#earthrunes

And so it is that Earl will go seeking out Sir August the high in demand, unaware that Sir Ivory is doing much the same.

August's summer are his money-making time! He can be found at the pool, lifeguarding. If he's not there, he's volunteering with the Church's soup kitchen/shelter, or working in EarthRune's library.... and just recently, no matter where he is, he finds a way to engage in some kind of physical conditioning; lifting makeshift weights, stretching, grabbing a quick jog, so on.

Earl finds him first "Hey, August... I need your help"

"Hi, Earl.... I was just heading out, but .... what is it?"

"Okay, I'll make it quick... Zara? Her past one has made her less than eager for birthdays, but she's really missing out on the high school graduation ceremony. Online course, they don't really have one. I'd like us to help her celebrate it, a touch of ceremony. You're a natural academic, and I thought maybe you'd have a few ideas?"

He nods. "Sure. Did you take her to a prom?"

"No, we were forted up at the farm that week because of paler" May he burn in fae hell

August takes a deep breath. "Ah. Ok." Soberly. "Well.... I'm pretty sure I could get a ball held here?"

"And as far as graduation... maybe the day after? Or the afternoon before? I can do a diploma, we could invite people, do a presentation. She could walk the stage."

He's not sure about that and it shows "I don't know, she's not always about.. .well she likes to dance but the music would need to be quieter than most folks like I think" Regarding the ball, then a smile at the other "Something were a diploma was recognized or.. maybe a fae diploma for the recognition of her scholarly work here and it being in tandem with her education in the Autumn world? Just as a kihtain has two sides?"

He snaps his fingers, "I might have an idea bout the prom or dance"

"But calling her on stage is... probably going to embarrass her. I love my girl, but she doesn't do social on Easy mode"

August looks abashed and conflicted. "I know. But she does want credit for her achievements, and... well, it -is- traditional." He struggles with it.

Then he nods. "A Fae diploma. Ok."

"It's a thought.. I don't know mmm darn, wonder if I could get my Uncle here."

"Your Uncle? Oh, the -Uncles-. They have to come.... ah. How do we not invite the Schwartzs?"

Troubled.

"Yeah this could expand. Actually, I meant one of MY uncles. He's.. a tutor to her."

"I'm sure he'd be welcome."

"Should I get him a professor robe?"

August brightens. "Perfect! As her tutor, he -should- present the diploma!"

"Good. I think I have an idea for that prom after all ... I'll need thin paper, like rice paper, a lot of it, and help setting up a labryrinth of sorts"

August blinks. "Well, I can get the paper. A lot?"

"Nothing she can't slip away from, she might be okay with a regular ball as long as there's an egress so it can continue without her. I think this idea will provide. ANd yes, a lot.. the idea is the casting of shadows"

"Ahhhh...." wisely. "Ok. I can get rice paper. Earl, how -are- the Schwartzs going to attend?"

"i'm not sure... I mean... for the graduation part they need to be there. I can flicker flash them if they need a ride but there's always a chance that goes wrong. You think I should talk to Hannah and Aaron? See what they think?"

August seems torn. "I mean.... I suppose they know, right? Most of the time, anyway. And remember. A trod-trip seems ultra dangerous for them, though, even with an armed escort. Could we.... could we get them to fly out, or something mundane, and then we bring them in?" He shakes his head. "I should talk with Coradel, first."

A sigh "August, Hannah has been enchanted before."

"I know. Aaron, too, I think."

"The point is, we can get them here enchanted and via magic with little trouble. I'll try to avoid the trods."

A Pause, "Wait, is this about what happened to Karen?"

August is quiet a moment. "No. No, I'm worried for them because they're mortal, and the trods are dangerous even to Fae. And, as you said, magic can go wrong."

"Yes, I know... but plane tickets... I'll see if they can spring it" he sighs

"Heck, I'd be happy to -drive- them out here if it helps...."

"Maybe I'll let you drive Hirim, you and he have a lot of common in some ways " then a cough "We'll see. They're well to do, I think maybe a train or something is likely in their reach. Now, where were we.... okay. Calling her on stage might embarrass her... but what if we also see if other fae in the area have taken classes? If she's one among a few others it might take the pressure off?"

August blinks at the comparison. "How am I....."

"Yeeessss.... I thought about that. I mean... if we could legitimately honor others, not give out participation awards as if they were the same thing?"

"Yes, it has to be sincere. Zara is no show pony" A nod

A fond grin. "No. A cat maybe, but certainly not a show cat. Too much fuzz."

A fond smile "No, she is no furry contented house cat , never entirely... she is sleek, she is lean, and her eyes glow as stalks the night content in the secrets she gathers...and if she cares for you, she takes a secret- well hunted, and lays out outside your step. Just be awake enough not to put foot on it. It's rude to treat gifts so"

August grins wider. "Yes. She does. Yes." Intently.

"I'm luck she chose me" He admits then "Okay, we'll hammer out some details I... think you have someone else who wnats to see you"

A pale figure waits further back

August nods sincere agreement with Earl. "Ok. I'll find the paper, lots of it, and get started on a certificate and talk to Coradel. Ah. There is?" He looks.

Sir Ivory stands there "Pardon the intrusion, Sir August. But Zara wanted me to see you and...damn it's hard to get a moment alone with you so I thought I'd find the shortest line I could"

"Z....ah." He glances at Earl.

"You two talk," Earl says "And don't worry so much about the paper, August as working about the diploma... you're a scribe, a true chimerical copy of her diploma, the fae side to the mortal, you'd be great at that." He pats the man on the shoulder "And sorry we borrowed him." WIthout explaining THAT...Earl vanishes!

litterally vanishes

And Ivory blinks "Something we said?"

August sighs. "No. Just.... an un-troll-like sense of the dramatic. You are known as Ivory, as I recall? And my House brother."