mean to turn a pleasant afternoon so dark. Forgive me."

"Nothing to forgive, no. I would help her. See what may be done. She cannot live, torn in two."

"And if you have need of anything, at all, you will be in touch with me." Avuncular insistance.

A soft chuff of laughter. "Aye. Certainly."

"You do make the best babka..."

A pause. "You mustn't tell Mama that."

"I wouldn't dream of it." He assures her.

"Discretion is of the utmost importance, aye." Grey lips tug into a lopsided grin.

"I think we both understand that."

"Perhaps that is why I am so fond of your company?"

"Well, it certainly isn't my tall good looks or artistic ability." Wryly.

"Oh, no, I am afraid those criteria are already taken..."

He chuckles.

She shimmers faintly, a much softer smile this time.

He tuts.

"There was a time, when I was more... active... that I would warn those I mentored to avoid situations like the one you are in. Oh, causal flirtations, perhaps, even vigorous.... well. But a real emotional investment? It's a weakness to be exploited." Sip. "Of course, that was years ago."

"Well, Ice would agree. But I am not Ice."

He sighs, disappointed. "Do you see him much, these days?"

"Atimes, of course."

He nods.

"Same here."

"I suspect our interests simply... differed."

"Miss CC wouldn't mind me sharing, I think, that we both feel he has great potential. He has all the tools he needs to achieve his goals... but he chooses to chase down paths that will lead him....." Sip.

"He chooses paths that please him."

"I suppose you are correct. He's not fooling his mother, I know that."

"Not much fools her."

He chuckles. "No, indeed."

And they chat through the rest of the Tea, of matters consequential and non. He draws her out about her adventures, as much as she will share, and tells her about Fiji! (End)