#kc_necropolis

She nods. "Pardon. Aye. So... a slaver ring, then. Or... a rivalry?"

"New York and Scarsdale, but mostly the city. They took her, but not me. I do not believe this was Paler's work."

"Paler?"

"Arawn Paler." Her face twists. "The spy in the Hollow's court. "

He takes a black notebook from his pocket and makes several notes.

Then purses his lips and taps the notebook with his fountain pen, thinking. "Hmmph."

"He is an enemy. My enemy. But I do not know yet if he is to blame for what befell Miriam."

"He is all the worst of that kith and house. I hate him."

An absent nod. "Well. Can't be helped." To himself. He looks back to Zara. "I will go mining." He agrees.

"What can't be helped?"

"Mmm? Oh, nothing. A personal concern, nothing to do with business." A smile.

"...Aye..." She exhales, closing her eyes. "Pardon, for my display."

"But... find you this a fair deal?"

"I do." He offers his hand.

She reaches out to take it.

They shake, unless she has other plans.

"Thank you, Mister STodgepole."

"Most welcome, Miss Zara."

A bit more small talk, polite, to round out the tea - thanks and promises to meet again, of course - before Zara departs.