#earthrunes

**********************
Before the end of the weekend, Leonora is treated (if that's the right word) to cozy couch-time with August somewhere warm (a fireplace is involved) and semi-public in the Freehold; public enough that people can see them together, semi enough that she's not being paraded around on show. He brings a couple books for her to choose from, seasonal classics, and offers to read to her. He's arranged a small cart of refreshment near by. Soft music. It's like an intimate Yule party for just-them, not just a quick meet-and-eat; he takes as long as she likes. If she leans on him, he will wrap an arm around her. They chat about how life is going, his new plans for the future (he does seem boyishly excited by the challenge and potential), what her plans are... He even presses a kiss or two to her hair and cheek. It's a bit romantic, and he says he intends to do this more often if she enjoys it. "I will not take you for granted, Leonora, as I feel I have been. I'm sorry about that."

"August, it's okay." she seems almost , embarrassed by the attention "I don't want this to reflect badly on Coradel. "

"Oh." He pauses. "Should we go?"

"No, it's okay I'm just, lately you seem determined to prove something to me. Did I complain and not remember?"

"No. You did nothing... no, it's .... I want to do better, that's all."

"I guess, " She says and takes her hand "And it is good to seem that your idea of being an advocate in law and the like thrills you. I'm glad. You'll be a good one. Just pace yourself . You won't be able to save everyone and that worries me on how it will take a toll on you"

"Bloodied but not bowed....." He murmurs.

"Okay, that was ..kind of sexy" she admits when she catches the murmur

"Ah. What?"

"You looked resolute, very masculine," A smile "Testosterone brings out the color of your eyes"

"Ahhhhhhhh... ok." Uncertainly but not put off.

A smile, "Sorry, August. I guess I'm not used to being the center of your attention like this, but I have liked our talk. You are taking care of yourself right? Vince got the flu something bad. Oswald is only now on duty again"

"You -should- be the center of attention like this. It's...it's my loss if I missed it. And yes. I had my flu shot." Soberly.

She tilts her head looking at him curiously "When you talk like that I worry I've become the main course instead of a side dish. which is vain of me, but better mistakenly vain than a homewrecker"

"I love Coradel." Firmly. "But that doesn't mean I have to... slight you."

That gives him a kiss, "Thanks. Then you may spoil me a bit. Actually, I like talking to you cozy like this. THe..old me, my host, didn't often hang around for winter. She would go to the bahamas and so on. Oh, sometimes she went to a ski lodge and got spoiled by the fire there, but it was always 'the in place' a way to lord it over folks. If school wasn't required she was out of there, and sometimes even when it was. This is cozy, and nice and better in some ways, or at least different."A bite of her lip "I Have thought about reallly skiing though. You know the old me only got on the beginer course and only once or twice so she could show off the expensive gear. Did you know there are top fashion designers for ski gear? your ass in the air, by Armani"

"Ah. Well. I think you should...." He takes a breath. "... You should look into that. More advanced courses." A but of resignation.

A tilt of her head "You're worried I'll drag you along, strap two stick on your feet and push you down a mountain aren't you?"

"No. I'll go if I want to."Firmly and kindly. "I might want to. I've been skiing, but I'm not black diamond."

"Neither am I" She points out "It's an idea. Sometimes I enjoy athletics, you know? Then again, with you? Maybe hiking would be more your bag, baby" A smile "There a view somewhere you've always wanted to go?"

This prompts him to a kiss. "Ah... well." He thinks on it. "Ah, well. No, no. Nevermind. It's not the same... no."

"No? " She says "Come on , August. Worse I can do is say no if there's something you want to try"

"It's not fair to you." he says, resolute. "I already have quests in promise. You should be.... you should be happy."

She laughs "August, did I look that miserable?"

"N... No."

"I see what you want to do, and I love it, it's sweet and flattering, but I'm actually very happy with my life. And if I wasn't, there's only so much you could do to fix it. Ultimately, a lot of happiness comes from within, how I choose to see things. easier said than done, but it is a factor. I have money, I have a job that makes me happy, and I have very dear friends who happen to be fantastic in the sack" She takes his hand "One day, I will find myself in a misery that I can't fix by myself, and on that day I will be thrilled even as I'm hurting."

He nods, simply agreeing and maybe wistfully envious. " Good."

"Because..." She stops "Oh, you got it first try? Well..huh"

A smile and she leans against him

"No, I get it." Quietly, "I understand, that is. I'm still working on actually getting there, myself. But." He inhales. "I think I'm closer. So that's good."

"I guess you do" She nods "And I think you've really been trying lately to make sure you're good with everyone. that's very compasionate, but don't forget to take care of yourself okay? Your study hours are a bear"

"I'm taking this time. I -have- cut back on exercise but I haven't cut it out entirely, and it's just for the week of finals. A last push. Then I'll be home. Coradel and I are going to visit my parents for Christmas." Shyly proud.

"That's great" She smiles "Do your parents know her well?"

"Ah... no. In fact they only met at the Eagle Court and the, ah, party. After." A light blush.

"I bet she's nervous about that" A smile "I mean, Fiona don't know fear except when it comes to love so this , well, it involves you so it might make her jumpy"

"Coradel, nervous?" He chuckles. "No, I don't think so." A pause. "Ah. I should remind her about Mass."

"Well, if she ends up being nervous, assure her she's going to be great. "

"Of course!"

"Good." A kiss on his cheek

"Oh, I plan to move here after the school year." He remembers to tell her.

"Oh? Have you already picked out a place?"

He grins, she can hear it in his voice. "No. We'll go shopping together. But.... I've looked around."

"Let me know if you guys want help. I adore buying things."

"or just shopping"

"Thanks. There's a lot of stuff I don't have, I know. But I figure Coradel will fix that." With good humor.

"Oh sure. Did you get socks?"

There is a pause before he answers. " yes." There is something reserved and wistful in his tone.

A smile "That was so sweet. I have to get whoever gave them a gift for yule. Zara I bet. Hannukah?"

" yes." Again.

"then.. wonder what she likes? I could look around that antique store. Any hints?"