#debukefarmhold

"Ah." He sips. "I know you're worried, but I am glad Earl is getting to do this. I wish I could have gone with him."

"Tis mostly trolls, if not entirely..."

"The quest? Well, I can see how that would work. Still..... ah, well, I get to keep you company and that's important too." He gives her a sunny grin.

A soft smile. "Aye..."

"And... they shall be back by Carnival, surely.."

"Will you spend it with us at EarthRunes?" He glances to the door. "Vashti too, if it's safe."

"I may, for part at least... but no, for her to be seen - seen with me, seen there? No. It is not safe. Not until he is gone."

"Exactly, and when Earl returns before Carnival, that will be the case."

"...I do not think so, August. Tis a blow, aye, but I think not a final one."

"Oh." A frown. "Well, I'd be very happy to participate another time."

She gums on her lower lip and nods. "Aye. So it may be."

"I think... I must needs check on him, aye. See how he fares, what he plans."

"Should I leave you alone?" Respectfully.

"I may do this later, when you return home..."

".... but you want to know -now-." He teases a little.

"Well, a little."

He chuckles good-naturedly and sets down his cup. "Well then, I'll step outside and let you work. Let me know when you're done and you can give me a tour? I won't wander far till then." He stands.

"We must needs present you to Agnes, at the least..."

"Agnes?"

"The Hearth. And I think chief pro-tem..."

"Oh, like the troll Lodge at Rivervale? I suppose that makes sense. Don't worry about it, I can introduce myself." Another sunny grin. "I do have manners."

"You do. Be kind - Vashti really meant well."

August nods. "Of course." He looks down at himself again with bit of a sigh. "Well. At least it's a good suit to make a first impression in. Ok, so let me know when you're done." And he heads for the door.

:You look very handsome in it, aye. Byronic."

He looks over his shoulder and grins. "She walks in beauty, like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies; and all that’s best of dark and bright meet in her aspect and her eyes; thus mellowed to that tender light which heaven to gaudy day denies."

Her cheeks flush pink. "Ah.."

"ah... fare thee well with Agnes, August..." A confused retreat.

(Depending on who retreats or comes out first?)

His grey gaze lingers just a moment on her, on the blush. "Thank.... thank you." And he slips out the door.

<<SEND>>

Vasthi's go wide, and she nearly tackles August "art thou mad? "

August pauses, letting his eyes adjust to the light. He sighs a bit wistfully..... and then he's tackled.

"Woof!" He's pushed back against the door. "What? You again?"

"Aye. Did mine sister not warn thee thou are not in sidhe motel? The DeBukes to a lad distrust nobles, ants to thy grassopper and you are in the farm doomed only to shake the sands..."

"Wait, hold on, what?" He tries to calm her babbling so he can understand.

With effort ,she says "The elders here are currently king, and they are kings that hate all crowned things. SIR. They will not know thy face from a Balor's ass, nor care for the difference. Does thou now understand?"

She has spread her wings to block as much view of him as possible

"Earl and Clem know me." He says reasonably. "I'm no threat to the DeBukes."

"Ha.. well, Clem and Earl are so close surely they'll vouch for you at the hanging" SHe fusses "Hold still"

She gestures and casts veiling him "Follow me, sir"

"Ack. I have left thy blind fold. I'll have to poke out your eyes so I don't betray trod locale"

"I don't want to leave yet."

"Their MOUNTAIN is here, the most powerful sorcerer in all of Wyoming, my veil will not fool his worst understudy let alone a lead player"

"And when he catches thee, he will make thee think thou art his long lost cockapoo artie and you will fetch whatever secrets he wills. Is that what thou wish?"

"I know members of Earl's family are... hostile to my kith. Fine, I won't wander, I'll stay here and wait for Zara."

"She told me to introduce myself to ... she said, Agnes. If they trust you, will you introduce me?"

"Nay, ye must leave... "

"Argh, sirrah, please..."

He shakes his head. "Not without Zara."

"Zara is staying here while Earl is away..." She laments