#scarsdale

Zara has been busy in her own way, August needs tending now and then, he's almost troll like in that. Earl has tried to give her space, then show up and spoil her. Zara can see the balancing act he's doing, or trying to do. He gives her her private time, then other times shows up. He shows her his latest works, but also offers to watch Bronte if she needs to go out to high tea privately.

And, of course, on the best days Zara sneaks off to watch him paint - adoring in silence.

Despite the fact her lover is a perceptive (for a troll) type, she does enjoy the fact that when she chooses, she can observe him for quite sometime before he realizes.

It is a thrill, perhaps one particular to her kith.

So it is odd to find out someone, stationed outside the ward no less, of her home. A sidhe, wanting to see her..regarding Earl?

Dark eyes glare at the most unwelcome visitor from behind the glass.

She knows quite a few sidhe, some well, some barely. This one? Not at all. He does not wear the gold and black at least, not that sidhe are required to color code them for one's convenience. "A moment of your time, Miss Zara?" Odd, Tawny is a rare color for the sidhe to wear- and it fits most heraldry not at all

She opens the door, standing inside the threshold. She does not invite him in. "You have the advantage of me. Mister....?" An arched eyebrow, and the impression that somewhere, proper etiquette was breached.

"Nanos, and I apologize for the intrusion, but as is often the case with your kith, you have knowledge I would like to possess- In this case, are you aware where Sir Earl DeBuke might be? I have a dealing to discuss with him."

That arched eyebrow. "And who are you to demand, of me?"

"Demand? No. Ask. Perhaps pay?"

"Why do you seek the troll?"

"To converse with him, of course." He says

"Of course, he says."

"You are said to be a very good friend to Sir Earl. I had hoped, with his abscence from his apartment, you might be able to assist me. If knowledge is a payment you wish for your knowledge, I can deal in that too I suppose"

"I would know why you seek him. A true answer, not a facetious one."

"Ah, true answers are all we can hope for. without revealing all details , while still giving the gist. He has an item in his possession, one I wish to parley for."

"I see."

"It is recently in his keeping, but is of great interest to me. I am willing to reward him handsomely for it. It is...not his by rights but a generous finder's fee is no matter."

"And you think you have a right to it? Why?"

"An older claim"

"Aye? And proof of it?"

"For his eyes, aye" The man says

"So, you would seek to take it from him - that which he freely found, unclaimed?"

He muses "No. He would be compensated as I said."

"If - and only if - he freely agrees to the trade?"

"Why would i provide it otherwise? Miss Zara, you seem to think I am a threat. I am, myself, unarmed" He turns to show no sword nor obvious weapon "Sir Earl would make short work of me"

"You came here, armed with something other than steel."

"Did I? What might that be? My wits? I refuse to leave that behind "Nanos says

"Perhaps not wits enough to see."

"Perhaps, we all have failings do we not?"

"Perhaps."

"Now, might you tell me what I wish to know?"

She considers, inspecting her fingertips.

Nanos waits.

"I will take you to him."

"Assuming you mean safely, that is most generous. Directions would do, but I would not refuse such if given with that truth you spoke of."

A fluid shrug. "A moment. I will be right out."

She closes the door on the sidhe... and furiously texts Earl.

"Sidhe here - Naxos - seeks you to ask for object. Knew where I was & my name. 😠 "

"Meet me at Hollow forest?"

"Will do."

"Is he wearing orange?"

"Yes. Know him?"

"No. But I've been ducking him. "

"why?"

"I think he wants something I found and..I'm not sure I want to give it back yet."

"Not his to take if you found it."

"Yeah, well, things are complicate.d Meet you in the forest"

"<3"