#ccsemberclub

"Caesar , you can't be serious" CC says

"i'm totally serious, mom. I think a few houses in Brightwinds is a good investment"

"It's terrible investment," She counters "And you're basically doing a charity. "

"For fae" he says

"YEs yes, but honey, anything you do for repayment is going to remind them of their balor overlord"

"Mom, I am not a balor overlord."

"You raise the rent, ask for dross, and they'll get worried how much control they have" She says

"That's why Houses would be better than apartments i think" He answers

William serves drinks and snacks and tries to contain himself.

"It's a tight small area, how can you escape noble oversight?" She says

"I can't, and I don't want to" he says " Sparrow could be a big help"

At that, CC might put a hand meant to sooth on Emerson's forearm

He twitches slightly.

"Look, I'm living here in this area. I can't manage things in person, so why wouldn't I want to share the work?" He smiles, then looks to his boggan friend "You're a business man, tell her how folks you can trust to handle things are an asset"

"The critical word there, my boy, is -trust-."

"I know, I know... it's weird, but I have actually been better treated by Liams than a lot of others, that Oathbroken thing aside' He says

"Hmmph."

"August has his own life now, honey" She says "When's the last time you talked to him?"

He ponders then says "You know? you're right" A nod then "I should visit him"

Some quiet banging of trays and a bus tub.

"Well he's probably busy" she says

"Relax mom, if he's busy he's busy. Don't be so uptight" He says

"oooo you're cruising for a bruising buddy" SHe warns

He chuckles

"Anyway, mom" he says "I was wondering if you wanted to set up some kind of shop there, maybe get some of your music down there? Discounts to stream some of your music for the locals? They've had a hard row"

William goes very quiet, listening.

"How about I get you a pack of CDs with autographs?" SHe says "You know prefer life, but I can do that much"

"SOme of the younger crowd may find them a bit strange'H he says

"The younger crowd can deal" She hurumpsh "If I'm goign to get labeled a grump then they can't be surprised if I get a BIT Set in my ways. Besides, nothing beats live, and after that, vinyl. Streaming. mmph"

A soft clatter.

William returns with another round.

"Moooom" he says "Don't be like that. Thank you, that'll be great. "

"Fine, but son? Advice is one thing, but don't hand your business over completely"

"I hear you, mom" he kisses her on the cheek "Love you"

'And I love you" She says

He smiles at William "Thanks for the meal as always you two"

"My pleasure. Be careful, Caesar." he warns avuncularly.

A fond smile, "I will." he assures "Truth, April worries I'm a bit too noble friendly. You can take the girl off the DeBuke farm, but.. well you know"

And with that he slips off

once he's gone, "She did? I could kiss that girl"

"Callidora....." helplessly.

"I know I know.. I want a martini, a double" She says "I assume you want a still"

"If I drank what I thought would help, it would kill me." Firmly.

"I understand. Maybe just a bourbon or scotch for yourself to start a numbing process" She motions him to sit down "I"ll get them"

He slumps into a seat. "What's the point, after all is said and done?"

"The point is, darling," She pours a drink for him first, he might need it "The progress is happening. Sparrow is an Autumn sidhe, a CHANGELING.. not some Arcadian body jacker. That means eventually some other kithain will go 'why not me'? and then, more and more' why not US?' "

"Remember, Democracies and casting off of monarchies don't happen in a year or even years. Folks forget the Colonies of America were happy being colonies for well over a century. The sidhe returned in 1969 en mase. We're not even through our first century with them. But the seeds are being sown"

A dejected sigh.

"And you have made a difference" She reminds "You have culled the most excessive, foiled the worst of the worst, you have given them limits" A nod "And others may know not who put those limits up, but you didn't do it for fame. What they do know is limits can be imposed on their rulers. They know it's possible. Your actions helped teach them that"

She gives him his drink and a kiss, the very soul of supportive and encouraging partner who believes in him