#earthrunes

"Great"he nods then says 'Until you asked I had no idea she was going anywhere. But if she is, then why worry? Sis is a fantastic Regent. And we'll back her up if Sparrow needs us which I doubt she will. And mom is a kick ass warrioress"

August closes his eyes and sighs.

"Ah."

"Yes. She is, and she is, and they are."

He hesitates, thinking.

"Have you asked her?"

"Yes."

"And... I take it she's not telling?"

August traces his fingers along the wood grain of the table, the pattern compelling. "I'm seeking additional sources." He agrees.

"Oh dad." A sigh "Are you trying to get me in trouble with her?"

"No, Magnus. Nevermind." He smiles, not entirely joyful, and rises.

"Enjoy your studies." With affection.

"Hey.. wait a second"

He pauses.

"August, you do realize that if she's not telling you, then she's possibly, or even probably, trying to get you a surprise? Isn't your birthday soon?"

He looks startled. "What? Why would she do that?"

"I mean... yes, it is but...."

"why would she give her true heart a gift?"

"on his birthday?"

"Ah... well... ah..." He searches. "I mean, of course.... but... why a journey? That she won't tell me about? I'd rather she was here. She'll be gone -days-, she said."

"Because Chimerical Amazons don't deliver everything by online order? August, it's supposed to be a surprise. By definition you're not supposed to know"

"-Is- that what she's doing?" It's clear his question is not designed to spoil a surprise; it's meant to assuage an ache, to calm a heart.

"That would be my guess. Yes."

"Guess." Not a question, a confirmation.

He nods. "Thank you, again." The air of a man with something on his mind.

"August... have a little faith in her love, and my deductions. You're a man of faith, share a little with those in your life mmm?"

He pauses (again) "So... wait, that guess is your professional guess? Analysis?" Slightly hopeful.

"Yes. I mean I would put money on it"

His whole visage brightens. "Oh! Ok!" A sunny grin.

"You're an odd duck my father and friend."

"What did you think it was all about if i might ask?"

He shrugs. "I don't... I mean, she wouldn't say. I was worried."

"She loves you utterly and would never willingly hurt you. But marriages are built largely on trust."

"And nor would I, but we -have-... I mean.... temporarily. Not permanently." He clears his throat. "I trust -her-."

"Is this about that Ailil fellow visiting?"

A frown... no, that's a scowl. "No."

"My mistake. I know you don't like the fellow. Can't say I do either" A frown

"Hmph." A grunt of masculine common-understanding.

"No, though, it's not about him. Entirely."

"Well, all I know is that Neachdainn's wounded dove routine gets old."

" 'Dove' indeed." Still scowling.

"Look, I'm a dark dashing knight but I don't lie ALL the time. I don't ALwAYS break the rules. I don't twirl my mustache....blah blah... great, why do you expect a medal for it?"

"You're.... passionate... but not a lech." August points out supportively.

A laugh "i was talking about how HE talks sorry for the mix up"

"Mix up?"

"Ah, I talk about him..an what I think he goes around acting like and you attributed the words to me about me? or so it seemed?"

"No, I meant that's one difference between you two, one of many."

"Thank you" he says "See, i don't have a problem with House Aiili per se, but I do think it's silly how often they want credit because they're not entirely villainous. "

"Yes." August agrees. "At -least-."

He rises "Come on, let's go have a drink...tea if you insist. We can both talk about Neachdainn... and if the boggans hear it and spread it? GOOD."