#rescuemiriam

And...surreptitiously, she checks that she has her bangle bracelets and her Truthbranch brooch. Piskies, after all.

August takes the cloak and swings it over his own shoulders.

Coradel may sigh. Her broach is missing.

"You dropped this" Lonnie says handing it over

August is busy adjusting his backpack under the cloak.

"Thank you, Lonnie. I don't suppose August might have...dropped anything?"

"Hm?" He hears his name.

"This maybe" The other piskie says, returning August a pen/quill "You should be careful. I hear there are sluagh that steal these things"

Coradel's eyes linger on the pen as it's returned.

August looks it over and nods. "Thank you. I would have hated to lose this. I wonder how it got out of my pack...." He shrugs it off again and tucks the implement away carefully.

"And...Caspian?"

"Oh, "ive got everything" Caspian says.

And it would appear he does.

"The bridge with the birds of prey, then?" He looks at the other too.

"Yes...let's go." She offers him a bit of a smile.

He nods, and gestures for Caspian to lead the way, then Coradel.

And they move... ambling along at the speed of plot

A fractional hesitation, then she moves to follow Caspian.

They travel... meeting some odd folks. ... a troll is arguing with a nocker "For the last time... putting ingress 'portals' in the Dreaming, even the Near Dreaming is a bad idea" "Furk that, it's perfect for it..." /// A satyr is walking with a Clurichaun (Not the same one) "So apparently they're looking for a troubadour. Big contest on Imbolc"// A Dalmation pooka with a fireman's hat nods to them.

"I wonder if that's about EarthRunes, that bit about the troubador," Coradel mentions to the others. "Deryn and I discussed the idea, a day or so before we left."

"You're hiring? Huh,"Caspian ponders "Oh,no, family would be like to disown me."

August keeps his eyes peeled for the bridge when not glancing to check behind them, and his ears sharp.

They move on and.... only an hour or so later, they see the bridge. They're grateful for the coats, because the snow is coming down in buckets. Still white though. Many birds of prey statues adorn the bridge.

"Well, Deryn pointed out that EarthRunes doesn't currently have a troubador, and...we need one. We need stories more than secrets."

She blinks through the storm at the statues. "She said to treat them kindly, right?"

"It used to be Eiluned yes? Mmm don't jar the poor hold too much"

August nods. "Yes. Kindly."

Coradel pauses before stepping on the bridge, then curtsies. She calls out through the falling snow, "May we cross your bridge?"

One of the statues, a great eagle turns, Is eyes turning yellow "How kind of you to ask." A Kestrel agrees, "So few do."

A quick smile flashes across his lips.

Coradel smiles. "Is that a yes?"

"Oh yes, they mean yes" A feminine voiced Hawk says "I don't suppose any of you have a mouse on you? or rabbit? Even in Dreaming snow storms reduce the mouse and rabbit population."

"And voles. I would kill for a juicy voile...in fact, I'd have to" the Eagle says

August swings his pack forward and takes the tablecloth out, opening it carefully......

Coradel's about to apologize for a lack of vermin...but then August is brilliant, and she beams at him.

A feast appears, suited for the guests. So.. uhm.. there are rat sandwiches, mice corpses on cheese slices, and even a vole or two with jam filling

"Ah. Well. Yes, we do have some. They are... garnished. Is that ok?"

Coradel points out to the Eagle, "You won't have to kill this time."

"Oh yes.. let's eat" the Kestrel cries. //"HEM... first," The Owl says, "Let us say thanks." /Groans ensue, but they all gather and bow their heads "Our Feather, who flies in heaven, huge be thy wings. Thy Skydom rise, in low ravines as it art above in mountains. Give us this day our daily kill or carrion, and let us forgive those who are not blessed with flight as they forgive us for..well, being awesome. In Keeaaaaayah's cry, Amen"

August's head automatically bows, and he crosses himself after joining in "Amen."

Not having a religious upbringing, she merely listens with interest.

Then they swarm in! It's..well, not pretty. Birds are lovely inflight, not so great in feasting

August folds the blanket back up and stows it carefully.

Coradel's not squeamish, so she doesn't mind watching their...enthusiasm.

Soon enough, they've finished. Eagle gets a glare for eatting one of the jam filled voles before poor Falcon could move... but hey. they turn and began to "thank you so much" "Oh my Keeeyaah, that was SO good" "Loved the cheese? Is that weird? I didn't htink we could eat that" "Maybe you'll blow up and die?" "No no, that's antacids"

"May we pass?" He asks politely.

"Oh surely." "Yes, is that all you want? " "Does feel like we owe you more for that generous meal."

He glances at Coradel.

She nods to him, then addresses the birds. "Well...your advice would be welcome as well, if you feel there is any you can give. We're seeking the River Ethel."

They have a bit of a flock talk, and then compare notes.