(Untitled)

[fixer_of_snails]

Here is a middlish sort of man, a book and notebook under his arm. His eyes are bright and warm, but slightly abstracted - he seems too interested in his surroundings to pay attention to his feet. Despite this, he seems relatively sure footed, and never does actually walk into any bushes

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[heartofbirds]

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Linden is not easily fazed, but having just found himself sitting on the same bench as Hopewood Pertellis will make an impression on the most seasoned Birdcatcher. He looks sideways at the fellow who's just sat down beside him, and for the moment doesn't speak.

[fixer_of_snails]

"...This bench was occupied, wasn't it?" Hopewood says after a moment, looking up from his book. "I hope I haven't disturbed you."

Hopewood has seen Kohlrabi, of course, but mostly at a distance and in passing, or sitting in on court, when Hopewood had his attention quite distinctly on other matters, such as the welfare of his latest client. He recognizes him, but he does not really connect him with Lady Tamarind's Birdcatcher ally. This, then, explains the ease of his smile.

[heartofbirds]

"Not at all," smoothly, recovering herself. "It's big enough for both of us, so it's certainly big enough to share. I've seen you before, sir. How do you do?"

[fixer_of_snails]

"Very well, thank you - ejection into the fresh air agrees with me," he says amiably, "And you?"

[heartofbirds]

"Quite well." A beat. There are two things to consider here. Should he share his secret--Mosca's here--and earn trust, or keep it to himself because he wants it to be his as long as possible? And, as usual, because he's Linden and this is how he's lived his whole life, he does the thing that will help him and get him somewhere rather than the thing he would really like. "I believe you know young Mosca?"

[fixer_of_snails]

"Why yes, yes," and Hopewood brightens considerably. "Yes, indeed I do."

[heartofbirds]

"We're blessed by Palpitattle." The smile is infectuous. "She's here."

[fixer_of_snails]

"Ah!" And yes, here's an answering smile, warming up the eyes behind the little blue glasses, "Ah, it will be a delight to see her."

[heartofbirds]

"I imagine she'll be delighted to see you, too." Linden is still smiling as though he's awfully pleased there'll be someone Mosca likes.

[fixer_of_snails]

"Ah, well," he says lightly, "She's not a morose child."

[heartofbirds]

"Certainly not."