#anywhere

August nods gravely. "So I understand. I wish you well; the path you are on is.... challenging."

Siv says "Oh? You sound like you speak from personal experience"

August coughs, clears his throat. "Some."

"Oh, of course," She realizes, "Your trueheart is a Fiona so you studied the house?"

He nods.

"How did that go? I mean, what was the hardest part of adapting? "

August looks a little cornered. "Ah. Well. Overcoming my own instincts, really."

"Yeah? Like waht? this could really help me out" She reaches into her backpack and pulls out .. oh dear, it's a note pad.

"Ah."

"Please understand, Captain, I am not Fiona. I am Liam. I know, and own, and am proud of who and what I am."

"But I had to understand Fiona, so I undertook to study and look for the wisdom in Fiona."

"I had to..... move my boundaries. Go outside my comfort zone."

"oh so.." A blush "ooo. I ... wow. That must have been awkward, and a little terrifying."

August shrugs. "It was important to me."

Vince beams at August.

"She's a fortunate lady, Baron, " Siv says "Many a lass longs to be understood"

A tentative smile.

"Nothing a pooka would relate to, but certainly, she seems well content with her lot."

August gives Vince a quizzical look.

A reassuring smile - nothing untoward intended.

August nods.

"Oh Vince," Siv reaches up and strokes his mane, "Pooka do have a hard path with folks not understanding them, but bless the Dreaming that made you, you're easy to talk to and a lass needs that too. NO wonder you're such a triumph with the ladies, two open ears on a handsome face"

He gives her a grateful purr. "Dear Liam, why have we not imported a lovely troll before now? I thought you were fair fond of blue."

"Ahhh.... I am. I mean, of blue. And trolls. But.... I don't do recruitment. Exactly."

Siv blushes lightly, "In such lovely company as much of this hold, pooka ese or no, I'll take the compliment of such peers" Then a nod "Don't worry, Baron. Word is getting out of your Bannerhouse. Fiona and Liam alike will be finding their way to you"

A deep breath. "I hope you are right."

"With a fair wind and a jolly crew, all will be well. Alas, talking is thirsty work, and studying thirstier. I have half a mind, I've been told, to get a drink. Would either of you join me?"

August seems..... not sure.

"Oh I should study the art a bit more, but thank you"

She waves to Vince as he departs

August shifts.

"I should get on with my work."

"As you like, Baron. I need to try to study this art and figure out what it means" A shrug

August nods, and turns to go......

..... "If .... you wish other view points."

"During your studies."

"Lord?" She turns "I would love to hear what you're wiling to share at your leisure"

August thinks about that.

"Ah. I have not put my thoughts, together, exactly, for presentation. But I would be willing to share, yes."

"Appreciated" she says , then looks back to the paintings

August nods.

"Excuse me, Captain. I have business elsewhere."

"Oh, of course" She says and bows

He nods and moves on.

And she turns her focus back to the art.

(End scene)