Autumn Maintenance

[Anatole]

The Autumn Hollow does not see much traffic these days; and while the Hollow remains a fixed point in the Hedge it very much carries an air of emptiness and neglect. The light burns down low; shadows loom and stretch; silence carpets the space, save only for the creek of the library's shelves and wooden walls - and the scratch of the Thorns beyond.

Today Anatole is at work repairing and strengthening the Wards that he set in place long ago. He is in his hedgespun coat, a shadow within a shadow given the way his mantle works. His gnarled fists float before him as he traces arcane weaves in the air. His voice is a rasp as he utters Dread Words that flutter and enervate his dark mantle.

His words carry power. The air flickers with ghost light as the Wards shiver with renewed vigour.

The Paladin of Shadows is smiling.

It is not a pretty smile.

[Anatole]

And because I forgot...
Rhodes Xadun

[Rhodes]

Rhodes stepped into the Hollow, suited as ever, pleased that the dwarf was already working away. He approached softly, waiting for a natural pause in Anatole's work.

"Hello, Anatole. Working on the Wards?" he asked, somewhat rhetorically - it was clear that's what the Dwarf was doing. "It's good to see you here - I know you've been working on your own resources. For a time I thought you might have forgotten where the archive was."

Leaves twist and whispers ride the breeze of the Dread Lord's Mantle.

Apologies, I was struggling to find a way to enter. I hope this was enough, if a little simple!

[Anatole]

Anatole holds the pause for a moment longer, his grim mantle lighting him from beneath as if he we in a baroque painting. The smile doesn't leave his face. Not until he turns, at least, and acknowledges the Dread Lord with a more formal bow. Here, alone, in the Autumn Hollow, the old forms must be obeyed.

"Dread Lord.

Yes. Yes. I felt the Thorns pressing so I went round the Archive, panel by panel and ward by ward. Everything has been reset and pushed back to full strength. It took a dedicated effort, if I say so myself. I had time. Plenty of time. So it was no trouble at all."

He smiled, this one a friendly one, and stretched his hands.

"Oh I know where the Archive is. But it is true I do not keep myself entertained here. I ... Stick to the rooms above."

He gestured not upward but out. Beyond the Hollow was the shell of Edna's Haunted House.

"You like the Hedgepsun? Seraphina your wife crafted this for me. A most excellent raiment."

His eyes twinkled. Thankfully perhaps, he did not twirl or jig on his stumpy legs like an Emerald Courtier would surely have done.

[Rhodes]

The dwarf's formal bow is met with a shallower, but still respectful one in kind.

Rhodes nodded. Warding was a work that required upkeep. "Then you have my thanks. I have expanded the Archive, but more time on the Wards is wise. I may have to devote more time to the Hollow's facilities."

There was a small nod. It was clear someone had been present in the rooms above, and he was glad to confirm it was Anatole. "They are basic, but no less effective. I spent many weeks in those rooms when I first arrived. I hope you have found them comfortable?"

An assessing green eye watched the posture. "My wife is most talented. Though we are not lacking for Spinners in the Freehold, it is never a skill I have honed. Dreams, occultism, pledges, contracts.... but not Hedgespinning." The look turned from the clothes to the man that filled them. "Have you been able to focus on the lore with all this free time you have been budding?" He asked. "I know you have been focused on more material gains, but I hope there is something leaden in your off hours."

[Anatole]

"Oh yes, Edna's quarters are most comfortable. Most comfortable indeed. I have made a point of opening the house up from time to time - for other Lost of the Freehold who wish to stop by and... chat. It is an avenue of communication. Circe is very open and her Court follows her lead. Winter is winter and has consistently proven it can play host... And the Emerald always have their Tavern. Our Ashen Court... doesn't have much in that way of things..."

Anatole shrugged.

"I have been maintaining my studies, Dread Lord. I do lack specialisation, though, if that is your meaning. My focus drifts from time to time so while my understanding is broad... it is general. But not to be sniffed at."

A smile crawled up the wizened's face.

"But I have been acquiring Goblin Contracts of some potency over the past year."

[Anatole]

Its well past the month mark. I'll let this scene fade out