#earthrunes

"So then perhaps I should try...."

August seems nonplussed. "I.... suppose......"

"Perhaps if you explain that you know of Tantalus, he will be more forthcoming?"

"I am willing to try." August agrees. "I think he's aware of the general background but that Tantalus is involved now may be new information."

She nods.

"I can do that." A pause. "Not sure where Magnus is right now."

"Ah, but, obviously, I will find out."

"I trust you to this, aye."

He looks honored, touched, grateful. "Thank you. I'll find out where he is, and get in touch. I'm not the best at .... ah, getting information except for just asking and being answered but I will tell you what he says."

"But Magnus also trusts you in a way he does not me, nu?"

He nods. "Likely."

"Ah." He clears his throat and sets the tea down. "I'll go right now, then."

"Ah... if you wish?"

"Well.... as -you- wish."

"Well, I believe we could finish the tea."

A smile. "I'd like that. Will you tell me of your family, catch me up?"

Zara smiles, and this is pleasant conversation - Passover shenanigans, mostly. Vashti, Uncles, Miriam, Jacob... Mama and Papa, of course...

August laughs softly at the Uncle Antics, and asks with real care about Hannah and Aaron, and Miriam.

Miriam is a hard subject, one fraught with longing.

August listens, without judgement, and with sympathy.

Poughkeepsie is wonderful, but...

Vassar is nice, but...

"You miss Hannah and Aaron and Scarsdale." Understanding.

A soft sigh. She nods.

He nods in response. "What do you want to do?"

"I cannot quit..."

"Nay, cannot. Too many have worked hard to arrange for it..."

"You feel responsible to them."

She nods.

He nods back.

"You know....." Gently after a long, not-uncomfortable pause ".... when I asked what you wanted to do, you said you couldn't quit. It was as if you were denying an answer, instead of giving one."

"Well, there's the house, for one.."

"And it is a lovely school, aye."

"Yes, there is. And yes, it is."

"It was not what I imagined it would be."

August's face is the picture of empathy. "That is hard."

"I am glad it is summer."

He smiles. "There -is- something special about summer." His smile slips. "I won't be able to work as much this summer. If at all."

"Aye. Wise to avoid pools and such but... sad."

August nods. "I'd volunteer more but ... that has its challenges too. Explaining why I don't need protective measures, or taking the equipment which means someone who needs it doesn't have it, or explaining why even if I get sick, I will be ok....."

"Tis a challenge."

"But.... real masks are rare? A cloth one does not deny others..."

A soft smile. "We have them, for when we go out among mortals. I would volunteer for the Church, and at hospitals and shelters. Where I am needed, and where I have volunteered... and anyone else would almost certainly fall ill."

"Or mayhaps you are blessed?"

His smile grows. "I certainly am."

A soft smile.

Her expression quietly delights him.

He sips his tea. "Other than the matter of Tantalus, do you have other plans for the summer?"

"Well - read, and tat, and practice magic..."

"I must make time, since my schedule has opened up a bit, to practice my Arts more." Seriously.