#kc_necropolis

"He is," Then she adds, "Take a bow for that"

"Well, he's easy to keep happy. I'm sure I'm the prickleburr of the pair."

"Ha, well, sometimes that's a fun thing to be. We can't let our men get complacent, or they'd never have any adventure in their liives" A wink

An impish look. "Also true."

a chuckle

"How far have you gotten in your chicanry?"

"I can hide aught, but not alter memories..."

"If you need lessons, talk to me. Though I suspect you may already have found a mentor. "

"No learning is ever wasted, mind."

A smile, "Good. I also teach dancing"

She blushes. "I don't know about that."

"private lessons and I can be discrete"

"I don't like big crowds..."

"Mmm I like crowds. But the most of my crowds are audiences. Don't worry, you can dance just for him"

She blushes again. "Well... that might be nice."

"Thank you, Zara. I do like a chance to pass on the arts in one form or another."

"It.." She looks for the right word, "Makes me feel like I'm sharing something wonderful"

"With Earl, I have a lot of catching up to do."

A smile. "You are a wonderful artist. I much enjoy your music."

"I would be hurt if you didn't. Ego and pride and all. I understand you ply the violin, very softly I imagine?"

"At a regular volume, but to very small audiences."

She nods, "Folks who you love enough to share with. That's a special sort of music indeed' Approving "Good. You're becoming quite the cat, kitten, and I'm glad you're remembering soft purrs and happy meows are as much a part of it as claws. Balance"

"...thank you?"

A laugh "Yes, wlel, ,as long as I don't come across as too patronizing. I worry I might. Come now, let's talk shop. Wwant to hear some secrets about Rivervale?"

Her eyes widen and she nods. "I've been there... all trolls!"

"Well, it turns out, according to sources.... " She fills her in on the results of more trolls coming in from the sea trip, and how the Chieftain and Moutnain have a daughter. She further fills in on how it would appear one of the new trolls is adopting another troll girl... "I think they may need a bigger lodge, and they just got it expanded not long ago"

"A dreaming-borne daughter? With a body?"

"Now that's a mystery, yes?" In a 'thought you'd enjoy that' nod

"Fascinating. I would very much like to examine her..."

"Well maybe word it differently? Trolls are protective , as you know"

"Oh, right, right... I mean, I'm not a ghoul... but to see how she works! Can you imagine?"

"There are rumors of non sidhe who managed to get on the great paths before the shattering. Or maybe she's new. I think that might be very interesting indeed"

"How exciting! They do not care for me overmuch - I think my kith more than anything - but.. Earl..."

"Well dear, you sluagh as a rule do have your own wways, and we others, as a rule, don't always understand the fine points"

She nods. "Every kth has their mysteries. But, I have found, they also elevate beyond their stereotypes."

"Yes," She says "Both you and Earl are proof of that."

She ducks her head. "You are kind"

"I am trying" She says "Pardon dear, I ..got distracted theree for a bit. I'm missing Emerson already. Silly, but therre you go. "

"Well, the note. I should not continue to pester you... and.. well.. I have my own partner to seek."

"You don't pester anyone dear, I'm just being poor hostess. I'll make it up to you proper sometime" She rises "Say hello to Earl for me, please. His art continues to draw praise at the club"

"Of course, Miss CC."

"Thank you, Zara. Mmm won't be able to call you Kitten for much longer. hold onto as many lives as you can, sweet girl. If you're tangling with Balor? You'll need all nine" And she wishes the girl well

"Noted, Miss CC. I'll try."

A smile and... end scene