#scarsdale

"So... you get another. Mayhaps a fae one..."

"There is a satyr, aye."

"A satyr?" Curious now "Does he charge much? I ..have little money"

A sniff. "Not after your case is won."

"You are a minor, and one ill-used by an adult - she is older, nu?"

"It is more difficult to befuddle the fae without them noticing. And we know a pooka's tongue."

"I suppose. I have heard of emancipation... I did not realize I was chained so falsely " She looks abit angry now

"It is unjust. Aye."

Zara pulls out her phone - it is NOT grey, rather, a pale purple - and pokes at numbers.

A call goes through and "Layton Legal Aid, Mr. Layton speaking"

"Esquire Layton, you know me not, but I am associated with Ms Coradel and her consort, Mr Rachford..."

"Oh? Fine lady and lad, though I dare say the former may not say the same about me. Please, speak on."

"Art thou licensed to practice in New York? I call on the behalf of another. I may fund a small retainer, but her own funds are limited - by the means of deception and betrayal. I seek aid for her to reclaim what is hers by right."

"I am. And. I see. Pardon me miss, your speak very softly, and that's fine, some fine folk do, but do you or this client have a name? I feel rude refering to folks as 'you'"

"I am Zara, of Alabaster Hollow and Earth Runes. My friend, well - could we meet? The swift road to the crossroads of all crossroads could facilitate..."

Dark eyes flick to the other sluagh and she offers a reassuring smile.

"I'll clear my schedule. When would be best for you and your friend?"

Marzanna tilts her head "Tonight perhaps? I can drop things off with a nurse"

"This evening?"

"Yes, certainly. Would you prefer it at Frinsot or at one of the places you claim ? I'm good with all three"

At that, the other sluagh shrugs, she is quietly plucking feathers from a boa

"The Hollow would be most convenient. I could secure you lodging, aye, Mama would fill you with latkes, if you so wished."

"Latkes? Oh my... I have to admit, those are the sort of fees a man of my stature can enjoy all too easily. Is 7 too soon? And I'll need directions to the hold or whereveer"

"From Firnost, you must... ah, apologies, but you are familiar with the lavatories? The leftmost. From there, follow the din of hammers and the whir of the orrery."

"Ah, yes, well, it wouldn't be the first time the legal profession had unsavory moments. The jokes will pay for much of this by themselves I'm sure." Good humor it appears. He takes instruction then " There, all on chimerical notes so no mortal will see them. I won't commit to this until I talk to folks face to face, Miss Zara, but I think it's safe to say you definitely have my ear and if I'm not the right fellow for the job, I probably know someone who is and can help your friend. See you at 7"

"My most sincere thanks, sirrah. I shall see you thence."

A sigh. "Now. Layton has vexed far more intimidating foes than a flamingo. He will be a good asset. We must needs not let thy sister know anything is amiss. We bring her clothes, but leave her to be tended? And.. aye... restore the painting as if naught has been discovered. If you wish, I can keep the papers in safe keeping?"

"If you would? I will handle sister. It would not look normal to have you along I fear." A melancholy sigh "Vengeance is a word that sounds so romantic, but when used against family I.. no, this will be justice, no more. I will have my due" A look at Zara "Zara. Do you think Mr. Layton can get me the House?

"

"Aye - your due. And yes, mayhaps the house." A smile. "We could have tea!"

"And restore it to a proper more lady like form. No more harloting that once grand house"

"Luckily, they have just begun today... surely, much can be rectified without diffculty."

"I think so..indeed." A pause "I have always wanted a proper tea parlor. Zara, you seem a woman of taste and know the area, if- if this should pass, would you be kind enough to advise me of how to mix neighboring sensibilities with my own proclivities?"

"Aye... in truth, a little discretion goes a long way. Had your sister the patience to make changes slowly, you may have been trapped more firmly in a pink prison."

"Ha, this bout in the hospital is the first time my sister has seen any form of patience in her life time. Oh the stories I could tell" A husk of a near laugh

"I am sure. Well, I do like to listen."

"Well..." Time flies, as each has a task, and between that time also tales are spun. Things are dropped off to a nurse. And soon, Mr. Layton is seen wiating in a room for the girls.

..........

"Miss Zara," Mister Layton says, "And this must be the potential client."

"Marzanna , if it please, sir" Courteous head bob.

Zara dips into a bow. "Aye, my cousin. We are only recently acquainted..."

"Please, ladies, be seated, I'll join you. Tea as you like , but Miss Marzanna, tell me at your pace. " He says graciously

"I shall prepare it..." Zara sets to it, allowing Marzanna and the boggan to converse.

That is exactly what Marzanna needed. Tea being prepared, and a patient ear that strives to listen.

She relates the tale, and the boggan loosens his tie, because otherwise he'll get redfaced for TWO reasons. "The devil you say" Appalled.

"Yes, sir. She would appear to have forged the will to leave me out. And to think I had thought my father thought me incompetent"

Zara sits and sips - this is the time for letting Marzanna shine. Surely, her need is a true one.

The boggan's heart is, well, the boggan's heart. Ever did they have a call to aid the needy.

"Within the last year you say?" He rubs at his lenses

"Aye, and she will not wear black" THIS point may seem minor to some, but it still offends Marzanna