#earthrunes

Earl says "I dropped out early on that one. I'm okay"

"You're buying my drink" Bachdion says "other than that"

Jack shakes his head "No, no, bad luck"

August nods and pockets the winnings. "I will make sure this goes to a good cause."

"Why don't you buy your wife something nice," Jack advises

August cocks his head. "Buy her something nice?"

"You do know that sometimes women enjoy flowers, or little things right?"

"Yes, of course. I get her flowers and things."

"Well, surprise her with a nice night on the town" Jack says "Women enjoy that , at least some do"

"If you want to buy a painting for her," Earl says between sips "I know an artist"

August takes his tea when it's offered. "Thank you. And thank you, Earl, but I'm still not recovered from her -last- redecoration with art."

"Fair" Earl says

"I was going to donate it....."

"I thought the church only shook you guys for 10 percent?" Jack says brow raised

"I tithe, yes. But you can always give more."

Bachdion says "You're a good man, August. But doesn't your Banner House need some funds?"

"Ah." He looks chagrined. "Yes, we do."

Magnus says "And , by good chance, your Banner House IS a good cause"

"I suppose it would make sense to use it for the banner house." He agrees.

Earl nods

August pockets the money.

Drinks passed, and toasts to August's victory in a good natured joking manner commence

August goes along with it.

----------

Earl is painting at Earth Runes, the gallery room he's been given to use is empty of all other people

or is it?

Eventually, he might feel eyes on the back of his neck... a familiar little shiver.

A smile as he keeps painting, a portrait of Vince...

A soft happy sigh.

"How goes, love?"

"Well."

He turns back to look over his shoulder "I am glad . What do you think? Che Guevara Vince ? MLK Vince or El Presedente Vince? or King Vince?"

"Mmm. He is a lover, not a ruler."

"Casanova, mayhaps?"

"..Casanovince?"

"I think they were going for a touch of satire on how they look up to him.. mmm maybe the King of Hearts? Like a card?"

"Oh, I like that."

A smile Then "I'm afraid I did not do well at the poker game today"

"I didn't do terribly either, mind"

"Can we make rent?"

"Yes, I'd never risk rent money" He promises

the painting begins to take shape

"Well then."

"It should be fine. Did you have fun?"

An admission, "I did. I've never had many friends, and I wouldn't call some of them friends...but August, of course, and Sir Bachdion... but ..it's nice. Guys hanging out with guys. " A smile "Speaking of which, Sir Bachdion loves the new leg warmers and wore them proudly at the game. "

"Oh, good!"

"And friends are good." A sigh. "I like this hold."

A glance back, "Love, we will frequent it often then. I think, I think it took moving to the Barony of Reeds to make us realize how much a home for you this place had become, or second home at least." Vince's painted face has a secret smile on it, as if he knows a lady's intimate thoughts but would never betray them.

"...Aye."

"I like Vassar, I do..."