#anywhere

Father B is stunned when he sees the hair, "August how did.. how did you come across this?"

A sad smile. "I'm not at liberty to say, Father. But if you would help return it to its rightful home?"

"of course of course... oh August, this is..well, clearly God is generous to allow us to recover this relic . "

"Amen." Softly.

Father B puts his hand on the younger man, "August, I know you are too modest to ask for glory, but at least let me tell the others in the house it was you that brought it to me? "

August demurs. "Father, I really had -nothing- to do with rescuing it. Just getting it to safety after the fact. I'm a courier."

"I think there is more to this than you let on, my son, but who am I to discourage humility? " The priest seems overjoyed "I cannot tell you how much the church ,and the many sons of adam and daughters of Eve will gain from it's return. Their hopes renewed in dark times"

A soft smile. "Good, Father. I am happy to have helped. Is there anything else?"

"Yes. Allow me to get you a reward, before you protest, I remind you, the worker is worthy of his hire"

"Father......" a respectful protest "... this time it really wasn't me. And if it -had- been, I would not have done this for a reward."

"Relax, my boy, the reward is minor" He says "And more suited to a young man giving to a lady than a priest to a knight, which is why I thought you might like it."

"Ah..." Ok, that did get a glimmer of interest.

He returns with a rose, somehow, despite being severed from the earth, it lives, "This was given to me during a confession. I cannot tell you by who. They wanted me to take it from them as it would.. well, aid in a temptation. That is not it's magic, mind you. I checked. I asked if I might give it to another, they said as long as it was out of their sight. It changes the petals, you see to match the sky. It is golden by day llight, hits soft pinks and purples at the dawn and dusk, and at night goes from deep purple to lovely black with star like dew drops"

A soft, tender smile. "That's beautiful." Appreciatively.

"It is, but as you can guess, it's really not the sort of thing an old catholic priest needs ,and I can't think of a use for it for the church that wouldn't lead to some overly ambitious young suitor snatching it anyway. Please, take it. Give it to your lady."

August nods acceptance and takes it carefully. "Thank you, Father."

"It is well earned, my son" The priest nods "Do with it what you will, but you are helping me remove it from here. Is there anything you would like to discuss before I return the relic? Confession or the like?"

He shakes his head. "No, Father, but thank you. For everything."

"Well, gratitude abounds from all corners. Peace be with you"

"And with your Spirit." He responds automatically, but sincerely. A respectful bow, and he departs.

And August wanders off...rose in hand. The thought of how happy it might make Coradel making him most happy as well