#scarsdale

"Aye? I believe I am owed a story. As for this one... Nanos....surely, others will see him as he has been revealed. Nanos Two-tongued, the liar." Spit, spit. Another pull of glamour, settling on his shoulders.

The hebrew has the phrase "with the blessing of" and then... names "Yahweh" "Elohim " and "Adonai "

The three hebrew names of GOD on the Seal of Solomon? It feels almost more like a holy trinket than a treasure

Her expression clouds - anger? "How dare he..."

"WHat is it?" Earl has not looked at the seal

At least not in detail

"Is it a sluagh object or..."

"Kabbalah, mayhaps... but... no, not. This is wrong, it should not be in his hands. Come, let's leave him to rest."

"Two tongued, liar..oh Zara, did you just namihng whammy him?"

"Only a nickname. He said he would not coerce you."

"Given the whammy you gave him, he's lucky he's not crippled. You're fierce, love." He is moving with her

"Sidhe must needs learn they are answerable for their actions. So - what is this atlas?" Leading Earl away from the unconscious sidhe.

"If I'm reading it right? It's an Atlas not just of where holds are, but where they could be. It's amazing... Altas and Hold Almanac and art..."

"Fascinating... and... aye, not a thing to let into untrustworthy hands. They would gobble up the world."

"At first, I thought it would just ..you know, betray locations of hidden holds like my family's and the Emberclub... though how secret those are anymore I don't know. But if it finds even the best 'soil' to grow one in... that's a whole nother level of monopoly."

"Indeed? And how did you come upon it? It must be protected, that much is certain."

"I was hanging around with Viola, when I felt a flash of glamour ... we went to investigate, only to see a Thallian and a Balor fighting. NOw that's different right? Normally Thallian work for Balor, but these guys both really wanted something and I noticed the book was it. Viola created cover, and I grabbed it and we ran. It was quite the action packed mini adventure"

"Aye... hm. But I think I foresee a problem."

"More than one, but... " He shrugs

"Not in the least - Viola?"

"oh yeah, you don't know her. Doyle introduced me to her. She's nice." He says "She loves art"

"...oh, does she now?"

"Sure, she's got a good eye too"

"You don't say. And Doyle introduced you?"

"Yeah. Why?" He asks, a confused...trollish look

"Is she comely?"

"Well, yes. Not vain about it. She did ask if I painted people often and i said I did but since my work is macabre by nature many didn't like it..but I could do it straight"

A pointed tilt of her chin. "What kith is she?"

"mm? Oh... a Piskie. I normally find them bland, but she is pretty, and she's got personality so she really stands out more. Don't worry, seh always returns my brushes"

"I see." Coolly.

"And so, like the book, you saw no need to tell me of this new girl?"

Suddenly Earl realizes something is...very amiss and his head whips around "I wh..what? No. I mean... you don't go to KC too often so it's understandible you didn't meet yet. But I told you, she already lives there. She's a friend of Doyle. And you don't like Doyle so I didn't think you'd much want to be in those social matters"

"Doyle introduces you to a lovely young lady who loOovvvessss art, nu?"

"Well, I'm artist, if she's interested in art. why not? I would direct someone who loves music to CC"

"And you didn't think to tell me? And you went on a quest with her? To find a book, which you also didn't tell me about?"

"I was going to tell you about the book, but then Nanos shows up and starts trailing me. Or trying to me. So I didn't even go to the apartment. Heck he... " a groan "Nanos probably asked Doyle about me and learned about you there. I need to talk to him. SO yes, I was going to tell you but I was busy hiding out the last two days"

"You went on a quest, and didn't even ask if I wished..." her grey lips purse.

"No no.." He takes her hand "Please don't see it that way. I .." A curious look "Zara, I was going to bring the book to you. YOu're the most learned librarian I know"

"With the lady Doyle set you up with."

"Set me up..." He blinks "Zara, Doyle knows I'm with you"

"Doyle dislikes me. Finds me repellant."

"You're not his tyhpe of girl. Not my fault he's got no taste"

"Earl."

"And not your fault either" He says "Wait, are you saying you think he's trying to set me up with Viola ROmantically?"

She gives him a Look.

Earl pauses "Sometimes I'm still very trollish, aren't I?" A soft wince

"You are a troll, love."

"Okay, too DeBuke then?" Shepish "Sorry, I should have realized Doyle might.." A sigh "Honestly, I have not knowingly done anything to lead Viola on. But if you want to meet her, meet her you shall. And after that, if you want? I'll distance myself from her "

"Doyle may have given her ideas. But... no, if she is your friend..."

"Meet her anyway, you might like her. And, I do want to send a signal to her in case there's a misunderstanding that I am taken" He gives her hand a squeeze