#earthrunes

"ooo I know this riddle' he says

" well, I can see that it is a room for the banner house..... How did it get here?"

"Well, my lord, when a parlor and a den love each other very much" the jester starts to explain

August gives him a patient look.

Shalimar says "Sidhe like us are straight talkers, thou knowest this, but just because I have pointy ears doesn't mean I have all the answers"

" but you knew it was here?"

"I walked through a door and suddenly had all knowledge of the universe" He shrugs

"I.... see. Well. Ah, thank you for bringing me here, Shalimar. We will use this space, yes."

"Right. Good luck keeping the lions out, worse than termites" Hurumph

Another gentle smile. "I don't mind the lions, Dame. Not -our- lions."

Shalimar checks his pants, oh good, still male. WHew. Sidhe. mmph\

and gone

August explores around the room.

The room is well equipped for sharing overlooks on the maps, debates, conversations, presentations

That suits him. He smiles to himself.

Oh yes. plenty of that too. This is a good meeting room. NOt all of it to his preferences, perhaps... the round table thing denotes a bit more flare than folks give him credit for

She might do that, though. With rueful pride.

The chairs are comfortable enough, but not so comfortable that folks want to snooze or grow complacent

and he notes that one chair has the Truthbranch symbol with a sceptre pattern, denoting rulership of the bannerhouse

another chair has wings

An indulgent expression at the first, and a sad smile at that last.

And a sigh.

And there is another with a fierce looking mouse inscription

"Of course." He murmurs, touching it gently. He looks to the next chair.

He finds another that...had a symbol of a fist with a storm in it's grip, but that has been slashed through, as if something or someone wiped it clear

He tilts his head, frowning. Stormgrip? No, NOStormgrip.... no.... Stormfree? I don't remember.....

None of those guesses sound familar

A soft voice behind him... "An interesting brand, that one, isn't it?" Vince has stepped into the doorway, and hesitated, as though reluctant to interrupt August's musing. "Oh, knock, knock." He says, belatedly, with a tap of a fist on the open door.

August spins around, then grins at he sees Vince. "Hello! Thought I might see you outside, but.... a brand?" He examines the symbol again.... and goes somber. "Oh. Yes." Sadly.

"Well, here I was, doing my daily gardening, you know, tending to the dandelions, they DO get out of control if not properly preened and pruned... and what do I see but that someone has gone and rummaged up the supply shed. Now, one might think, feh, you were not invited to see this new surprise for the Liege - but alas, if I did not go where I oughtn't, why, I'd have to turn in my very badge as a Cat."

August tries very hard to follow that. "I don't mind if you visit here, Vince. You're due honor and recognition for your help in the quest."

A belabored sigh, and he throws a hand against his forhead even as he flounces in to stand by August's site. "Alas, now you've ruined it. I'll have to find somewhere new to intrude, lest my paws and tail be forfeit. "

"I'm sure you'll find a spot." Dryly.

"Oh, you are That is SO reassuring." He purrs, pleased, and August may now wonder just where he will find the lion next. "It's so dreadful cold out these days, I simply must find a radiator to curl up near else I will freeze my pretty patty paws right off. But enough about my paws, there's always due cause to discuss that clause. How do you do?"

He also walks a few steps around the table, admiring the insignias on the chairs.

A deep breath, and he continues to look at the chairs as well. "I'm well. Very busy. So much has changed.... "

"They say that the more that changes, the more stays the same. What a load of codswallop, am I right?"

"Why, it's COMPLETELY contradictory! "

"I think they're employing literary license."

"Some licenses should be revoked, mmm?"

"Literature and freedom of expression has its place."

"Falderal and Poppycock." He shakes a hand dismissively. "Not our celebrating your win? I was hoping for a ticker tape parade, but I suppose Delores may have put her foot down on that, lest glitter be forever woven into the carpets?"

"Vince...." gently "... We'll celebrate. You'll be recognized, I promise. I only wish I could to it larger, and sooner."

"Well, obviously I must be recognized. After all, it is all about me." A swish of his tail, and a frustrated look for a moment before it smooths away to Vince's customary cat-ate-the-cream expression. "You seem so glum, and I cannot fathom why."

August thinks carefully about this statement.

"I do?"

A shrug. "It's too early to be having a blue Christmas, it's scarcely past Turkey Lurkey time. But something weighs heavily on you, perhaps. Else I am simply losing my touch."

August looks around at the table, the chairs there... lingers on a few..... "I have many to provide for. I don't have the resources to do it."

"What resources do you lack? You have the will, and all of your Bannerhouse behind you. What need can you not fill, with your people by your side to shore you up? "