#earthrunes

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Having been told to be patient by Earl. with Zara gone. August finds himself with..free time?

Hardly that; an afternoon maybe?

Volunteering, networking for employment to come, apartment shopping, court business, Bachdion's commission......

But, he's able to find a moment or two, of course!

"Absolutely not" Innish says nearby. //"But tis CARNIVAL" Shallimar says "And she is queen"

"Enchanting the same mortal again for Carnival is foolish. Custom dictates new mortals... " Innish says

August's eyes narrow, his footsteps still.

"Oh goodess, custom changing on Carnival? Next thing you know it'll be ah oliday about upending conventions"

That last from the jester

"Shalimar, we are not re-enchanting the same mortal and shoving her on a throne. She's a mother now for crying out loud. Baby sitting costs man"

"We can arrange something. Let the Lion and Goat wave them arounnd... " Shalimar says

"Is there are particular reason why you want a repeat performance you white and black pain in my tuckus?"

"Well, times were good under Queen Bess... you see, so I'm plotting a counter reveloution against the Baroness and when the night is over, last yer starts over again... and I get to meet the flks I met before all over again and this time I get the puzzle right" Shalimar explains "This time, one of the pieces won't fall ot."

Innish blinks "I don't understand a bit of that"

Shalimar sighs "I didn't think you would"

"Does that mean you did think I would, or didn't think ? I'm getting older , shalimar."The Herald says

The pooka responds "Ah, Aging, you'll be lucky to get out of it alive"

"Funny" the Herald says sarcastically

"Sirrah, you DO speak Pooka" Shalimar says then "Please? Let's bring Bess back, she's all I want for Carnival"

Unseen, August shakes his head in the negative.

"You'll recall she was the Regent's find, and I will not go over the Regent's head in this, sir" Innish insist

"it's not like she flies that high" the pooka mutters

"My point is," the Herald continues, "Our liege may decide, the Regent may decide, but they are the only two that would have MY obedience in re-ennchanting a woman who now has her life. Otherwise, if you are asking me, and you are.. no. New mortal. Drunk prefered. As is custom."

"Ja Vhol" Shalmar says

August shifts, but holds himself in place, waiting.

Shalmiar goes one diretion, Innish the other... August can follow either

August follows Innish.

A few steps and Innish says "Yes? My ears still pick up a few things" he turns to look at August

"Thank you, Master Innish." August says soberly.

"For what? " Innish says

August considers the question.

"Keeping to our traditions. The way you do."

"Oh, part of that is old age, part of iti s leaning traditional in a hold full of reformers' he waves it off "Also, I know Shalimar. Whatever this is, it's not just about Carnival. Not for him"

A frown. "No? I thought the ... what do you think it's about?"

'i'm not sure, but this is a Fiona hold, and he was seen with a lady. She's gone, to where I'm not sure."

"He was?" August blinks. "Oh. So you think.....?"

"Hearbreak... wanting happier times before her leaving. I'm not as dim as Shalimar thinks I am...but I'm also not so cold as to admit I know he's hurting but putting tradition ahead of his hurting. I AM of course doing that, but as gently as I can. Better he think it's me being hidebound and clueless, yes?"

August is -trying- to follow.....

"Oh nevermind lad. Let's just ssay I suspect Shalimar is letting his heart get in the way of his head"

He nods slowly. "Help him.... save face?"

'that's what I'm trying to do a bit... though I suspect it's more than that. ' he waves it off "Now, back to the Carnival.... I trust you nderstand we do need 'A' mortal? Enchanted? they'll be treated like royalty"

The Liam takes a deep breath. "I would... deffer to our Lady on this. If you will forgive me?"

"I just.... I'm the odd duck out, for this, here."

"I've noticed. You seem a bit..set on the matter, eveen more than other Liam I know, but then, I understand what it's like to hold a strong view"

He nods. "Thank you for that."

"It's hard, to find something that is obvious to you, needful even, and others act like it's merely your own construct and just expect you to change as if it were as easy as closing one eye 'and looking at it from this way instead'. trite advice ... as if encouraging you to shut your view down makes you anything other than blinder than you were. " Ahruumph 'they can call it banal, but you and i both know holding to an ideal can have a glamour all its own"

A slow smile, like sunshine coming out from a cloud. "Yes, Master Innish. The Impossible Dream."

"arguably the greatest dream, for some the one worth having' A nod

The scribe's expression is... rapt. "Yes. To fight for a goal you cannot achieve but....."

"...but otherwise, what are we? Why are we?"