#earthrunes

August evacuates the room.

10.....20.... 30 minutes later, he returns with the tea cart.

"Here we go. Tea. Two pots and the cream you like. Ah. Do you want to play mother or shall I?"

"That is expert-level avoidance, AUgust."

He stops. "W... what?"

"What is going on?"

"I, ah, I got tea." In explanation. And he sets the things on the table.

"And...?"

"And... fixed my pen?"

"What are they planning?"

"Who?"

"Earl. Delores. The boggans. The Uncles. You."

"Me?"

"Aye. You. I heard them talking."

"I... I don't.... who? What did they say?"

"Sugar?" As if he has to ask.

"August!"

He puts the spoon down.

"What is happening? I know something is."

"Ah. Well."

He swallows. "Zara, you know I .... care, right?"

"You're my best friend, aye."

"Ok. Trust that." He gives her a sunny grin and hops up, scooping up his pen bits.

"You know I don't like... a shanda, aye?"

August is busy. "I know."

"So... you would not help shame me, aye?"

He stops dead and looks at her, hurt. "No. I would not."

"Exactly."

"So what... what is happening?"

"Nothing that would shame you." He finishes pocketing his things. "Excuse me. Please enjoy the tea."

"But..."

August walks to the door.

Zara's shoulders fall.

And he exits.

And Zara is alone.

Later, the boggans find the untouched tea on the tray left out in the hallway.

"Well," Charity says "That's not like her at all" Worried

"I'm sure she's fine," Meggi says.

But if only they understood chaucer.. alas

(end scene)