#earthrunes

"Boston is interesting. But... "

He writes this all down

Earl taps the pencile against his chin "A lot of these you've mentioned have fine reputations. We have even heard of them in Iowa" a wink

"Well, yes. The Ivies and the Sisters." A pause. "I think I like the Sisters better."

August frowns, thinking. "Maybe I know someone who is at one of them?" He looks up, to Zara, "I mean, it's possible I know someone Fae who's at one of them, either as a student or a teacher. I'd been thinking about the Ivies, myself, at one time."

"You don't remember which one though?"

"Which college?" He shrugs. "Harvard had appeal, of course. It was a couple of years ago."

"True. Look for freeholds - imagine if one if, say, Varich held!"

"Yikes" He nods and makes a note "Who controls nearby holds important"

"And Catholic U." He finishes. "Exactly. I'll see what I can find out."

He nods and looks to Zara "I think you've narrowed it down tonight at least"

(Pause Scene for now.. Earl can go get tea or fetch something if need be)

August glances to the doorway Earl just disappeared through, then back to Zara. "I really am glad you came, Zara. I know you're not much for large gatherings, and I won't take a lot of your time, but it's good to see you." He offers her a smile.

"Aye... and likewise." She studies her tea. "The library was quiet, so we avoided the chaos."

"Of course. It was a pretty, ah, raucous hunt, but fun." He grins a little at the memory. "Ah.... your family? Doing well?"

"Aye. Always. All of them - I watch, nu?"

He nods. "Right. Ok." He scoots his mug around on the desk. "Are... are we ok?" Softly.

"I don't know."

Fidget. "....I know you're mad..."

"I'm -not- mad, Zara." gently "Not really."

"Please don't be mad at me?"

"When have I ever been mad at you?"

"I've given you cause."

A soft sigh. "Not on purpose."

He shakes his head. "Still. I never -ever- meant to hurt you or make you mad, and I've done both. I apologize. I'll change."

"August..."

"You... shouldn't apologize because of my own... issues. I wish you hadn't ever... I never would have told you. I would never wish to cause you harm."

"Or upset. I know what I am, what you are..."

He nods. "And I know what I am, and who you are. I care about you."

"I know that."

"Good." Firmly. "That's not going to change."

"And you know I will do what I can to protect you, yes?"

He chuckles. "Zara, I'm the one that should be protecting -you-."

"Aye, it may be mutual."

"I'm certainly not the one that should be hurting you." Remorsefully.

(pause)

"Zara.... is there anything I can do to make it better? -Anything-?"

"August, it's fine..."

"You say that, Zara, but I know I hurt you and if there's anything I can do, I would. I will. I've already made some changes that I hope you'll see a difference in but... Look, I know this is direct and straightforward, but -you- know I'm not good with anything less. 'It's fine.' is not the same as 'No, nothing.' Please, tell me? If nothing else, so I can grow?"

"I.... I don't know!"

The door opens gently, as Earl returns "More tea, I know we were running low"

August leans back. "Ok." Gently. "If you think of anything, please let me know." To Earl. "Thanks, Earl, but I've taken enough of your guys time." He smiles as he stands. "Merry Yule. Come join the party later if you like, you're more than welcome and I know everyone would like to see you."

"Merry Yule," he says making sure not to be in the way of the door

She sighs softly. "Aye. Take care, AUgust."

He nods to Earl, smiles to Zara. "I love my gifts. Thank you. Both." He gathers them up and departs.

"Welcome" He watches him go, then looks to zara "Did I accidentally drive him off?"

"No, I think I did..."

He pours her some more tea, or starts too, "Is it me, or has he been extra wound the last few times we met him?"

"He has been. My fault."

A sip "how so?