#scarsdale

He flushes a bit and mutters, "Every sluagh I know has been warned about drinking the water..."

"You would do well to respect the ladies there - Miss Thirteen of the Rafters, and Sister Sinistre of the library."

He nods, his adams apple bobbing nervously in scrawny throat. Apparently warnings on being polite to those two, at least, were direly impressed upon him.

"Still. From Firnost, to Earth Runes. And there, my library."

"There are mystical as well as mundane books. A good place for research, not just pleasure."

"Certainly, it would be nice to visit. Rivervale is nice, and all... but, it is just so..." A formless shrug, and he attempts, "Big, sometimes."

"Seemed right sized to me," Clem says

Earl nudges his cousin 'Stop that"

Clem smirks "Sorry"

She nods. "I understand. Ah... if you ever have a chance to see a hold held by our kith, do embrace it. It's... refreshing."

"I heard there is a Countess, now..."

"A Beaumayn sluagh, aye! She is delightful."

"She does split her rule though" Earl adds

Clem rolls her eyes "Nobles."

"Very traditional. As much as... well, yes. Nobles. It is good to see respect for both courts."

He finishes his almost forgotten tea, with evident pleasure in the flavor (clumps and all). "Begging pardon, but I'll cut my interruption short and let you get back to your invited guests. My escort expressed a desire to see 'the old neighborhood', and if I'm not caught up with her soon, she's bound to, I don't know, try to crochet a pink tea cozy for the Madame or something." His expression bleakly showing that he doesn't seem to be exaggerating. "Maybe I can visit again tomorrow? It's a weekend trip." And now, a glimmer of desperate hope in that request - near enough a 'save me' as silence can say.

"I shall be here, but we are observant. You are welcome to visit."

"It was nice meeting you," Earl says

Clem nods

Vashti, for her part ponders "May your shadow be loyal"

Bronte says "Parting is such sweet sorrow" Friendly wing fan and chipper tone that doesn't go with the quote exactly

He blinks curiously at that remark - after all, aren't all sluagh observant? - but saves the question for later as he hurries to scoop Lovecraft off a table where she was about to play, "Should this be on the floor?" with a delicate porcelain teacup. "I can only hope." He remarks to Vashti, and politely gives farewells.

"Take care, Master Symon."

"Oh, and happy Friday the 13th." He gives a bit of an awkward bow, then departs - right on time, as a "Yoo-hooo...." Can just be heard coming from the sidewalk, and he intercepts before she can come over! "No, no... the party is over, mustn't be rude...." Sharp ears may hear, as they head out. (poof)

"What an interesting young man..."

Earl agrees, "I like him. He's...respectful of the customs even as he shows a bit of spine against them"

"He is a sluagh."

Clem sips "You say that like no sluagh ever has shown a lack of fire. I've seen somee that..." Clem frowns, "Well, forgive , Zara, but some are beaten things, skulking not for advantage, but out of submission. It's...wrong. But they're there."

"It is a sin to see any cousin so reduced."

"I don't much care for the Troll version of same either," Clem says sympathetically, "Listless and pretty much wallpaper for some Sidhe lord. Don't get me wrong, the Chieftain is NOTHING like that, but I've seen some thanes in other holds that..mmph. I know there are good nobles, but I don't like how Sidhe bend everyone to their culture. I lower my voice at Sluagh tea, and I expect folks to get used to high chairs in our farm. But not some sidhe. It's there way to live, to act, to..mmph" A sigh "But then, they're not the only ones guilty of that. I should remember my Dreaming quests."

"I have heard some of that - a troll island?"

"Thyle, it's..blurry, but I'm afraid they were corrupted by their own power too" She says "I sholdn't talk too much. It's..it's in better hands now."

Vashti looks interested, very.

Earl says "Some sidhe have helped the Farm. " He reminds, "Beaumayn and Scathach"

"Oh Scathach ain't noble" She says "But point" and "And of course, Sir August is a grand fellow"

"There are some exceptions amongst all kiths."

Vashti coughs "ah, while the loud tromping lad was friendly enough, he did perhaps rob me of my moment in the moonlight. Did you like your gift?" meaning the sand art that looks like a dark river drowning a fellow

She picks up the piece once more and gives it a little shake. Oh, that raspy sound is near on a cackle.

"I like it very much, yes. Look, he drowns!" She makes sure Clem and Earl can see!

"Is that..." Earl pauses, "Did you hire a nocker boy, just turned wilder? Canjun?" He admires the work

Vashti seems surprised, "A spy in my midst? Earl, Zara shall be jealous"

"Oh, this could be Bert's work..." SHe checks for a maker's mark.

It is indeed

"All the better."

"That kid is good. I'm glad he's not a painter. Heck, if he was and Sparrow charged I'd have some serious challengers." Earl admires, "Look at the way it shifts, he seems to positively flail all for naught"

Clem tisks "He should keep his head cool and not scream. That just costs him air"

A near-silent giggle and another good shake.

"I'd say she's going to enjoy it quite often" Earl says and looks to Vashti "Great idea."

Vashti blushes , and ponders "As a pooka I so often get to bring joy."

"You do! I am so glad to have met you."