#anywhere

"Mara?"

"Mara DeBuke, she's my second and a half cousin, father side... chrystlaized as a Nocker... the elders are in a bit of a daze."

The Sidhe nods. "You don't have a lot of non-trolls, I think? Anyone ever chrysalize as a Sidhe?"

"No and I know this, because my aunt Agnes wasn't found dead clutching at her heart" Earl says

"She, ah, wasn't?" A little lost. "How was she found, then?"

"I mean, August, that my family isnt' very sidhe friendly, sorry. " A sigh "At least not to nobles."

He nods, "I'd gathered that, yes." Politely.

"Yeah well... that might change too a little under Clem but it's why I don't invite you over. Heck, they don't even know I'm a knight. I'd probably get disowned"

"Why? I mean... what's wrong with the honor of a title? You carry it well."

"August... my family , some of them back i nthe day, fought against the returning noblity..and never ever signed the compact of David... for years, even the high court of Tira did not know we existed and that was how they liked it. We're like those japanese soldiers that refused to admit WW2 was over and hunker down on our own little island..except we're much nicer than imperial japan"

"Oh....." sober realization ".... but your cousin Clem is changing things?"

"I doubt we'll ever agree with the nobility that they have a right to rule." He admits "But coexistanece in a more public way? Sure."

August starts to speak, then stops, and nods. Not agreement, but acknowledgement.

And Earl appreciates that "Sorry. It's a very touchy sitaution. I appreciate you trying to understand."

"It must be a difficult line for you." Not without sympathy.

"It's a pain in the ass... sometimes I feel guilty for not really caring about the farm. I love the PEOPLE there, sure, even some who were jerks when younger...and I'll protect them and the farm anyway... but it'll never be my home ... sometimes I'm not sure it ever was. you ever feel like you're in the wrong spot?"

A soft chuckle that starts, stops, and starts again as a laugh.

"Ahh.." The normally empathic earl missed one there

"Oh Earl. I'm Arcadian Sidhe. -Yes.-"

"Huh. I hadn't thought of it that way. You guys must feel like the biggest refugees of all a times"

A small, sad smile. "And cold. It's... it can be terrifying. Arriving here, cold, lost, disoriented.... and we can never go home."

"Well, I think for two refugees, you and Coradel have found a great home in each other again. IT may not be the nicest part of the neighborhood, but you're helping others here and Modernest teachings or not, I appreciate it when I see it. "

August's smile is stronger and happier. "Thank you, Earl. I'm glad you and Zara have each other."

"She's my world" He admits without shame, "She's like the best tea, a million flavors, a risk of burning my lip... but I need a cup of her every chance I get to make the world make sense"

August looks a little wistful, but nods. He scans the horizon again.

"It won't kill us if we're a little late"

"Hm?"

"to the great library" A smile

"Why would we be late?"

"Because Vince is probably wooing someone in Ohio"

"Ohio? Why would he go to Ohio? -Now-?"

"I"m guessing to aid the unfortunate maidens there. "

August frowns crankily. "Great."

"I know... poor guy. Ohio girls may look pretty, but the're not nice like Iowa girls"

It would appear Earl has not escaped ALL DeBuke Brainwashing

"I mean, I know we don't have.... a -schedule- or anything but....."

"Of course, I'm dating a New York Girl... and that's like... posh plus nice and pretty" Happy look "Got more culture in her little pinky than DesMones has in its city limits"

The troubadour legacied troll seems to have distracted himself

"It's just if we don't get going, we won't get -back- and...."

"Huh? Oh.. it's ok. August. Time works differently in the Dreaming anyway"

Squire Tylar comes up with a backpack "Sir August, Sir Earl."

"Hello Tyler." August nods. "We may be a bit." he sighs.

"It's okay sir, let me know if you need anything"

"Should have had him microchipped....." a mutter.

"Sir? Idon't think I can afford a microchipping" Squire Tylar looks troubled by his inablity "I know a nocker who might..."

"No, not you Tylar. It's ok, forget it."

"Yes sir"

(Pause)