#earthrunes

"I don't mean him to be a... a science experiment." August frowns.

"No, but he seems to intrigue you much like a riddle, or a mystery. There's nothing wrong with that."

"I don't wish to make him feel uncomfortable."

"Oh, piffle. A bit of discomfort is good for him. If he's going to be Fiona, he has to learn how to deal with things which might make others uneasy."

A sigh. "I suppose you have a point; about his mentors and Sir Siergi. If he did that, he doesn't need me. I can still tell Baroness Brekke honestly that we spoke, he seemed well, and I will remain aware of him and his progress."

"I think that makes perfect sense," she says with a smile. She leads Samson out towards the door to the outside. "You're sure you don't want to come along?"

A gentle smile. "You're ready. I don't want to keep you."

"Oh, I'm sure we could have you in a saddle soon enough. Or...I could promise to ride so hard that I'll need a thorough massage upon my return...?"

August nods. "As you wish."

She gives him a warm smile, then swings up into the saddle. "Why don't you choose which massage oils we'll enjoy." She leans down from the saddle to claim a kiss from him.

That, she gets. "I will."

"Mmmm...." A pleased smile. Then, "Come on, Samson...wear me out before we come back home." A wink to August, and then she and her steed are away, moving swiftly into a quick pace that carries them off into the evening light.

And August walks back to pen a letter to Baroness Brekke Shacklebreaker ap Gwydion of Rivervale.