#earthrunes

A fond smile at the comment on adoring him, and then a nod. "His fosterage was at Alabaster Hollow. Dougal. I didn't witness it myself, but he still bears a lot of wounds from that time."

"Shalimar was talking about the Difficulty Rating being 11, but didn't explain why I think I get it now. I..." her eyes widen, then Leonora gets an wicked idea

"I... my mood just improved. Thanks"

"Ohhh, now come on. You can't just leave me hanging with that. What are you planning, you wonderfully wicked woman?" Coradel leans in eagerly.

"I can't tell the Baroness, I'm sorry" She says

Then a beat "Might be able to tell my buddy, Cory"

She looks over both shoulders, then shrugs. "I don't see a baroness around."

"Fine' She says "High Summer is coming up. Pranksgiving? We do have some Pooka, Shalimar not the least of them. What if we outsourced our pranking for that day?"

"You mean...give them an appropriate target, and set them loose?" A wide grin. "You...are spectacular in so very many ways."

She flutters her lashes, "I know. Obviously, this would be the 'suggestion' of a petulant Fiona girl who fluttered her lashes at most, nothing 'official'"

Hands up (though one still holds a beer can) in surrender. "The baroness has heard nothing about this, and absolutely has not endorsed you as an agent in this matter."

She drops her hands. "Thank you, Leo. For defending him, or at least retaliating on his behalf."

The lovely young woman nods, "Good, I mean, it would be tawdry for an agent to suggest, " fingers splayed over her cleeavage as she cast her voice towards where a lion might or might not be nearby "That if some brave golden maned champion of humor were to assist in this project, I would wear ANYthing he wanted in the matress of his choosing for at least an hour"

Coradel listens carefully for the sound of a fainting pooka in the hallway.

Not fainting, but definitely a heavy lean against a wall... this flowah is wiltin’!

A grin, and a murmur. "I think your aim is as good as ever."

Leo then leans forwards and kissees Coradel lightly, "You're welcome, and he's my friend. I look after." then at the murmur "That is so gratifying to hear. " Normal voice, "See you around, I have ...personal project"

Coradel detains her long enough for another light kiss. Then she says, "I won't keep you, then." And watches her go.

Oh yes, sway is back , much better mood

Smiling, Coradel sets the open beer back among the ice, and sets about some slow stretches in the ring.

Inside, August knocks at Leonora's room-door. He's dressed smartly, hair slicked back with water, his tan vibrant. He carries a paper cone.

August hears a voice behind him, "Looking for me?" It's Leonora

"Oh! Ah. Yes." He clears his throat. "Ah. Do you have a moment?"

"for you? Almost always" She opens the door, "Go on in"

"Ah." He does after a minute hesitation. Inside, he present the cone to her; a bouquet; tulips, carnations, tiger lilies in an explosion of orange, yellow, red. Flowers aflame.

"oh these are beautiful" She kisses him and closes the door, then takes the flower for al ong sniff, and immediately goes to find a vase. When that's done, "Oh I'm a mess, sorry, just worked out in the garden. Give me a second to shower, have a seat. And thank you so much for the flowers"

"Of course." And he sits.

She starts stripping even before she hits the shower, "If you wnat to talk while I'm showering that's okay to..." Shoes...tabard, shirt...yeah, the trail is growing and more is showing as she opens the bathroom door

August averts his eyes. "I, ah, I wanted to ask if you'd like to go to dinner. With me."

The sound of a bit of a 'ooo, that's cold' then more showering and she says "Better. Sure, is there a special occasion?"

"N... no."

The water must have heated up, he can feel her sounds grow more pleased

"Well, I would love to. Where and when do I need to be ready?"

"Oh, ah, well.... are you free tonight? I can work around your schedule."

"Any time after 7 I'm yours"

"O...okay, then... shall I pick you up at 7 then? Or 7:30? I thought, ah, maybe The Grand Cafe?"

Steam rushes over her body and then flows out a bit so the heat, and (maybe he's imaginging) her scent along with the smell of soap fills his nostrils (COULd be imaginging) "The Grand Cafe? Sure. And 7:30 works. Should I meet you there or am I getting.." a chuckle "A ride?"

"I'd thought I'd drive?"

"Well, I know you're good with a stick, so sure, you take the driver's seat" More cleaning, then "August, if you want, you're welcome to step in here, plenty of room"

A pause from the other room. Then he enters, quietly.

" I actually meant the shower," A smile "But up to you. How are things, August?"

"Oh. I, ah, I just showered. When I got back from work. I'm good. I'm sorry I haven't been around more."

"You're a busy guy, August, and I know that you're not always a social person. It's okay."

He shakes his head. "I have to figure it out. You deserve better."

"August , maybe it's best you're not in the shower, it would be weird when you started walking up the drops. You really are too good sometimes. I'm your mistress. You pay suit plenty. You have priorities, and I get that I am not in the top three. that's how it should be."

He shifts his weight. "Thank you for saying so."

"Heck, I wouldn't even be offended if I weren't in the top five..." A beat "I better be in the top ten though. Girl's got her pride"

"I, ah, I haven't ranked things... formally. I can work on that, though...."

A soft laugh "Maybe it's best if you don't. Easier on all egos involved. My point is- don't blame yourself for life happening"

"Mmm. Just... experience it."