#scarsdale

1122 taps away, Nelson healed my legs so I'm grateful.

Eyes flare. "Your legs? That... oh, yes, that is a terrible alteration of the Orrery."

1122 is cavalier Hazard of the trade when one is an adventurer. Tell me? do the ladies miss me?

"Octa pretends not to care. So yes."

He puffs up with a high shine

Nelson rolls his eyes

"Aye, Spider Soap Opera. So, Nelson - to better help you... what else have you learned so far?" She leads him to the swingset, taking one herself and gesturing at the next.

Nelson frowns "It feels wrong to give secrets for nothing, will you tell me things in return?"

he does take the swingset, still a kid after all

Zara nods. "Quid-pro-quo is acceptable."

"Why are you so interested in a hold that's not your home anymore anyway?"

"My family is still here, no? Also - it is a mystery. Something is happening. Surely you understand that appeal."

Nelson winces "It's making me crazy" He admits "How does no one else get suspicious? I think maybe it's because Dougals and nockers can get so focused on their craft they tune out other things like puzzles and intrigues and coincidences that can't be coincidental if you really look at them"

She nods. "While I love my uncles, they do get rather focused. But if the Hollow's reputation is marred, it will reflect on them."

He nods "Okay. Good reason for you to be involved. thanks." the boy says "I don't know that much that's like, concrete? Except..." He muses "Oh, the treasury is low and folks are complaining. Resources being used to pay things off. THAT may get the nockers attention"

"Well, aye... so a lot of hits after Carnival. Were there issues before Carnival? When did the new Chancellor arrive?"

"She arrived a bit after Yule. Big to do about a long lost niece. By new years she was helping, and it was good. But since then it seems like the Count had withdrawn more and more and folks aren't respecting her as much. Everyone acts like she's harmless and they like her, but I'm not sure I like her. If she can't do that job she should step down"

"So she is 'harmless' and the Count is... withdrawn? And the Titled are behaving oddly..."

"Yes. It adds up to something"

"Have you examined the spells on the Orrery?"

"Wards but also some kind of magic I can't read. Only thing that ever came close was..well, the day I was sainned"

"So - Naming, likely."

Earl says "Of course" with confidence "But how far? Can it be a complete reweave?"

"That would require examination."

Wish you more luck than I had 1122 says

"True enough. But I am forewarned, nu?"

Earl ponders "If someone is tampering with my lady's old home even if it was not her favorite locale, i shall demand satisfaction"

"Love..." A hand on his arm.

She kenns him.

"Yes?"

It's influencning him, not strongly.

He has a title.

It targets those with titles!

"Remember the oaths which bind thee, aye? Do not listen to those urges which tug at thee. They are deceptions."

"And we are merely close. We have not entered the hold itself."

He frowns then "Son of .. pardon me. I was putting on airs"

"Methinks... you know the way, aye? Go, see Emmitt. Let him examine you - let him know what we suspect. I shall enter and investigate further with Squire Nelson."

"Your familiy is waiting for me" he reminds "Now that I'm fighting it conciously I think I can handle it. I Don't like the idea of leaving you"

"I worry about your safety if you enter the hollow itself..."

"I won't go in" He frowns "I hate saying that, but your'e right. We can't risk me being a liablity. But I think Ishould stay nearby if you need an emergency get away"

"Fair enough."

"Thank you, love" He says "And.. I know you're the best, but I am going to worry just a little"

Nelson says "Don't worry. I'll protect her. I'm wily"

1122 So say we all

Nelson seems to speak Morse code. Few boys do ,but trust an an Eiluned.

"Perhaps a visit to see the Orrery up close?"

Nelson says "Won't be easy. It has thanes to guard it from 'vandals' . you any good at sneaking?" He asks straight faced in innnocent ignorance as only a child can.

"I can manage. Would you be allowed to visit unmolested?"

"i'm a kid. Even Eiluned kids are often trusted more than wilders or grumps" Nelson says "Besides, I am a good sneaker. I never walk when I can sneak. I even have my own theme music in my head to help me do it beter"

I like this kid 1122 says at mention of the theme music