#earthrunes

August writes another letter, half of the court's business is paper work some days it seems. It occurs to him by having Zara handle the library, he enabled himself to focus on this- but she got the fun part. Most of the requests are minor, or just updates. Things he'll bring to his trueheart's attention.

THe next letter that comes up is... in magic marker, and says "GOT YOUR SQUIRE YET?"

A sigh. Any clue on who... on -which- wrote it?

Nope. Possibly once of the childlings themselves as it is not exactly mature writing. He had put this off , perhaps he was hoping it would go away? but once kids get an idea in their head dot dot dot

7

Colton might actually be on site

((Sorry, cat typing))

August sets down his pen, cleans his hands, and goes in search of the young troll.

Colton is found where he is often found, tending to the animals to help Sir Sergei. The ice cold varich has warmed as few others besides his own animals of course. Today, Colton is in the ayrie , high up and tending to hawks

August knocks respectfully and waits for Colton to be free.

Colton turns, "Oh, please, come in, Sir August. I'm done. Just uhm, you know, admiring" He smiles "I have to cover my arm up more around the ravens-sparkles too much. But the hawks don't mind"

"I don't want to take you from your duties, Squire."

"Oh you won't, sir, like I said, I'm done today" He says and strokes the bird on his arm, "Though if I need to leave the ayrie I will want to put Ororo away"

August nods, and withdraws to wait.

A confused look on the boy's features at something, but he puts the bird away, and soon comes out to see the Scribe, "Sir August? The hawk's away now, what can I do for you sir?"

"I was wondering if you might help me with a conundrum I face. Certain childlings have approached me with interest... or at least, they say they are interested.... in squiring with me. I was hoping you might interview them and give me your thoughts?"

"You haven't seen to that yet, sir?" Surprised "I don't mean to be rude, I know things have been busy, but are you avoiding them?"

"It has been very busy, work and studies and all aside...." Uncomfortably. "It wasn't my idea to begin with, you know." A shrug. "You had much better fortune meeting Derynwydd. "

"Baroness Derynwydd is a blessing" He nods

"She is." With firm fondness. "Anyway, I haven't really interviewed anyone, and ... well, you have a unique insight on being a Squire to Liam."

A brow knits "Well, sir, I can tell you I have talked to some of them, theyr'e trying to be patient ,and I informed them that that's a big part of it. A squire mostly has to wait on his liege, after all. Sometimes it feels like we do nothing, then other times we do the jobs that are not glamourous enough to make it in the tales. Honoria grasps that, but some of the childlings are thinking it's a way to better their standing-which eventually it can be, and some think it's going to be you taking them on amazing quests...which it very likely won't be often. Your house is something that none of them want to join, but as a squire they'd not have to. I didn't 'interview' but I have talked to them, and they to me."

August nods. "That's fine, really. That's just about what I was looking for. Based on what we know of each other, and those talks, do you have a recommendation?"

"Squire Honiria is most qualified," He says without hestitation "in general? But for you? Mmm" he thinks it over

A rueful smile. "Squire Honiria would serve me willingly, but only as a last resort. She is Dougal, it might... harm her standing within her House. I'm sure we can find someone better."

"If you say so, sir, though as a squire to a Liam myself I think you maybe too modest about your own achievements. Bazyl is social and outgoing, and might handle duties for you regarding message delivery and other events allowing you more study time" He muses "But his confidence aside, I'm not sure if you're looking for someone who is in contrast to your own style or compliments it?"

"I'm not either." Dryly, but he thinks. "What is the boggan lad's name?"

"Tyler, or Tylar, I think" He says "He's got a practical head on his shoulders like most of his kith, and boggans call to the needy fits well with your own views. I think he would serve you adequately and handle any teasing he might get for serving a liam pretty well. I think he wants to be more than a 'regular boggan', not that there is anyhthing wrong with being a regular boggan, but the kith does get overlooked. That said, when I've talked to him he was helping the staff here, so he's not afraid or ashamed of getting sweat on his brow"

August nods thoughtfully. "I will ask him, obviously, but do you know what his goals are?"

"Honestly sir? I think he wants to be a knight one day"

A sigh. "What about the others? Honoria, obviously."

"Honoria has been very patient, but I wonder what's..." He frowns "I wonder why she hasn't gotten a knight until now? is there something about her that makes her unwanted? THe old baron was firm, but not cruel. Why would he let her linger so?"

August frowns. "I don't know. It is an interesting question; I can try to find out. Do you think she would be happy with Sir Magnus?"

"Sir Magnus with a squire?" A raised brow, "I didn't think he was recruiting?" Surprised

"Neither was I." Reasonably.

"Good point" He says then a smile, "Well, naturally, I think I have the best liege. Not many troll squires get to serve a person who earned the title Ogrebane, AND who is so kind..." He ponders, "But...maybe. Or for that matter, Dame Claire."

A flicker of an expression that is gone. "Perhaps." Evenly. "Are squires so interested in a knight's titles?"

Honest curiosity.

"Most are i think, but you have to think what it means, sir? Duty, yes, greater responsilbiltiies- but it is the Knight who often earns the hearts and dreams of dreamers and commoners alike. They are the working noble to many eyes. IT is... the last honest position in politics someone once called it, ven though that's not true it's hard not to believe it. Legends are more often spun about the good knight than say a kindly king. "

One thing about the 'senior' Truthbranch. He really -listens.- Now, he nods. "Thank you. The others, the sluagh lass and ... was it Byzle? The satyr? What do they want?"

"Bazyl, the satyr. Oh, Bazyl is easy." He says "He wants to be a hero. Who doesn't? I think he sees it as very, if you pardon the pun, glamourous" A pause "As for the sluagh. I confess to not always understanding, sluagh sir. THey're very quiet in more ways than one."

August nods. "Right. I'll start with her, then." He looks at Colton. "Thank you, squire."

"Your'e welcome, sir. Should I mention casually to the staff you're looking for the sluagh girl who wanted to be squire? She might hear it all the sooner"

"Yes, thank you. I'll see if I can find her, too." He nods and goes to look, starting in the library.

One might expect to find Zara here, but not today.

Then... corners. Dark hallways. Quiet spaces.

the hold is less dark since a Fiona took over it, indeed, it is more well lit, the colors fiery- yet there are places still where Eiluned touches linger, and a young girl might be found.

Case in point? A copse of trees blocks much sunlight from one wall outside in the garden, and there is a trove of mushrooms. Some times the cooks retrieve some for cooking, but mostly its left alone.

August walks nearby, looking for her but trying not to -search-; he's sure Zara wouldn't care to be -searched- for.

a curious set of eyes, not Zara's, but definitely a sluagh, peeps out as he walks by