#earthrunes

Magnus grins "Maybe you should stick to old maid, Jack?"

"I'm sure it's all in good fun."

And cards are dealt again, drinks are passed out, and talk goes on "Delores is getting organized" /'Is GETTING?"/"You know what I mean, she's taking the post holiday lull as a chance to structure" //"Well, the Baroness Coradel does have that new applicant for House Fiona" /"You heard about that?"

August sips his water again, and listens.

"YOu'd be surprised what folks tell bartenders"

"Bartenders are traditionally confidants."

"Much like priests" Jack says "Only they look better in collars"

"I worry Sister is thinking of leaving us," Magnus says

Bachdion is kind "if she is, it doesn't mean she wont' stay in touch"

August looks troubled. "Has she said something specific?"

"Not so much, but rumor has it that in raising Squire Colton to Sir Colton, she's got less reason to stick around" Magnus says "Good on the lad and all. But my contacts say Baron Hewit may ahve put ideas in her head. I really should visit him"

"Chieftain Hewit" Earl says "At least at the lodge"

August sighs thoughtfully.

"You guys can't guilt her into staying if she has a chance at happiness elsewhere," Jack says "She's got wings, of course she might want to spread em"

Earl looks thoughtful at that

A frown. "I would never guilt her into anything, Jack."

"I wasn't talking about anyone person" Jack says a glance to Magnus and Bachdion.

Bachdion sighs "Okay, maybe I might... but I will curb myself. But so help me, IF she goes somewhere new to seettle I am so dropping by like a pest"

Magnus grins "I think she'd be flattered by that, but let's not assume rumor is fact yet mmm? " switching the subject "Leonora seems in good mood and recovered"

August nods. "She seems to feel much better, yes."

"Excellent, Bedlam is no joke" Earl says "it's why the farm has it's mundane cabins"

It's at this point August looks at the cards and realizes he just got 3 kings

And the young baron stays in.

As chatter continues, things are raised, and when August gets a pair of 7s to round out his five cards, well, make of that what you will.

Without much remark, he raises and stays in.

August's bland expression serves him well.. a few jokes made, but no one remarks on him toughing it out.

"Too rich for me," Earl says

Jack groans "These cards should be put down as a mercy"

But the Fiona are in

"Feeling brave, Fellow Lion?" Magnus grins.

"Fearless, raise" The pot is getting bigger

August stays with it, calling each raise.

"Call"

"Right on that"

"Love me and Despair" Magnus puts down his three queens

And starts to reach for the pot.

Bachdion coughs "The day may come when Magnus takes my cash- but it is not THIS day" And lays down 3 jacks and 2 fives.

Magnus groans "Wife's going to kill me"

"That's what matrimony gets you" The satyr grins and starts to go for the pot

August lays his cards down.

"Ah... poop," Bachdion's face falls

Jack breaks out laughing

August pulls the chips towards him when it's clear all the cards are on the table and he's won.

"Congrats champ," Jack says "Bigget pot of the night, sure you don't want something stronger? tea maybe?"

"Tea sounds good." August agrees. "Thank you."

"Sure, since you're buying"

Claps on the shoulder, the pot and victory is August's... nearly a thousand dollars to play with.

As August figures this out his eyes go wide. "Gentlemen.... this is quite a bit of money. Ah. Does anyone needs some back?"

"I would not want anyone to be burdened by the losses."

Mangus says "no no.. i always plan to lose just a little"