#earthrunes

"Oh come on, Jonas" She says on the video conferencing of the lap top, "Maybe you'll discover a side of yourself you never knew? Maybe you'll enjoy yourself?"

On the other side of the lap top , "That does not engender in me any further inclination to take part of this experiment" He protests

"Lover, I know monogomy is the troll default, but .. things keep happening, I think Da'an is speaking to us" Siv says "Samhain with Piper, the Garden?"

"It's just... not done, people will endevour to insist it reflects poorly on you" He says "And I can't promise to contain myself from clawing someone if they declare you a slattern where I can hear"

"I have me own claws, thank you" She pats the rapier at her side, "Jonas...ponder this, you ENJOY it, and as long we're honest, I keep the jealousy from rising.. why are you feeling guilty?"

"it feels like betrayal... to you, and maybe to me. I .. you have all these ideas about love, doesn't that..dilute it?" he says

"Can it really?" Siv says "Jonas, you're an idealstic man, but doesn't the fact I want to have you with me as I explore tell you how much I trust you? I feel safe.." A blush "I feel safe with you. It's not fair I suppose to treat you as a shield, but your'e already to defend my honor. Could you not see yourself as my guardin on THIS path? "

Jonas' face softens, then his jaw drops open as he realizes "This is blatant manipulation"

"I know," SHe says "combined with honesty. Is it working?"

He plants his face on his keyboard wherever he is

"So.. that's a yes?" SHe says hopeful

"I ..will... think about it" He says lifting his face again.

"I have to go, the mortal side of things is crazy and Anne Marie is sswamped" He adds

"Oh.. yes, I understand." She says "Go, be the hero I know you are"

He fights the flush of pleasure at that , blast the girl makes him... "just doing my duty. But yes I'll go. Andyou? I know you'll impress them, because you ARE impressive"

Her turn to blush, and they 'hang up'

----------

Velvet , squire to August, enters a buzz with glamour

And moves about the library humming softly

Things slide into place, as is proper.

August enters, reading.

She turns, and curtsy "My liege"

"Oh, hello, Velvet." A kind smile. "Good to see you. Am I interrupting?"

"No, my lord, just tending to the library as best I may. " She gleams with glamour "isn't it a lovely day?"

"It is." A curious smile. "You seem.... well."

"Why would I be? Fear is flourishing, easy to muse" She says

"Ahhhhhh...." Understanding. "I see."

"Yes, so many finally grappling with their mortality, with the decay that awaits them. I am positively giddy, my liege. Of course, Tylar fussed, but even he assisted me"

"With.... what?"

"In scaring people, Baron" She says "Hoarders that is"

"Oh it was a grand time...we used glamour to make it seem the toilet paper was covered in roaches and each roach, when it fluttered it's wings, made a sound like 'selfizh selfizh selfizh'."

"That.... is.... inspired, Velvet. Well done." Slow at first, then firm.

She preens "Thank you, my liege. Naturally we made sure they didn't hurt themselves in thier panic. After all, if they die, they don't learn"

"Very true." He nods.

"And how fare you? My liege? Your Carnival picks went well I thought. The King on the road to recover and the queen the better as well"

August nods with a quiet smile. "I am very pleased with Carnival this year." And well Velvet knows that has rarely been the case.

"Aye, productive for all the unexpected Twist"

"Ah. Yes." And he blushes.

"Is this to be the policy for Carnivals of the future you think? Helping mortals as the choice?"

He nods. "Yes, I think it will."

"Then I am very glad for you, Lord, and Squire Tylar for both of you are fond of mortals. "

"They are the source of our Dreamers." Matter of factly.

"Without question" She nods

August comes in and takes a seat. "How go your studies?"

"My mortal ones are as good as ended, Lord. However, my fae ones proceed apace. My personal studies into life and death are particularly advancing and i would like to thank you for your recommendations into philosophy."

"Very welcome." He nods. "My own have transitioned into online efforts."

"Yes, it seems to be the way of things"

"I'd be interested to hear about your own studies." he invites

"Well," She says unsure "I have been reading up histories of plauges"

"Timely......"