#kc_necropolis

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August is texting with Coradel between homework, when his phone rings

He picks it up. "Hello, this is August."

"Hi, August. This is Jude. Sorry to bother you, but is there some reason Zara Scwhartz would be spying on my freehold?"

"Wha...What?" Utterly startled. "Cou... that is, sir, I, ah... Zara?"

"Right. I know a few languages, that wasn't one of them. Try that again in English?"

"Zara?" he tries again "I'm sorry, sir, but.... spying on Ardent Harbor? I don't know..." He sounds scattered. "I saw her the other day and... is she in trouble? Is she ok?" Intently worried.

"Oh I assume she's fine. She slipped away ... when I sent a knight to invite her to talk about things. Found a friend of hers though. 8 legs. Kind of cute. Seems to be demanding a blindfold and cigarette?"

"1122? Oh no, they're never apart.... I can come get him?" He offers. "He's harmless, really."

"He's my only witness to what the heck is going on"

"I'm sure it's nothing, sir, Zara just likes to wander and get into places. She's curious."

"August...you said you talked to her the other day. What did you talk to her about?"

A slight pause. "We're friends, sir, we talk. Ah. I, ah...." hesitation ".... we talk."

"Right." A sigh "You know, maybe I should talk to her parents. I'm sure I can find a number....."

"They're kin, sir, very aware and all but... not.....us."

"Does she have ANY Kithian family?"

Another pause. "She has.... Uncles."

"What kith?"

"Nockers." Reluctantly. "Sir, has she done anything wrong? I'll answer for it."

"Well, most folks consider SPYING on you wrong. It might be spying except she decided to go by the name, Esther instead of telling me the real one. Only the fact Duke Tierone came here sealed for me who she was. It's my first time meeting her. August, You're not going to answer for what she did. She's her own person. Now, unless you can tell me what you and she talked about then I'm not sure how you can help"

"Did you swear an oath of secrecy or something?"

"No sir. But Zara's my best friend and she doesn't share secrets lightly and I respect that about her and I don't know why she was there but she must have had a reason even if it was just simple curiousity and I don't want to say anything in case she would feel it's a secret."

"August, did YOU mention me to her? Because in order to be curious about me, she'd have to have something prick that curiosity"

"Not necessarily, sir, she gets curious about random stuff... but... yes, sir, I did." Still reluctant.

"Oh dear. August, you do realize that if she was not on record as helping against Ravagers and the like, I would be a lot ore worried and yes even annoyed than I am?"

"Yes, sir." Quietly.

"You are vouching for her?"

"Yes, sir." Firmly. "With my life."

"Well, you're a good man and I like to think you don't say words like that lightly. Fine. I'm not sure what she wanted to learn from me, but she has come close to house secrets that franky we don't need out among non members, but if you trust her... so be it. As for this little spider. Frankly he's adorable. I think he's demanding right to fight for his freedom in an arena. He wants his choice of theme music."

"We'll handle things from here, August. And I appreciate you speaking on her behalf. Enjoy your studies, or your lovely lady, or both. Goodnight"

"Sir, I... " a difficult pause "Yes, sir. Please let me know if I can come get 1122. I.... Yes, sir. Goodnight."

"Don't worry about it, I wouldn't harm a bristle on his legs . " and hang up

Leaving August back to his status quo... you know, because he'll TOTALLy be able to study now

(end Scene)