#debukefarmhold

They appear in the cornfield

August looks around and there is, obviously, no wounded Sidhe in the cornfield. He glares at Earl, impatiently waiting.

"Easy, August," He says "One does not just Flicker flash a sidhe baron directly into the DeBuke farm..we have a lot of old biases and some with cause. We can walk on in..."

"What the hell? TWO of them?" Storm Murray lumbers up, weapon lowering "Earl, don't you have other places to take your sidhe friends?"

August has the sense to let Earl lead, but the set of his face suggests he has little interest in banter.

"Emma our regular healer was out, Storm" Earl has to remember his cousin is his superior here as much as a lodge has superiors "And August is Leonora's friend and mine. I've a right to invite a friend to see to another friend's health. It's just decency. He's no threat to our balefire or independence"

Murray snorts "We keep the gate wide open like this and we could find ourselves with some serious security risks." He looks at August "Fine. Keep your weapon undrawn, mind the escheat, and obey the Chieftain, Storm, Hearth and Mountain"

"He will " Earl says moving past and inviting August to do the same

The Sidhe's jaw clenches and his simmering emotions are evident, but at least he has enough self-control to avoid flaring.

August draws attention. A sidhe lord is not unheard of here, not as much as it used to be, but still can cause caution. A liam is not unheard of here, but the one Liam they really trust well is another troll named Sir Franklyn.

And August may not remember it, but he's been here before under less than ideal situations

Earl heads not immediately towards the balefire lit dining and kitchen area...

but rather a small (By troll standards) cottage

August follows.

Earl knocks "Clem, you in there?"

"Where else would I be? Come on in, Earl"

Earl opens the door.

The Sidhe doesn't shove in, but waits to be welcomed.

Clem is huddled over a pale figure but seemingly unwounded Leonora who lays in a bed in a thin shift

Clem is surprised to see August "August? You're here?"

"oh shoot" Leonora says with the faintest of blushes "I din't want him to worry. Come on in, August. Hey?"

August nods to Clem (he knows her in passing or from reputation?) and goes to kneel next to Leonora's bedside. "Leonora."

(He's met her before a few times at ER and elsewhere)

"Hey August..." Leonora grins "I know it doesn't look like it, but I was really torn up earlier. " A look at Earl "Narc."

"I thought you had texted him to let him know you were okay" Earl points out

August scans her form with flinty grey eyes, assessing.

It is clear she's been hit with numerous healing magics, but the signs of where baby smooth new flesh is tells just how bad and numerous her wounds must have been. Left shoulder, Right arm, right leg. A smooth spot on her face means she nearly lost an eye. There are still traces of blood, very small, in her hair.

He reaches out to touch her hair, pauses, and withdraws.

He bows his head.

"I thought there were only four of them... on that woman and her husband? The gang was mugging them see? Well... there were three more. Stupid of me, I didn't see... I got hit from behind" She looks embarrassed "Oh didn't have time to reach for my bow..."

He nods, not lifting his head.

"Hey?" She says "i'm sorry. I should have texted you, August. I Just knew you'd get worried. "

He clears his throat, and nods. He looks up, then stands. "And, clearly, you are in excellent hands. For which I am grateful. Although I cannot speak for Baroness Coradel and Earthrunes, I believe all these are grateful as well."

Clem nods "She was in a powerful bad state earlier, no doubt... I think Emma would have pulled her through too, but she did need some care. Now that she's stable and wounds mostly gone she could be returned home if you like?"

"I'm sure that is up to Dame Leonora."

He clears his throat. "I think I'd like to take some air and stretch my legs."

"August?" Leonora tries to read him "Are you ...upset?"

"You're a guest at our farm, August" Clem says then looks to Earl "Let folks know?"

"I'll go with him and make sure" earl nods and offers to guide August out

"I'm glad you are healing, Leonora." he assures her, not ungently. "Thank you, Earl."

"Okay. Come back here before you decide to leave the farm? I'll probably head back to Earth runes with you then" She says

And with that, August and Earl are out into the farm main area. Earl looks at August "I'm here for you , friend. How much space do you want?"

"Just a place to sit for a moment will suffice, thank you."

"In this summer heat, you'll want shade" he insists and takes him to a bench , hand crafted, under a tree.

August takes a seat, eyes distant.

Earl gives him some space but is nearby.

It is warm, and the shade was a good idea

After perhaps two minutes August rises. "May I see Leonora again? I'll take my leave now."

"August. " Earl says "Friend to Friend... I'd really like to know what you're thinking."

He blinks, looks back to Earl. "I think Leonora is very lucky to have you as a friend. Thank you for aiding her."