#earthrunes

Coradel's eyes twinkle as she smiles at Trina. "Oh, he is, isn't he?"

"Is this a rare book, Camillus?"

A sigh.

August's hand gets a squeeze. "You know he is, don't be like that."

"Well, her print is a very early one. Pardon us, I really want mom to see it." He bows

"mmmm" Happy sound from Trina at talk of Bachdion teaching, then a bow as well "Love the hold . This is wonderful." And the two..head off.

"He is." August agrees.

"I'm so glad you're here. Let's have drinks later," she says to the two as they go. Then she turns to August, concerned. "You're all right, though? Really?"

August is watching the satyr's depart with an odd, resigned expression. "Yes. Fine."

A breath. "Come on, I'll tell you what happened. It's... A lot. You might want a drink."

She blinks at him. "Well, that sounds serious. Shall we speak in the antechamber?" She refers to the small room off the Court room.

"Wherever you would feel comfortable."

"Come, then." She takes his arm, and they go to the small room behind the hidden paneled entrance.

After they are seated, August tells her everything. -Everything-.

She helps herself to a glass of strong wine when they arrive (and gets him a water if he wishes)...and has at least one more as she listens.

When finished, he watches her carefully. "Are you ok?"

She has ended up with an empty goblet held loosely in her fingers and a rather surprised expression. "That part...that bit you said about Duchess Petalmourn...her confession...."

"I'm sorry, Coradel." Sincerely. "I didn't know."

She hesitates a moment...then looks down. "I did."

He tilts his head.

"She...made me swear not to tell." She looks back up at him, watching his reaction with concern. "She said nobody must ever know."

"I guess...that's changed. At least, that you can know, now."

"Ah. I... see. Well... if she made you swear, then... then I guess you had no choice." He hesitates. "Are you angry with me? For not doing it myself? Magnus was."

Eyes wide. "What? No! Oh, August...no! You couldn't have done that and still...still been you."

August nods. "Picking... A body? To be my wife?" He looks repulsed at the idea. "I don't know how Magnus could think that was right."

She nods as well. "And you would never have been able to love me. You would have been wrapped in too much guilt."

August nods again. "Anyway. That was... what happened."

A sigh as she relaxes a bit and nods. "And you have accepted your role as the head of the House." A smile. "I'm glad."

"I cannot do otherwise than my duty." Quietly.

"You could. You could shirk your duty. As a Liam, many would expect it from you. But you have too much honor to do that." She sets down her glass. "August...I know this intimidates you. But I believe you will learn how to do this well, over time. And you are not alone."

"Of course, I rather want to demolish those who've created false rumors in the House's name."

"Liam don't shirk their duty. Our Oath addresses that directly. I was wrong to think of fighting it." Still quiet.

"August...how do you feel about this? Honestly? Tell me...."

"You wouldn't understand."

"No, I might not. Tell me, anyway. Please?"

"Magnus was right." He shrugs. "I'm afraid."

A soft smile. "I know. Tell me more."

"Just that. I don't want anyone to hurt or suffer because of me. I am afraid of failing. Like when you arrived."

"Like...when I arrived? I don't see the connection...."

"I know, now, that our souls.... we were trying to reconnect. But... I thought I had a plan for life. I enjoyed serving at Mass and learning about the priesthood and I was looking forward to seminary. "

"And then.... well, you remember."

"Yes...but...what does that have to do with causing hurt or suffering?"

"Two seperate concerns. " he clarifies "I don't want to hurt anyone -and- I don't know what to do with this... New life. "

A slow smile. "We figured it out, though, August. With time. Experience. Help. You'll figure this out, too."

He nods, head down.

A sigh, and she stands. "Come...brooding about it in here is not doing you any good. Until we can have that family meeting, let's take a walk in the garden. Maybe visit with the childlings, play some games with them a bit?"

"Ok. If you think it's a good idea." He rises and offers his arm.

"I do," she murmurs softly, and angles up to give him a soft, light kiss.

And then she leads him off into the gardens on a beautiful, sunny day. If he's going to brood, at least he might get a bit of a tan while doing it.

*end scene*