#earthrunes

******************
Having made the rounds (at least, up to a point) around EarthRunes to offer his personal thanks to those that helped.... as part of that, he seeks Delores out.

And yet, when he asks to find her, it seems as if the staff has no idea where she is, or tells her, but he finds out she's moved on. It rapidly becomes an exercise in frustration

August sighs, and goes about his own business, then.

His office garbage hasn't been cleaned out. Odd.

Nor has paper been restocked.

He really does dial down on this point on his list... talking to Delores. She has to be SOMEWHERE.....

Yes, difficult to do work as a scribe without all his paper options or ink restocked.

He has supplies but....

Nope. Another 30 minutes wasted searching for a boggan who appears to be at the hold, doing her duties, but not where HE is.

He does, however, encounter Dame Nansaidh ap Gwydion again. The warrioress approaches this time, she does not bump into him, but appears to be heading towards him with purpose "Sir August? Have you a moment? I have several questions"

"Of course, Dame." Politely.

"Is there a private place we can talk?" She asks

"Ah. Well. Yes?" He leads her to somewhere....

His own office, since no work is getting done works.

"Pardon the mess." There is none. "How can I be of help, Dame?"

"Yes. Am I to understand that last night, the Steward was in charge of a rescue mission to get you and the Baroness, and Sir Magnus and Dame Claire as well- out of a banal hospital where you were all in states of injury?"

Her eyes search his intently.

"Of course, and she did an amazing job. I've been looking for her to tell her."

"And during the course of this event, you rose, despite the steward's orders, from an injured state... broken yourself, and moved from your bed? Possibly risking further injury?"

"Of course."

"The same steward who was in charge of the rescue operation?" She asks

"I think there is only one Stewart here...." Puzzled.

"I'll take that as a yes." SHe nods "And later, once you were safely returned here, while the Steward was trying to get as many fae as possible out of the hospital, you did endanger yourself by returning to the same hospital that very night? "

"Of course."

"Of course" She nods

"And at Last year's carnival, it is said you insisted on oer turning certain ancient traditions and customs of the event so they more aligned with your, and perhaps your house's views? Despite the fact you were not running the event?" To August this may seem quite a leap.

At least of time

He pales, but says "I hope that I am true to myself."

"Is that also a yes?"

"It is."

"I see." She says and frowns "The latter I would have seen, the Carnival I mean. THe other? That surprises me." A frown, and she slips off her gauntlet, "Sir August Truthbranch, Knight of House Liam, Scribe of Earth Runes, on behalf of Delores, Steward of Earth Runes, I do hereby challenge you or your chosen champion, to a duel in melee with chimerical sword, mace, or axe for the insult you have given her and the dishonor you have shown her, for the endangering of kithain by your reckless and arrogant actions, and your continued willful defiance of the chain of command. " And she slaps the gauntlet down on his desk "Your repeated insults to her position, your willful disregard for the powers appointed her by the baroness and agreed upon by the Regent will no longer be borne, and she will have satisfaction and her honor restored forthwith. The date and place of the duel to be picked by you, within a full month's time"

And there the gauge sits, quite literally ready to be picked up.

Slowly the boy picks up the glove. He fingers it over, examining. Nods. "I meet your challenge, Dame, on the Steward's behalf. With what weapons you wish." He kisses the gloves and offers it back with guileless grey eyes. "As you, or she, wishes, I will abide. Dame."

"Excellent," she says "I prefer sword, but if you prefer axe or mace for yourself, that will do. Again, Chimerial...traditionally it is until one is unable to fight, or cries quarter. Where and when?" Dame Nansaidh asks.

"Oh, and you can, of course, pick a champion as Steward Delores has done"

"Blades if you wish, Dame. I will ... try to find a second. Say next weekend, at dawn?" Composed.

"That will suffice, let me know the locale. " A look at him, "You are handling this with more aplomb than I expected. But truly sir? To complicate a rescue mission and endanger your own son by forcing resources to retrieve you- again? Unwise however you intended it. "

August keeps his face down. "I will meet you at your preferred locale, Dame." Blandly.

BIC "Not here I think. It would distress the Baroness, I will ask she who I champion and who you have wronged. I will tell her you have been most gracious and courageous. It is commendable. Shall I carry a message to her now that our business, for now, is done?"

"As you will, most noble Dame."

She bows low, and departs.

August sighs. 'Poop."

(End Scene)

----------

It is rare that Sparrow and Coradel get to have a dinner together without August or Colton about, but here they are. Though Coradel did invite someone... who is due any moment. And what a meal, steak of the highest quality and best cut.

"This is the most college student thing ever, having mom treat with a steak dinner..."

Oh but what a steak, juice just sweats from it in the best way

Coradel looks very pleased by the food presented. "Is it? I hope that's an okay stereotype. And that you like steak."

She closes her eyes and sighs with pleasure at the first bite.

"I do. I eat too much ramen. I know, I know... but it's so easy!"