#earthrunes

"But it doesn't require college right?"

"Unanswered mysteries? It can help."

"You feel no... calling, no motivation? For a mundane purpose?"

"So might loading up a van, painting mystery machine on the side... and yanking masks off creepy guys.. but I'm..." She sighs "I guess. I don't.. I mean. I have hobbies."

"Of course, you have.... you like.... you've always enjoyed... ah... Thistlesnort."

"Yup. He's been there from the start" She smiles

He looks .... perplexed. "And of course, ah, more... physical recreations...."

"August, is it important to you that I have more .. I guess what you'd call 'depth'?" A BROW

"I want you to be happy."

"I thought I was" She straightens his outfit "I've got good friends who care about me. A task I love. A place to call home."

He nods. "Ok."

SHe says "sigh.. now you're going to make Beltaine feel weird"

"I'm sorry." sincerely "That was not my intent."

"It's okay..sometimes it's good to get my monkey cage rattled. Did wonders for you" A smirk "You learned to share your banana"

His cheeks pink.

"That is, ah, certainly a wonder."

"Maybe I should get a degree in sex therapy.. I could write a BOOK about your transformation.. names changed to protect the lost innocence, of course" A smile, fond

He blushes hotter.

"You would be good at that. Therapy, not necessarily writing."

"Yeah, I'm not a writer by nature" She admits "And I'm not sure.. seems like you guys help ME more than I help you with the talk and consel. But thanks"

He shakes his head. "No. You're an excellent, ah, instructor. Even with difficult students like me. I know I was.... am.... a challenge."

"I think Bachdion is the teacher ... and Coradel put in the work for you more than I did"

He shakes his head. "Bachdion couldn't have taught me half of what he did without you."

She blushes "Thank you"

"No. Thank -you-. I would have made many more mistakes than I already have, if not for you."

"Well, you're welcome, but don't sell yourself short"

"I will try not to."

"Good. Because your'e actually nicely long"

He pinks again.

"I need to start early morning patrol..see you around?"

"May I walk you to your door?"

"If you like, I'll just be out again in armor five minutes later, but it's the thought that counts"

He walks with her to her door, kisses her cheek, and is away again before she reemerges.

And she beams "Joyous beltaine" And gone

(End scene)