#earthrunes

"I don't... August, dad ? I just am saying... that it's always.. possible. Like one in a hundred chance"

His face is a picture.

"I feel bad now" he says

"Ok. Look... just... just get working on the rings? I'll, ah, I'll figure the rest out. I mean... -she- was the one that brought getting married up, right? So... Maybe the sooner the better."

"Well, make sure you set the mood, someplace and time that will wow her"

"But not public." He confirms.

"Well, you can but... a private corner of a public place? Don't put it up on the jumbo tron"

August nods, serious, practically taking notes.

Magnus suddenly wishes he were at some place less painful, like a dentist

"Is there, ah, anything else I should know? Not in public, or at least in semi-private, set the mood, one knee, wow her...?"

"August... you know what, just be yourself. SHe loves YOU, okay. Whatever happens, however things go down, never forget you love her, she loves you."

He nods sincerely. "It helps to keep that in the front of my mind, yes."

"Well, there you go. Let it come from the heart and the rest should follow"

August nods. "Ok. I will. Ah, try to, anyway. Thank you, Magnus." He puts a hand on the other man's shoulder. "Thanks."

"You're welcome"

A pat on his father's shoulder "Now, how are you going to keep your parents, mortal and mutual, from freaking out?"

He sighs and rakes his fingers through his hair. "I don't know. The Rachfords -are- going to freak out. She says the DuBois, less so."

"Possibly. I imagine Eloping is out?"

August looks confused. "Yes. The -point- is to get married where everyone can see us."

"Right ..of course." He says "Okay. Odd question...can't you two move in together and get the mortal marriage done later since by fae law you're truehearts?"

A small grin. "We've been looking for apartments here; I'm not going back to Kansas City. We won't be married for about a year from now but.... yes."

"That'll buy the 'Rents time to get used to it" He nods "I don't know how big your apartment will be, but word of advice? Stake out your mancave, dude den, or He hut while you can. Was a time a man's home was his castle. But that was then, and now it's hers. ...whoever the her is. Why poor Earl can't even get a beanbag in the living room. He asked me for advice on how I won arguements with Claire. After my laughter stopped, I gave him what advice I could."

"Ah." A moment of thought. "What was it? The advice?"

"Let her win. Fight to the edge, then... just before it's about to blow up... let go of the rope in this tug of war you have going. She'll be on her ass, confused and feeling happy with her victory, and he'll come out seeming to be willing to give up a lot to make it work. The perk is worth the price. "

"Then Earl said 'isn't that a bit manipulative?'" He sighs "I can see why you and he are friends"

August nods, again note-taking. "Right. Well, that doesn't seem to be too difficult." He tilts his head. "Earl is a great guy."

"A bit too wholesome, but yes."

August frowns. "Well. I wouldn't agree that wholesome is a bad thing...."

"Teasing you a bit there," A smile "It's not bad. But i don't want to offend. I'm a party type, those two aren't."

"Me either, really." August admits.

"I know mom appreciates how you let your hair down for her..figuratively speaking"

"Well, that's what we do for people we care about."

"True enough. Anyway... anything else you need besides me talking to that jeweler?"

"And standing with me. No, thank you. Not yet, anyway. Ah. If the engagement ring gets done quickly, first... that would be great. I'll get you sketches right away, after I tell Coradel..... ah, if you see anyone acting oddly.... more oddly than usual.... it might be a chimerical copy of them."

"Right I..." He blinks "Pardon? There's a chimerical copy of.. someone' out there, acting oddly?"

A sigh. "More than one someone, yes, and there might be others we haven't found yet. Ok, let me go find Coradel. Ah." He gives Magnus a hug.

A hug back "Your priorites are fine for marriage. You just proved that" He nods and goes off

And August goes to find and brief Coradel.

And off Magnus goes to learn more about this stuff.

.........(End scene).....