#odyssey

She takes the offered arm, head tilting a bit with curiosity.

"Zara, did you by chance see Baroness Rathbone's expression, or notice anything about her, when I mentioned Lord Nathair?"

"She frowned - what she hoped he would do if he had, I know not."

August nods. "I didn't like to telegraph any intentions on my part in speaking his name aloud. I knew you would notice any change in her. Thank you." And that seems to be it?

(Unless Zara has more?)
August returns to see how Miss Softplum is doing.

Miss Softplum looks up "I don't sense the same glamour on him, I don't believe his affections were toyed with magically."

He nods. "Lord Nathair, I am Baron August Truthbranch. I represent the interests of Goodfae Darespark. Would you be willing to answer a few questions?"

"From a liam? Ugh" he sighs

"I will take that as a reluctant yes, and your reluctance is noted." August, in fact, makes a note. "I was present when you drew Cold Iron in the Duke's presence and at his table. I wish to make note of that, and have it witness by these present.Was Goodfae Darespark aware of your plans?"

"Darespark is an idiot save in areas of crafting, as are most nockers" a snort

Zara studies Nathair.

"Was Goodfae Darespark aware of your plans?" August asks patiently.

"No, she was not aware of my plans"

Zara may wonder if Nathair is a Paler himself, but he does not quite fit the look. That said, she notices a small part of a tattoo that reminds her of one of the palers.

"Thank you." he notes the answer "You may be called on to repeat your answer before the Duke."

She tilts her head.

"I hope the Duke and his heir wither in pain"

Zara has seen that tattoo one of the Paler spawn...wore it. JUST that one.

Matching tattoos? A lover?

August nods placidly "I will note that as well." He closes his notepad after doing so. "Does anyone have anything else?" he asks the ladies and all.

A small frown.

"May I see his forearm?" A soft whisper, only loud enough for August to hear.

Softplum asks "Why do you hate Dougal so?"

"I had to pretend to be one for years" he osbserves

"And why do you hate Miss Zara?" The boggan says "I've been staring you. You loathe her, and she barely knows you"

"I suspect he knows me, Goodfae Softplum."

"Lord Nathair, expose both of your forearms, please." firmly.

"After all, someone saw fit to slander me, by name, upon my arrival."

Zara touches August's arm, a soft gesture of thanks.

He exposes them... and looks at Zara "What can I say? Blaming you was one way to avenge one who was close to me, AND keep you out of my hair. It worked too. You were helpless. Never forget that. I used others to trap and contain you, ingrateful spawnling"

Softplum looks confused "I don't know what he's talking about, but he really does hate you, Miss Zara"

"Nathair, please. Was I helpless?" Oh, that smile drips with sugar-sweet poison that would make Coradel proud.

August blinks.

For a moment, Nathair looks less sure "You had to have help"

"Nathair, I am Zara Manynames. And I am here. Where, pray, is Paler?"

THAT struck home, and he snaps at her "WITCH!"

"Aye. I am." A steady, challenging stare.

"You are becoming too famous, Zara Manynames. I've spread word of you, your image. Soon you'll be known no matter what name you use, open and exposed!"

"If any would believe it, the ravings of a madman. Cold iron addles the wits, I suppose."

"Have care." August says mildly to Nathair "Have care of your tone and words."

"I think we're done here, don't you?" Softplum suggests

"But... thank you, for the confession. Though your frame job is but one crime amongst many. You should be grateful of your failures, for that lack of success may grant you some clemency."

"Aye. August?"

"I think we are done, yes." He seconds, then responds "Yes, Zara?"

A small smile for him. "Let's go, yes."

The Balor HOWLS as loud as he can, it doessn't matter what he says, as long as it might hurt Zara's ears

Her expression tightens around her eyes - it hurts, but she doesn't want to give him the satisfaction of a wince.

And so she does not. And they depart. Her ears ringing, but HE will never be sure of that.

Once outside, out of sight, then she allows herself to curl inwards.

Softplum puts a hand on the sluagh's arm "You okay, dear? You don't know me but, well, that was brave"