#earthrunes

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Earth Runes. Only a fool would not notice the flare of silver from the bale the other night. And Sir August Truthbranch gets some larger than normal smiles from the staff. bogggans, they act like if romance occurred they get the credit. That said, currently the love of his life is attending to some matters, and he has run of the hold.

August makes himself useful by visiting the kitchen to put together a couple plates.

The boggans stare at him and ask quickly "Are you hungry?" "thirsty?" "Lost?"

This is, after all, or WAS, a more traditional hold. The staff is used to fetching.

"No, thank you." Quietly. "The Baroness Coradel asked me to prepare her something. Do you mind?"

"Well, are.. uhm are we being replaced?" One in the staff asks rather boldly, nervously. The others swallow. And it occurs to August that with the shuffling of positions, some of the staff worry about a pink slip, "The steward didnt' say anything"

"No! No, I just... I wanted to do this for her."

"Oh..well..." They step back, but can't help make suggestions, "She likes the..." "And her favorite jelly flavor is..." they chatter and assist, much relieved. Sure, He can get the food, but they are boggans and, well, sometimes Sidhe do it wrong.

As August works, a figure slides into the door way, "Good morning, August." It's Bachdion's voice. If August turns, he sees that the satyr is..older, as if his near death with cold iron has stripped a decade away. Shots of gray line his hair and fur more than before. Some energy is gone, but there is still an easy smile.

August accepts their help without complaint, and then turns when he's addressed. His grey eyes are steady. "Sir."

"when you're done preparing the plate, do you have a moment?"

He nods, and carefully finishes the work he's doing. "Will you take this one to the Baroness, please? Tell her I'm meeting with Sir Bachdion, or I would have brought it myself. Thank you."

"Of course" And the boggan is off.

Bachdion watches the boggan go, "Ah, well now I feel bad for detaining you. Women have been known to appreciate breakfast in bed." He motions the younger knight to follow so they won't be too eavesdropped on

"She is attending to her duties and court." Mildly, as he follows.

"She's a dedicated ruler," A nod, "Nemasus' fate bending magic worked well no matter the pain it caused," Impressed. They find a hall of art displays, currently empty- or so it seems, "I'm told that I owe you my life."

The younger man is quiet for a moment. "I was honored to be of service."

"honor is put part of the Seelie Code. I feel I owe you a debt sir. You didn't just save me from death I would have died by cold iron. I would like to know how I can repay, and, depending on what you recall from your dreamquest, I think I might know how to help you."

Another thinking pause. "With respect, Sir... now might not be the best time. I'm honored by the offer."

"Oh? I... how much did she tell you?"

Not smarmy or smug, nor embarrassed, just curious.

"You had sex. Together." Low.

"Technically true, but yet devoid of context," He says "In House Fiona, we are known as lovers as much, if not more, than warriors. I taught her romantic gestures, dancing, and yes, how to please a lover. It may surprise you to know that we did not actually have sex often. And she held it off till the last. Then? When it started, I found her focus was...rather specific at times. 'Will August like this?' 'How do you think August will feel about that?' "how do you tell what he wants?" and so on. I was a teacher, but never her love, and it was clear she meant to take what she learned and try to make you happy."

He flushes to the roots of his hair. "Thank you, for that, I think." He says tightly.

A soft chuff, "You're a kind man to be so polite when I know it vexed and perhaps still vexes you. House Fiona is sometimes hard for non Fiona to understand. What I'd like to offer, and after your trip to the Dreaming you may already know much of this but... I'd like to offer you tips and hints on what Coradel likes best, you see, a woman responds to expertise applied in certain ways. Each woman has ...sensitivities, preferences. But their body is only one part of the gestalt. I was her teacher, not her love. A man like you, the one she loves, with the knowledge I have of her...you would easily surpass me in fufilling her. You would know her desires and have her heart both. Obviously, I would not teach you in the full Fiona way. But, I think you would find the benefits of my guidance a delight for her and a source of joy for you. And perhaps, you might even be sure that no man could ever move her as you could."

Still fiery red, "Ah. Well. Thank you for the offer. She... Coradel is my teacher. It is... an arrangement we made long ago. And I'm not... ah, I'm not sure I could learn well from you. I'm not... that's not... Ah."

"No no, I understtand," gently "We Fiona and satyrs alike often praise tolerance when we mean we expect cheers. And we can be surprisingly ...demeaning and intolerant to those that don't think and believe as we do. And that's wrong of us. You are a young man raised in a certain faith, and of a different house. You've adapted incredibly well, but we're asking you to adapt at a means that could strip your gears because want you to shift them so fast. I'm.." his turn to be embarrassed, "sorry about that. I don't suppose it's any comfort to know I don't understand you much better than you do me. I'm just , in my own way, trying to repay you for your kindness in saving me, and because we both care for coradel, you as her true love, me as a friend and tutor."

August nods. "I confess to feeling at a disadvantage. The only Truthbranch not fostered Fiona."

"Insert house pride comment about how anyone not fostered by Fiona is at a disadvantage." A tired smile, "All right. My goal is not to discomfort you or embarrass you. Let me know if I can...teach you more wayfare or how to do the waltz or anything instead. I do wish to repay, but let it be, within reason, in the coin of your choosing'

He offers a polite bow, his redness slowly starting to subside. "I am honored." Rising. "For what it's worth... that bullet could have killed me, too."

"Yes. I know, that's why I am doubly in your debt. ...and. it didn't kill her, and that, matters to me greatly."

August nods gravely.

He bows back. "Unless there is anything else you wish? I will leave you be so you may attend the woman who has snatched your heart and whose heart you have taken in turn."

"Thank you, Sir." He offers his hand.

The Satyr takes it and gives a warm friendly shake "You're welcome, and really, we're both knights. Call me Bachdion if it doesn't trouble you."

"I appreciate the offer... without intending offense... let me get used to the idea?"

A chuckle, "Fair enough. Have a good day.

"

August departs, heading for the kitchen and the plate he left there.

(End Scene)