#earthrunes

"This one looks like a butterfly? And... wow, this lioness one is really good...."

She smiles. "Deryn did the lioness. It really is lovely, isn't it? She said she has something silvery in mind for the king of fools." A gentle hip check.

"Oh, is that her work? Of course, I should have king of fools?" He catches up.

And is rocked gently.

"You'll be able to be here for Carnival, I hope? I know it's the middle of the week...."

"Of course I will, I've already talked to the professor, but...." He frowns, troubled.

The frown seems contagious. "But what?"

"You... want me to be king of fools?" He takes a deep breath and lets it out, nodding slowly. "Ok."

"Isn't...isn't that what you're supposed to be? I mean, you know far more about this holiday than I do."

"I... it... yes. Yes, I can do that. You should observe a Carnivale, at least once." He nods.

She gives him a look. "August...tell me."

He doesn't fight the look. Much.

"Well. What, ah, what do you know about Carnivale?"

"It's...well, topsy-turvy? The rulers become the commoners, and the commoners take charge. For a night. I'm told it's a lot of fun."

He nods slowly. "I guess."

"Well, okay, then...what do you know about Carnivale?"

"It usually starts at sunset. There are only three rules, or 'laws'."

She sounds a bit impatient at his evasiveness.

"There can be no retribution for any word spoken or deed done."

"A monarch cannot exact revenge against harassers."

"Carnival is sacrosanct; all who attend are welcome and safe."

She nods. "Okay. So...?"

"A king, or queen, is chosen." He pauses. "A lot of places will Enchant a mortal for this role."

She listens, head tilted a bit as she watches his expression.

"In some places, it's a night that celebrates the unity between nobles and commoners. Part of the symbolism of switching places."

A bit of a smile. "I like that notion."

"It can also be a night to gather Glamour."

"Well...dreams, fancies...I can see that."

A small smile. "Exactly."

A pause, and she folds her arms. "What aren't you telling me, my love?"

"Carnivale can be a lot like Highsummer. Sorry, that is, everyone plays pranks on everyone, but the Carnivale Fool most of all."

"So...I should be ready to wash tar out of my hair?"

"No. I'll do it." A pause. "No, I mean, I'll be the Fool. If you want me to."

"Well, we can be the Fools, can't we?"

"Together?"

"I... suppose? Except, well... I mean, it's supposed to be the nobel Freeholder. I'm not... I mean, I could take your place, I suppose."

She looks. "We talked about the title, August."

"We talked." He agrees.

"We talked...without a conclusion."

"Yes." Quietly, as he turns and looks at the other artistic efforts.

She rolls her eyes. "Well, I won't push you."

"I don't mind being the Fool, August. I mean...it sounds kind of fun."

"It does?" Genuine disbelief.

"Um...yes." As if that should be obvious. "I want to do a good job at it, though. I need to get some tips from Shallimar."

August seems to look inward, nods. "I think that might be wise."

She looks at the decorations again for a long moment...then looks at him suddenly. "Oh! Oh, I just thought...I should check with Jack!"

"You should?" Startled.

"He was with the Baron for ages. So he knows how the Baron used to do Carnivale."

August tilts his head, thinking. "I don't see the old Baron as ... playing much of a fool."

"Well, no...probably not. But at least I'd have a better idea of what the locals are used to here."