#anywhere

"Thank you. Speaking of which, how is Charm?"

"Not without its challenges but we muddle through."

She shares a few bits and pieces; local successes, a Dreamer or two.

Not her own, of course, but those of her people.

"Wonderful, it's very hard to muse in these times" He says "I have one student who has taken up musketeer fan fiction, with her favorite modern celebreties as the musketteer guard. It's a delight"

"Fan fiction... unpublished, I assume?"

"Unpublished... " He nods "But still quite good. I hope she'll try her hand at publishing sometime"

"I'd love to read her material if there's an opportunity."

"Well, as a mater of fact, I have access to it on my phone. Would you like me to send you an email attachment or.. well, if you prefer it hard copy I could print it out and mail you a package of some of her stories"

"Yes, something I can hold and read would be preferable." mildly.

"I like the feel of a real book myself" he admits "Ah.. I don't suppose you got that copy of the latest novel of mine? the one with the post apocolyptic trucker? I sent it here but I know you're busy"

"Oh, yes, yes....." she lifts a hand "Bring me Vali's most recent work, please."

And one of the servants does indeed step away to retrieve a copy of the book to hand it to Akanthea, who looks it over. She reads the title aloud.

BOW your heads, Peasants!

After she does he admits "it's a bit over the top I suppose"

"No, it's very.... passionate on behalf of your subject."

"Thank you. Ultimately it is about a father's love. I think maybe as I'm going to be a dad soon myself it cut close to home"

"It is.... strange to think of you as a father."

"For me as well" he admits "But, it happens"

"Yes, there are books on the subject." dryly "I can get you a copy."

He snerks

"I'll muddle through" A smile

"We all do." she agrees.

"Oh, Tiffany not only sends her regards, she asked me to ask you for inside tips on who to bet on for Charms Pennons this year. I THINK she was serious, but hard to tell"

An elegant eyebrow, such a familiar gesture. "Lady Sage generally brings us honor, and I believe Baron Rostislav is competing as well. Likely a few others, within the County. All Baronies, and Freeholds of any size, may compete."

It's hard not to smile at that familiar eyebrow "So put money down on lady Sage and Rosislav, got it. Thank you"

"Most welcome."

"Okay I should stop now or I'm going to devour a lot of rolls." He wipes his hands when he realizes he's had three

"You're still a growing boy." she pats his hand.

"It's the direction I could end up growing that worries me" Despite his concerns, he's still fit enough in the midsection

"Pffft." She makes a little noise.

"That's why you're my favorite Aunt" A grin "Still, if you want me to walk it off, we could go out to the gardens or even out on the town. "

A glance at one of the thanes, who gives an almost imperceptible nod. She looks at Vali. "That sounds lovely." and rises.

And he rises, he means to spoil her today. He hasn't seen her in a month and he knows that as Mounttain his free time is not exactly going to increase. Thea will be treated to her favorite park, theatre, and later (After those rolls are walked off) restaurant.

By a very fond nephew

(End Scene)

********************************
DuBois Estate:
August has slipped away from the stable and marches quickly back to the main house. He trots up the stairs to the second floor and down the hall. "Magnus? Magnus?" he calls softly at the suite door.

The door openns "Dad. I saw... I'm sorry about Chelsea"

He nods. "May I borrow your car?" he asks directly and with some urgency.

"Sure thing" He hands the keys over without asking more. "Has a quarter of a tank"

"Thank you." he turns and takes the stairs back down, then out the front door to the car and to the Plaza Hotel.

There, he parks and tips the attendant before going into the lobby. He pauses a moment to orient himself, thinking.... then he heads for the hotel bar.

And he sits there.

"Can I get you a drink?"

"Yes. Ah." he blinks "May I have... a..."

The bartender stares patient

"Ah, Mai Tai?"

"Sure thing" He prepares one

It took him a moment, trying to remember some of Vince's recommendations and not considering they might have been in way of a prank.

He gets a fruity tropical beverage with umbrellas.