#earthrunes

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After talking with Colton, and then with Earl to offer Colton's suggestions, August texts Coradel to tell her.

TXT: So which do you wish to do?

TXT: Whatever will satisfy.

TXT: Not what I asked, love.

TXT: It doesn't matter to me.

TXT: That's not true.

((Slack's being weird.))

TXT: It is. I was wrong, I accept the consequences.

A few moments later, his phone rings.

"Hi." Just as quietly. A pause. "August, you weren't entirely wrong. You know that."

He doesn't respond; just quiet on the line.

"Which option makes the most sense to you," she tries rephrasing.

"Coradel, it really doesn't matter to me. It's the one that satisfies her honor. Honestly, that's all." Patiently.

With grit-toothed patience of her own, "Well, which one seems to do that best, then? In your opinion?"

"My opinion isn't the important one. You would have to ask the Steward. It isn't my honor offended."

An irritable silence.

"Offer the three tasks or quests. If she accepts that, there's potential for you both to benefit from it. Neither of you actually benefits from a duel over this."

"I've asked Earl to offer all of it." A pause. "I agree, though; that would seem to benefit the most people. Service."

"Service is more... more you." she agrees.

"I miss you, too. I want you home, here, and with me, and...and I want this over." Slight petulance.

"Because she challenged me?"

"Because she didn't try to work it out with you first. Because she didn't try to work it out with me first."

A heavy sigh. "I... I suppose she thought she had?"

"Well...." she starts, then makes an annoyed sound. "Maybe."

"No matter what, she's good at her job, Coradel."

"Hmph."

"I suppose she must be worried about losing your friendship over this."

"Rightfully so...." she mutters.

"Wait...August...what if you proposed that you and she go questing together?"

"I wouldn't impose."

"It's not an imposition if she wants to do it. She just might not have thought of it. But think...it would be a way for the two of you to figure out how to work together."

"Unnecessary. I get it now, I really do. You're the Baroness, Derynwydd next, and then Delores."

"Yes, but she might not get that you get it."

"Well, apparently I didn't. So now we're here, in this situation."

She sighs. "If only she'd worked it out with me...." A pause. "When can I see you, August?"

A pause. "I guess... this weekend? After.....?"

"Okay." Another pause. "Hey...when this is over...and whenever you're done recovering from whatever it turns out to be...let's go look at that place we were thinking of getting."

"Ok."

It was an attempt to talk about something else, something good, something for them together...but it doesn't seem to have had the desired effect.

"I just wish it was over with." A deep breath. "But I suppose this is all part of it. Having to wait. I'm sorry I'm not better company, Coradel."

"I understand. I'm sorry I can't make it better, August."

"Not your job to."

"I suppose not. I still want to." A pause, then, "Let me know what gets decided, when you know. I love you."

"I will. And I love you too."

And the phone call ends.

WIth a sigh, August goes back to trying to study.