#earthrunes

A nod of agreement

"Not on -purpose-."

"Why would it have to be on purpose? It's not an accusation. It's an observation."

"If you were trying , I don't think it would be as effective?" A glance to Coradel to see if he's close to right

"Oh, without question."

"An accidental harem of admirers?" Dubious.

"The Accidental Harem" Earl mutters, and he looks inspired "Pardon. I Need to get back to painting"

"Ohhhh...." Yes, Coradel seems to have been caught by a hint of the same inspiration.

"By all means, Earl!"

Now August looks hunted.

A bow and head bob and off Earl goes

leaving the two sidhe to Curiosity's tender mercies

"What?"

zzzzzzzzz.

Coradel beams. "Oh, he's going to create something brilliant."

"He -is- very good." Cautiously.

"He is. I can hardly wait to see." An eager glance in the direction Earl vanished, then a slower look back at August, and a smile. "You look delicious right now. I didn't mention before."

If he moves his foot, the cat might wake.

"Ah. Thank you for that." More for her discretion than her compliment. "You are beautiful, as always." His foot stays planted.

"Well, thank you." Coradel may be unaware of the formerly-zoomy kitten's current location. This may be the reason that her foot seems to have slipped out of her shoe and her bare toes are now stroking lightly against the calf of the unkittened foot. Meanwhile, she sips her tea.

"Ah. Careful. Curiosity is down there."

"Ohh..." A brief pause, and then she resumes the teasing touch. "You'd better not move then." Another sip and a grin.

"How, ah, how has your day been?" She may notice he hasn't taken food or drink.

"Well, I consulted with some of the boggans about reupholstering the furniture, choosing fabrics and such. Oh, and it's time to start planning the storytelling festivals for Imbolc."

Her toes never stop playing against his thigh.

He clears his throat and shifts carefully, not disturbing the Important Nap. "Yes? Along what lines are you thinking for that? A contest?"

"You know..." she refreshes her tea, still rubbing lightly, "...that was my first thought. Contests are always so dramatic. But what do you think?"

"I think a contest would be appropriate, but maybe some non-competitive option as well, for those that just want to tell a story, or maybe to warm-up for the contest?"

He seems to be relaxing slightly.

"Hmmmmm...." she tilts her head at him curiously. "Something more...casual?"

He nods. "Just a thought. Not everyone might want to commit to a contest, but still have a story to tell. What prize or prizes were you thinking of?"

"Cups tend to be traditional. You know, the goblet-of-precious-metal types. But perhaps also...other signs of comfort and pleasure?" A little smile. "Pillows?"

"Blankets, maybe?"

"Quilts! Oh, the boggans might go frantic with enthusiasm if I suggest quilts...."

"Quilts." He nods.

"You know this means I'll have to offer prizes for the best quilts, and then offer the quilts as prizes for the best performers, and....well, it all turns into dominoes." She makes an expansive gesture.

He chuckles. "Well, it will be a busy day. What else were you thinking of?"

An amused look. "For the public, or...?"

"For Imbloc." puzzled.

A nudge with her toe, imperiling the kitten's nap. "I'm being funny."

A sigh. "Sorry. Was I, ah, hyperfocused?"

"Hm? No, not particularly, but you sometimes take things terribly literally."

He nods. "I know. I'm working on it."

A tilt of her head. "Working on it?"

"Being more aware, less literal, not as... dense."

A quiet moment. Her foot stills. "August? Did something happen?"

"No? I mean.... Earl said I missed a cue from Zara.... I was distracted by the cat."

Coradel frowns and ducks to look under the table. "Naughty kitty. Tsk."

Kitty stretches and yawns, adorably.

"Not her fault, she was just being her. See?"