#earthrunes

"Yes. But it will keep for now."

"I can listen and rest at the same time if you like, liege" he smiles

August chuckles briefly. "It's... rather involved. There will be three teams, in three different locations across Concordia. One here, one in Gardens, and one in Feathered Serpent. How would you feel about working in Gardens?"

"Well, I wouldn't mind if whoever leads that team will have me." HE nods "You're going wherever Miss Zara is going. I know that"

"Ah. Yes. She has been my questing companions for... years, now."

Boggans pride themselves on being the best source of information anywhere, so it is not surprising he doesn't seem surprised by the news of three squads "Is Sir Magnus irked he's having to share?"

"No, I don't think so. Oh, he seemed frustrated that Claire and Coradel are so adamant about participating in things, but he must realize it's a sign of how much they care for him. In different ways, of course."

"Well, of course, and he tries to hold them back not out of ego, though he has his pride, but because he wants to shield them. The death of those he cares about is what he actually fears. Fiona are, well, I don't have to tell you about Fiona, Baron" A slight smile

A small smile on his own lips. "No, I think not." agreeing gently.

His eyes flutter then "Better. " The fire feels good. "Ah, do we have to tell Velvet I forgot myself? she's... she's going to fuss at me" A sigh

"I would not like to lie outright. If I were asked." He says with perhaps more understanding than he would have had 2 years ago.

A sigh "Yes, that would only lead to..trouble. But if she finds out, she's going to fuss" But he resolves

"She is sluagh." says a voice heavy with experience "She will find out."

"So... dried flowers pressed between a book maybe?" Definitely resolved. He's already thinking of the apology tour

He nods. "The things she likes. Tea. Dried flowers that carry a message. Books. Libraries. Listen to her; ask about her family and let her speak. Support her, her choices, but let her make them. Be -aware- of her, but don't make a show of it, or of her. Protect her as best you can...." He trails off.

A smile "Even though I didn't really do anything wrong? "

"Even though." Amused, understanding.

He nods "Carry a message. Listen, ask, let her speak. Support. Be aware. Protect." Memorizing

"Ah, well, within reason. And as best you can. And only if she wishes it."

"Yes, of course" A sigh "They're rather prickly in how they're honored I think. "

By they, he probably doesn't mean the kith

Either way. August nods. "Although I don't think I would say prickly." Aloud.

"Ah, particular?" He tries, what he hopes, is a better word.

"A single word might not do. 'Rightfully specific. Unique.'"

"Can I borrow those?" he asks

"Please do."

"Baron, I had the papers you wanted..." a soft whisper then, a hiss

Velvet covers her mouth, then, bows to August "My liege. Your papers" A narrowing eyes on the still faded Boggan

"Ah, Squire Velvet. Thank you." He takes them.

"Excuse me, I should.... read these. Elsewhere."

"My thanks, my liege" she says and does seem truly glad he understands. "I shall tend to my fellow squire a time"

August manages to avoid comment, nods to his squires, and departs. Although none could call it a retreat. Exactly.

"you don't really have to..." Tylar tries to assure her.

Now that they are alone, Velvet's eyes narrow upon him, "apparently i do, for you are as faded as a sunbleached book..sit down, there" she orders "and have excuse for this situation"

He sighs and sits "Well.. you see..." And so it goes.

(End Scene)

Velvet has complaints and sips a soothing cup of tea in the library "i could lose all patience"

"Aye?" Zara sets a dainty saucer bearing gently stale Russian Tea Cakes in front of the younger sluagh.

"he wandered off towards here while still with but a candle of glamour in him" She protests "Key Club was closer."

"Men are oft foolish."

"They think not with their heads."

"or think not at all." She says with irritation "Where is the vaunted boggan 'call of the needy' when they are the one in need? " sour

A soft tut.

"Truth, Earl still will wander off and get himself in dire peril."

"Despite best efforts to train him."

"how do you deal with such... " a frustrated look "inconsiderate truculence?"

She holds up her teacup.

"One can bear many things with a good book and a cup of tea."

"ah yes," a sigh "the ladies of fiction have endured their masculine trials. perhaps one of them can share the load with me tonight as I make sure he sleeps near the flame"

"Indeed. Hm..."