#earthrunes

August clears his throat. "Master.... we are Truehearts, wed, and Soulmates. I would venture to say it succeeded, in time."

"Yes, but if you were trying to ...earn her most ardent embrace and failed with this... how am I to say THIS is why you were wed? Oh it may have contributed, but that makes it but a rung i nthe ladder and not the ladder itself."

That's when through the crack in the door, August Sees Shalimar, holding up a large Silver Circle...

motioning as if putting it on like a ring

it's a juggling hoop, but he's making like it's a ring

"Master, I sough..... ah, sought.... ah, to earn her love. Not her bed." He is momentarily distracted.

"Oh?" A change in tone

"You wished to..." Dugald looks at him, "You intended to keep it chaste?"

Shalimar looks relieved

Still flushed. "I did."

"I am surprised, but then ... everyone's wilder years have some differences. Did she..make a play for you soon after this?"

August swallows. "We became close within the year."

"mm I meant more.. no this is.. .mmm you must have frustrated her greatly. forgive. "Ahem.. "Yes...well, in that regard... it would appear this is both craft and most certainly art. You have House Dougal's abstaining" A nod

August takes a deep breath and bows. "I thank you, Master."

He offers a hand, "You will understand if I do not go into detail about how you met my requirements. I think neither of us wishes to talk of this... " An unspoken 'ever ever again'

August shakes firmly. "Yes, Master."

"You were fostered in Scarsdale, were you not?"

"I was."

"They lost an amazing scribe in you." He says and then moves on out to rejoin the party.

Shalimar gives a BIG thumbs up from a corner!

And it may occur to August HOW that love letter got into that pile.

August collapses into his desk chair, head in hands.

Leonora walks in , "I got you another vote by peddling my flesh for the cause, ready to get back out there?"

August looks up, stunned. "What?!?!"

"Kidding." she says with a laugh then "Hey, are you okay?"

"No, not really." He stands, straightening his voile and smoothing his hair back in a familiar gesture. "You're right, I should return."

He starts out.

"Hey, you and the others seem to be doing pretty well. Did you get Dougal?"

A pause. "Dougal will courteously abstain."

"Oh well, that's better than voting against us. Vince got that piskie sending out the offers"

"Good."

"Geez, what is Balor's problem? Do they go into withdrawals if they don't do something rotten every four hours?"

"I'm afraid I wasn't very welcoming. And it's worked against us. I need to get back out there, Leonora."

"Okay okay.. going with you. WHY is Shalimar giving you the fist bump from a distance?" But they walk as she asks

August closes up his study and they move back to the party. "Because he was able to utterly mortify me?"

"He's good at that. " She says "look, if Vashti approves, we'll dip him in tomato juice later. You and me" And offer as they come into the noise of the party.

"Thank you, Leonora. Have you spoken with Coradel recently?"

"Seen her more than spoke."

August nods. "Today is not the time, but....If it is worth anything, your absence is noted. Please excuse me." He bows to her and heads towards the lady in question herself.

Leonora blinks at something, then counts to ten.

And goes elsewhere.

Coradel looks...vibrant! Triumphant! She meets him and takes both of his hands in an excited squeeze. "I think...I think good things are happening, August."

He nods a little numbly. "Good."

"Are you all right?"

"I will be."

She gives him a look. "If you were anybody else, I'd say you look like you need a drink."

August looks from left to right; the room is full of people. "I am fine."

"You're wonderful, but you're not comfortable, I know. Listen, I think the contests are starting soon...so the negotiations will pause for a bit, at least."

August nods again. "I should get ready, then, as should you."

She looks down at her own armor, looks back at him, and shrugs easily. "I have." A smile.