#anywhere

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In a split-level ranch in Jefferson City, on a recent weekday afternoon, August might well come home to find Coradel sitting crosslegged in one of the consignment shop armchairs, a book open in her lap, a notepad and pen on the arm of the chair, and her hair done up in a messy bun.

The sight brings a smile to his face.

"Hi." Warmly as he come up the short stairs and puts his bag down.

"Did you know..." she says, without looking up "...how many cases of equine abuse or neglect are brought to court in a year?" Her tone almost accusatory.

"Not yet." He bend and kisses her. "Should I add equine defense to my studies?"

She returns the kiss, but is clearly preoccupied. "Yes! It's in the tens of thousands, August! And it's hundreds of thousands of unwanted horses sent to slaughterhouses!" Yup, Fiona outrage.

"That is too many." He agrees.

"And there are so many homes that could afford to keep horses, and do it well!" She sighs and shakes her head. "I simply don't understand mortals." A pout.

Oh, she is adorable. "Sadly, there are more who would find horse a fine meal."

"Do those numbers include the ill, aged, or injured?"

"Well, much of the illness and injury comes from neglect and abuse, doesn't it!" Defending her position.

"That's an enforcement issue." He agrees. "The slaughterhouse is a result, not a cause."

"Of course. I'm not blaming the slaughterhouses. They have a purpose, and I'm not suggesting they don't. It's the neglect and abuse, really." She frowns at the book...then after a moment looks at him. "I'm glad Chloe's gone. Completely. She deserved it."

A sigh.

"You didn't see Samson's flank when I arrived. You didn't see how the stable staff were scared of her and tried to cover up what she'd done."

"You're right. I did not." Gently.

"Her mother, too." Sullen. "And they'd probably done it to other horses before."

"What happened to her parents was wrong." He ... agrees?

She looks at him. "No, I mean...Chloe's mother was willing to help cover up the abuse. Assumed Samson was the problem, was willing to get rid of him."

"It must have been a very difficult relationship."

"Hmph." She doesn't seem to feel particularly interested in being compassionate.

"You are very good with Samson."

"He's an excellent horse. He deserves the best. Both at EarthRunes and at school." August knows that Samson boards on campus during the weeks when school is in session...and that Coradel has been VERY particular about his care there.

"Does he like it at school?"

That gets a bit of a grin. "He's a show-off, and rightfully so. He's the best horse there." She puts her notepad in the book to hold her place. "We had a really interesting demo today. A trainer showing a technique for a horse who's block-shy. In less than twenty minutes, that horse was standing at the block willingly, nice and steady. It was pretty impressive."

A head tilt. "Without Arts?"

A rapid nod. "Completely mortal, just very, very talented. An older gentleman."

"A very talented mortal." He nods.... and a hint of a smile.

"What?" Noting his expression.

"Mortals come in many types."

A pause...and then that pout returns. "Fine. Point made."

Another kiss.

"The trick is to encourage growth in the right directions."

She returns the kiss. "I suppose so. And...to have destinations at the ends of those directions, perhaps." She sets her books aside for the moment. "How about you? How were classes today?"

He nods. "Good. Study groups are set up, we've got a student network forming."

A smile. "Study groups. You know you're going to have somebody courting you again."

A soft chuckle. "Not by my intention or encouragement."

Amused, "Well, at least you acknowledge it as a reality now! Before, you were in utter denial that anybody might be interested."

"I think at least this time I might recognize it and head it off. And this time, my wife is going to school -with- me."

"She is . Now...that's not to say that I'm not willing to consider if somebody particularly appealing catches your eye...but all the regular rules apply there."

"I won't be looking for a mortal lover, Coradel."

"I didn't say you would be. But they tend to present themselves."

"And they will be gently dissuaded."

"As you wish." She smiles at him.

Another kiss. "Me too."

"Come, let's make some dinner...." She unfolds herself from the chair and takes his hand. "And then later, some dessert." A wink.

He grins. "I'd like that." And her goes with her to the kitchen. "What would you like?"

"I picked up some salmon from the cute market on the way home. That and salad?"

"Sure! Can't be that different from cooking a catch, can it?"