#anywhere

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August must admit, the home Caesar arranged for he and Sparrow is magnificent. And right now, it's for studying, becausee if Coradel were here? he'd.well, get very little done.

One thing he isn't used to here is guests, so the knock at the door caches him off guard

He stands from the couch (where recent good memories were made) and goes to the door, checking before he opens it; this is KC, after all.

Shallimar? Dressed in a pin stripe suit and carrying flowers? well, the stripes are sideways but otherwise

With a puzzled frown that quickly shades to worry and even alarm, August throws the door open. "Shallimar? Come in, is Coradel alright???"

Flowers are handed to him. "Right as Reign, Sir." He comes in

"It has come to my attention I may have ired you?"

He takes the flowers and regards them in puzzlement. "Thank you."

"Ah. Well. I understand Coradel spoke with you?"

the pansies are lovely.

"Indeed, sir. Please understand it is difficult for me to explain my reasons without using my native Swahili?"

August nods gravely. "I do."

"If Coradel is satisfied, I am satisfied; if she is not, I doubt you'd be here."

"I am of course, a doctor of Jestology, and because of this, no one is to be above my reach in teasing, gambols, and robocalling. that said, your feelings are more than musical lyrics and never did I want to put one through the goal post of derision." His brow knits with focus, "She cares for you more than flowers can for sunlight so.. tis not in me to treat you with cruelty's kiss. Does this make sense?"

August nods. "It does."

"Whew, well that's one of us" A smile, "In truth, was not just about you. it was also about KHAAAAAN, the Clurah type. He was in his cups and ...ah, hard to explain. Twas better to give him a test of skills than let him go behind a wheel?"

"If he might have been a danger to himself or others, of course. My concern was only that a Baroness's voice should not be counterfeited."

"Your ladyship?"

He looks puzzled

"I am her scribe; my hand, her voice. If someone forges my hand, they steal her voice."

"when it's signed H.R. Puffenstuff?" Dubious

He shrugs. "This time, perhaps it wasn't a proclamation from her. But who's to say, another time?"

"Melord, " A raised brow, "Who would say indeed?" he taps his chest and waggles his eyebrows, "Please, be like a kindly banker."

August frowns with puzzlement. "I think you lost me."

"Credit, my lord, all bankers give credit"

"Oh!" August gets it, and nods. "Certainly. But if he's under the influence, will -he- be able to control himself another time?"

"And, it's a bad precedent."

Shallimar pats his shoulder, "The herald and I go hardly back at all. I know him like the back of the baroness' bicep"

August nods. "I trust you can keep him out of trouble, then. Or at least, control the trouble he gets into."

A smile, "He's right behind you, the baroneses, sir magnus, and Peebo the Hippo Pooka"

"Well. Thank you. I think." Nonplussed.

"Quite alright. Are all things well with you? "

August nods. "Forgive me, would you like to be seated? I can get us something to drink, if you'd like?"

A shake of his head, "I thank you, but I shall be late for my snuggles."

August nods. "Thank you for coming to speak to me about this."

"You are wost melcome" He bows.

And he withdraws.

August offers him a bow in return, and sees him to the door.

And out he goes. Why, no exploding cigars or anything

(end scene)

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Frank is pouring mugs of coffee. There's already an open beer bottle on the table.

Kerri brings over a platter of pastries. She wants to ask what's going on, but waits and takes her seat.

Olgar snags the beer as he sits down.

Brekke is sitting across the table from Kerri, and accepts her coffee from Frank with a grateful nod.

"Okay, thanks for the beer. What's up?" Olgar asks

Frank nods to Olgar, the ladies. "Dagmar." He takes his seat.

Brekke nods. // Kerri says, "Ah. I thought it might be. Is she all right?"

A drink, "Good kid. But she's got troubles."