#earthrunes

"Oh, I have no illusions. No one's going to help without some kind of deal. I'm willing to make them."

"Sounds like you're doing better than you're giving yourself credit for "

A slow shake of his head. "We don't have the votes yet."

"Well, you wont' know for sure how many votes you have until you get up there"

"I can estimate."

"Well, keep doing what your'e doing I guess. And you know? if you end up losing the vote.. I guess you're stuck with a loving wife and family in a place that respects you"

August says nothing but clearly does not like the idea of losing.

"Sorry, just pointing out the worse case scenerio is something others might envy"

"Oh, you're right." August agrees.

"I usually am" The Bartender says "Taht's my curse"

A small puff of amusement.

He wipes a glass, "Oh he tries not to laugh. You know how many folks bend my ear, want some advice, then I give it... tell them what they ought to do... then they nod to my face, walk out and do the exact opposite- everything goes wrong, and they come back next week going "why did that go wrong?" Mmmph. It's amazing I'm as a chipper in my mood as I usually am."

"Well, I certainly wonder blame you if this all falls apart. "

A chuckle

"I don't want to disappoint Coradel." Quietly.

"I don't think you could, not if votes go against you. More likely she'll be furious with the parliment"

"Not looking forward to -that- either....."

"But she looks great with her mad on"

A shy grin. "Yes."

"So I imagine sometimes having the job of finding ways to calm or distract her has it's benefits"

A sheepish nod.

"So..again.. there's a little sunshine in every stormcloud you might hit"

"I suppose." But the worry lines are still on his forehead.

"Mmm sure you don't want something harder in you than tea?

"

"Yes, thank you. I'm sure." He finishes the tea.

"I got faith in you, August. Maybe you'll try and fail, but If I were going to put money down? I'd put it on your success. You're a good guy, you care."

"Thank you, Jack. I appreciate it." He stands.

"Anytime" Jack says as August makes his way with at least one supporter.

He wanders again.

Leonora sees him, "Hey"

"Ah. Hello." A soft smile.

"How are you?"

"Oh.... thoughtful. How are you?"

"Thoughtless. Maybe we'll balance"

A chuckle. "I hope you are happy with your arrangements?"

"I am, thanks. You?"

"Well. Changes are coming."

"Yes, well, Samhain"

That adds a worry line. "Yes."

"Not what you meant huh?"

"No, but it's a good point."

"Don't worry, it never sticks with you" She takes his hand

A gentle smile. "We've missed you. Both of us. But, as long as you are happy. And thank you for, ah, coming to my party."

"You're welcome. it was fun. Though I thought it was a bit weird when you asked us about if we knew Jesus"

"I did? Why?"

"You were drunk... actually you talked mostly about Coradel.. how right she was and more.. and how Jesus was a great wingman getting you two together again"

Is she joking?

He blinks. "I do not remember that. I hope no one was offended?

"I think some of the boys thought you were killing the mood" Amusement