#earthrunes

He exhales and puts his face in his hands. "Bachdion, so much of my life is outside the teachings of the Church... "

"Yes, that's why it's important, I think, that you keep what you can , as a fae, hold onto. August, I wanted to broaden your horizons, not destroy things you treasured. If you've truly chosen to leave that faith becaue it no longer has value for you that's one thing I suppose, but it is my understanding your faith believes all are flawed. So I certainly hope it isn't because you don't feel worthy of it."

He shakes his head. "I haven't left my faith, or my church. My House teaches that, if we choose to be people of Faith, any Faith, sometimes we'll have to make allowances for what we are, or risk losing ourselves. I am comfortable with that. Coradel's my soul-mate, my Oath-mate, my wife. I owe her understanding, acceptance, and accommodation. I believe God understands and forgives me that."

"And you owe her the truth don't you think? At least, that of it/ You may worry she'll make a fuss and you'll get 'extra credit' but... don't get into the habit of lying to her, even by omission. I think you will find that goes against your beliefs, and might hurt her as well. Now, that's not an order, or anything. It's just..my concern for you two."

He sighs.

"Yes, buttinski satyr grump" A smile, fond

"She said... that I did mean to lie to her about the dancing, but it was to give her a surprise and ... she didn't mind."

"Oh, yes, true. a surprise is one thing but once she asked... ah, nevermind. I live it to you to know your lady" He pats August on the shoulder, "Leonora did teach you plenty "

"Yes, she, ah... she certainly did." He clears his throat. "Anyway, I wanted to mention because, if Coradel should ask... or if you feel you should say... well, she's the Baroness. I wouldn't want you to do anything, for me, that you feel is unethical. I appreciate your discretion but... not at the cost of your relationship with her."

"Thank you, I feel much the same. And I appreciate you worrying about me."

He nods. "You've been very kind."

"Do you have time for one more question, or topic?"

"Surely"

"Ahh..." he wets his lips, thinking. "... I ... how does one... I can make time, I will, of course, make time for her but.... what would you recommend as an activity for a ... a ... date... with Leonora?"

"Ah! Well, she likes dancing too but not as much as Coradel. She comes from uppercrust like Coradel, but seems more in tune wiht some mortal things. May I suggest a concert?"

He nods. "Modern or classical?"

"Probably top 40 pop, maybe even, God help you, a boy band. I know she likes Taylor Swift and Katy Perry both, but good luuck getting tickets to those. Something in those veins though"

He nods. "Thank you. I won't have a great deal of these opportunities, I'd like to do something nice when I can."

"You're a good lad. " A pause "Need cash?"

A quick flash of a grin. "Oh, no, thank you." Politely. "Summer's coming up, I'll be getting a job in the area and saving up."

"Lifeguard again? Coradel enjoyed distracting you"

He blushes. "You heard about that."

"The lioness would never shame you, but she does enjoy playing for your attention, my friend." A smile, "From what i hear, a lesser man would have broken but you held on well"

"I nearly didn't." Muttered, then more directly "It was... early. In our relationship. I think I would handle it differently now."

"But yes, lifeguarding pays pretty well. I might do that."

"I think you'd handle it fine. You'd do your job, then later both reward and punish her in a playful way for the teasing she put you through. She's love it." a smile

Oh dear. His color picks up noticeably.

"Ahem, pardon, just a guess"

"Ah, yes." Mumbled.

"Any other questions? or the like?"

He shakes his head. "No, thank you. Thank you, Bachdion."

"Another time, my friend, and.. I am proud you know?" he shooes him off, "now , back to my novel Ignoble Intentions"

"Ahhhh.... " he hesitates, then shakes his head and departs.

(End Scene)