#anywhere

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August seeks out Coradel.

He finds her by an alcove window, looking out thoughtfully over the gardens. The autumn flowers below are bright in their oranges and yellows, a few purples...but the greenery is fading.

"Coradel." he smiles to see her.

She turns at his voice, and smiles in return. "August." Reaching out a hand, she moves to meet him.

He takes her hand and offers a kiss.

Oh, she accepts that offer, savoring the moment without rush.

She might even be able to distract him from whatever he'd intended to say....

It certainly seems to take a moment before he needs air.

But eventually. "Ah, Coradel... it is good to see you. Do you have a moment?"

"I have more than a moment," she murmurs, stroking his chest and smiling.

"Shall we sit? I have... well, it might be news."

"Oh? Yes, here..." There's a bench in the alcove, not too large, but enough for both of them to sit comfortably if they cuddle a bit. She settles there.

He joins her.

"I ... I'm embarrassed to admit it but I paid heed to a rumor I heard. And since, I've spoke with Zara. I think it's largely overblown. I thought, in the balance, I should mention it to you."

"A rumor?" She rests a hand on his thigh. "What kind of rumor?"

"Master Jeomry, the Namer of the Duchy, is dead. Murdered by one of his lovers. Another of his lovers has been revealed as Leanhaun although she presented as another House. And ... it seems there has been some damage to the Duchy Seat."

Any flirtatious efforts on her part are immediately quenched. "Murdered? And a Leanhaun lover? And we had him here!"

He is watching her gravely. He nods. "The... accused is a satyr lover. But there was another. Only one other, that is rumored. That I know of."

"But... this is all rumor, Coradel. I... had reason to think there was some truth to it, but Zara knew nothing of it. I just wanted you to be prepared, should word make its way to you."

"Wait...August, which parts are you thinking to be true, and which parts false?"

"Do you think the namer yet lives?"

He sighs, shaking his head. "I... I do not know, Coradel. I'm bad at this sort of thing."

A frown. "I suppose I could go to the Duchy Seat and see what they will tell me of the matter -- but it's not likely I'd hear the whole truth, is it."

"I -believe- official word is coming but... if all happened as it's suggested, it's probably quite chaotic right now."

"I should imagine so. My, that doesn't speak well for the security there."

"What has Magnus heard on the matter?"

"I haven't spoken to him about it." August says, nonplussed "He's been... occupied."

"Well, of course, but...if anybody is going to be able to find out what happened, my money is on him."

"Come, let's go see. We can offer grandparent-ing services to support Claire, if that will make him feel more secure about going."

He nods, and rises with her to go find Magnus.

Coradel inquires with one of the staff about where Magnus might be at the moment.

Turns out he's in his and his wife's suite

That's handy!

And Coradel knocks brightly at their door. "Magnus? Claire?"

"Sec.. ah feeding the baby" A voice "Give me a few minnutes to get this damn thing off"

Was ttha Magnus? It was

A puzzled look to August.

He looks baffled.

"Damnn unnatural... nocker made thing pinnches..." Clatterin annd.. "Come in?"

Coradel shrugs and opens the door, slipping inside. "How is the new addition doing?"

"Thirsty" he says... wait, are those liquid stains on his shirt?

"Magnus, I think you spilled something....?" A gesture to indicate his shirt.

"Oh" He blushes "Sorry, that's me.. the .. there's this stupid device called the Moobulaotor.. it means I can produce milk while i use it... when Claire found out, she ordered TWO"

Wide eyes...and she laughs. "Oh, my! Clever Claire!"

A put upon sigh "It's an abomination"

August has followed Coradel inside. He looks... his face is a picture.

"Oh, you are a wonderful father for providing so well for your child."

River certainly thinks so, she looks full and conntent in her basinet

"Oh, there she is...." Coradel goes to the baby. "Look at you, you lucky thing. Well-fed and lazy and nothing to do. Don't worry...we'll put a sword in your hand soon enough."

"Can I get you two drinks or anything.. and I mean wine or tea or soda"