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"Whatup fro over

"Books are expensive to be sure, but each instru from the harp family to the violins displayed on the wall and the harpsichord--an instru country of Torrens not five years ago

"Do you play?" Severin asked, setting his hter "No"

"Then how do you know they are costly?"

"By the ornate beauty of each instruinal Mishael painting on the underside of the harpsichord top, or a very good replica Additionally none of the instruments have been recently played They haven’t been --and none of them have been altered or repaired"

Severin eyed Elle "Considering you do not play you knowmaterials"

"And you are observant I’ i his eyes

Elle kept her face bland "Or I’m an indentured servant of the crown--a job which keeps one on ones toes"

To Elle’s relief the explanation see with a growl deep in his throat He walked to the s and folded his paws behind his back as he looked out at the snow blanketed land "I am surprised the snow has not melted yet Usually our first snow lasts only a few days, leaving a ain"

Elle joined Severin at the"Do you have a sleigh?"

"Yes, but it is for the draft horses," Severin said, studying the bright snowfall "I’le draft horse could take you as far as the capital, and the only sleigh in the chateau that is built for a team is for far it h on horseback," Severin said, tilting his head in a very cat-like gesture

"You think Rosemerry could carryanother horse to break the path But only if the snow is not heavy, wet, and deep," Severin said He hesitated "Maybe we could ride out to the roads toardless of the snow depth, if Rosemerry only needs to carry you for less than an hour he will e, and all the chateau inroads have been cleared

"Excellent," Elle said "A short ride will allowlike a wolf and the sun is out I expect the weather would be almost pleasant" Elle finished her sentence with a satisfied nod

Severin bowed his head before turning his back to the"That is so," he agreed "I will alert the head grooements You will tell Emele?"