#earthrunes

"No." Quietly, no trace of offence. "I've already been through that."

"So why does this new fellow worry you so?"

"Because he's real." Soft.

"Please elaborate," The satyr says

August looks confused by the request. "Because he's real. He's here. She ... she thinks she... wants him."

"but she doesn't love him," He says

"Not... like that. Not like she loves me." A pause. "I mean, he's been here a little under two weeks."

"What's two weeks got to do with it?"

Blankly. "Well. She doesn't know him. Here. Does she?"

"And you think sexual desire takes a lot of details to inspire? August, it's carnal desire. People don't need a 'hello my name is ______' button to be attracted, to want. Men or women can be turned on with a smile, a flash of throat, or what have you. Now, if he's also a nice guy once she gets talking to him, that's a bonus, but honestly, why do you think someone needs to know someone to want them?"

Nonplussed. "Because you need an emotional connection to the other person. Without ... care, affection, without love... it's just... physical."

"And what's wrong with just physical?" curious

"You'd be missing half of... it. Everything. The ... connection."

"Ever have candy? Be it a tootsie roll or lollipop or what have you?"

"Of course."

"Whats your favorite sort of candy?"

"Oh. Well. Chocolate, I guess?"

"Right. Now, can you live on chocolate? Is it nourishing?"

"No."

"then why do you ever try it?"

"Because it tastes good."

"And because I can, given I eat healthily the rest of the time."

"And there you go, that's why folks enjoy good sex without love." The satyr nods. "Good sex without love is candy."

"Empty calories."

"But sweet and pleasant."

August shifts in his seat. Perhaps he sees the point of the argument, but agree? Not as likely.

"If that is what she wants..." He nods. "I... I will.. agree."

"You say that like you had to pass a kidney stone"

"I wish she did not, but she does, and I want her to be who she is. I want nothing else, but for her to be her. So... I know we were able to make it work Before, and I will figure out how to make it work now. I'm just, not.... there. Yet. Close, I think." He takes a deep breath. "I leave Monday morning for the week."

"Look, you have every right to ask Coradel to take it slow. Frankly? I think things will go smoother once you have some Candy, preferably before she does. BUT I'm not sure you'll ever be convinced of that and I'm here to teach, not bully. where are yo ugoing for the week if I may ask?"

"Back to Kansas City, for school and Derynwydd." Almost as if he should know that.

"Good. Just a trod away. She can visit you and you two can refresh each other some time during the week."

"She... Coradel? She has duties here."

"Not every hour of every day she doesn't. Have you seen Firnost? Freeholders spend four hours a night there. Now, currently I am in the holdd she's in. SHe rules it. Have you ever seen a Fiona redhead denied her regulars? I am doing the land a favor. Now yes, she could have 'candy' but you don't seem ready for that, and she'll try to understand so try without. But, for the sake of the peasant folk and my own stress levels, it's better she visit you, even if I have to Flickeer flash her there, and she gets to say 'hi' in whatever position you two agree on. " A pause, "You'll be herre for Carnival I hope?"

"I... yes, of course. Carnivale..." He frowns, almost a scowl. "I'd stand in for her as monarch, but she won't let me. I mean... I agree she has good reasons and all, I just wish...."

He shakes his head.

"Jesters like candy too," he says dryly. "Ask Shalimar"

He looks up sharply. "Shalimar??"

"Relax. He's not after Coradel, just loyal to her, but yes he has a ladyfriend. What I'm saying is that Coradel is going to play the fool, something I'm actually proud of her for doing. You being there will mean a lot to her. She loves you. And having your arms to go into when it's over, whether she had a great time and is exxcited or a miserable time and needs comfort, will mean a lot to her."

He nods. "I will be here."

"Good, look, as for lessons today. I think we're done for now, but I am considering teaching you the art of massage. Trust me, if you learn to do it right, she will be very pleased. Women are tactile creatures. Men are visual, as a vast generalization, of course. It'll also be helpful those moments she is stressed. And I know you like helping her."

A small grin. "After Pennons... you know, just... just working with what I'd read. And since, when she.... you know."

A smile, "I think I get it."

He nods. "I'd welcome the chance to learn more, of course."

"Oh we will, we'll see what you know , let you try your skills at massage out on Leonora, and then go from there." He rises, "See you at Carnival then."

He swallows. "Try... ah. Oh. Ok." He rises as well. "Thank... thank you, Sss... ah, Bachdion."

"Any time, August," he opens the door to let August out.

August leaves, at least as distracted as when he went in.

Once the lad is out of sight and sound, the satyr says "Yup. going to have sex with a complete stranger, and I'm going to have it near an oak try why? Feeling petty, that's why." A sigh, 'He's a good lad. He's a good lad." Like a zen mantra.

(End Scene)