#earthrunes

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Sparrow floats into the other Liam's study, Ladybird at her heels in a bright blue-and-white vest that says "Therapy Dog In Training."

Tap tap at the door frame. "Aug?"

A murmur for the other side. "Just a moment, please." It's more than a moment later, but then the door opens. "Derynwydd?" A soft smile on an otherwise troubled face. "Please come in." He makes way for her.

Ladybird hops up on his legs, but is corrected with a soft "down" - though her velvety tail is still wagging like crazy.

His study is.... spare. A cot, army-tight, tucked away and unused. A prie-dieu (of all things) facing a cross on the wall. A desk with the materials of his craft neatly organized. Several full bookshelves. Nothing really personal.

"Hey. Heard there's been something of a tempest going on? You okay?"

A warmer grin. "Hello Ladybird. I can't play while you're working. Good girl."

"She's been doing so well. She's a smart girl."

August carefully keeps his hands behind his back; he has been doing well with her training too, and is a smart boy.

"Something wrong at home, Deryn?" with gentle concern.

"No? Thought I might see what the job situation is, here, for the summer... still torn up about the school thing, I don't know. Colton likes his school, mostly..."

He nods. "Of course. Have a seat?" He gestures to... .well, the desk chair. The other option is the bed.

"I got work at a pool, lifeguarding. Should be enough."

She perches neatly on the chair, wings draping behind. Ladybird siiigghhhssss and lays down by Sparrow's feet - soft blue eyes watching August with interest.

Another soft smile for the pup.

THUMP THUMP tail.

"Well, maybe I can do something with kids. That would be nice."

"I've always thought it would be a good fit for you. Maybe... an au pair? Or the Y, I was going to look at them if the pool management companies didn't pan out. I think most of the camps are staffed by now." apologetically.

"Well, most camps would have me there all the time..."

"Summer camps, I meant. There are day camps but... like I said."

"You swim pretty well, I could see if there's a spot for you where I am? Maybe not the same pool, but...."

She beams. "Working together? Oh, that could be fun!"

He smiles, dim sunlight. "Well, same company."

"Well, let me look around. Maybe I could try freelance... do murals for kids rooms and stuff."

"Sure. Just let me know if I can help."

He takes a seat on the bed.

"Anyhow, why is everything so tense? What happened?"

August looks down, licks his lips, and fills her in, taking his time. The kidnapping, the raid, the capture, the hearing. Facts.

Her feathers slick down. "Hell."

He nods, head low.

"I... I think maybe Coradel should have filled you in but.... you're here and you asked."

"I don't know if Coradel is going to want to look any deeper into this. You should check with her."

"Fiona temper in full force... I don't think I much care for the boggan manipulating her, either, so that she's afraid to just rule on his fate..."

August shakes his head. "I don't think he manipulated her; I'm.... I'm proud she stopped to consider second and third order ripple effects." Softly.

"I want to know who sent him."

August nods. "That weights heavily on my mind as well."

"Are we being watched?"

"Certainly."

"I think we both have been seeing too much of your sluagh. But, well... it sounds like this Layton got here awfully fast."

The mention of Zara makes him smile automatically, fondly. "This used to be a Eilund hold; we're certainly being watched. And, she's so young to be a Baroness...." sad wistfulness.

"Well, more in her time from Chrysalis... but she's a wilder, through and through."

"Yes, she is."

"She's fine. She's doing fine. Me, I'd like to pull out the cap's teeth..."

"Oh, she's ready to." sadly.

"I am not fond of the kith." She shrugs. "Nor ravagers. Nor murderers."

He's quiet a time, standing to wander over near the prie-dieu, resting a hand on it. "Me either." Finally. "Although I have an insight to the kith. His actions.... are very much in keeping with them; the smarter ones, anyway."

"He shouldn't find shelter here."

"Oh, he's incarcerated, not sheltered."

"For now."