#earthrunes

"Yes. The interaction."

"Mm." She shrugs. "I suppose."

"I am not skilled in finding that.... spark.... through a computer."

"No, that must be a truly rare skill."

He nods, agreeing. "I had a few glimmers, last year. Someone with a real taste for debate, or justice.... even when a student would discover they were following a path that was not right for them. The relief, the joy.... sometimes even the regret. I didn't find anyone to Muse, exactly, but there were some promising moments."

She smiles at the description. "Well...maybe it will happen yet. Any familiar faces from last year?"

"Yes, quite a few!"

"Then those moments will likely come back," she says confidently.

"What about your classes and classmates? I know you still have to attend in person to an extent...... I worry."

"Oh, no, they've given up on that. I must have forgotten to mention. No, it's all distance now. Anything involving equestrian skills is a matter of recording the skill. It's quite tiresome, but...." a shrug.

"Do all the students have their own mounts, then?"

"Well, they...." She pauses. "Oh, interesting. I hadn't thought about that. I'm not certain."

"Those that do not will drop out." Quietly.

"Hmm." A frown. "Well, that mustn't happen. I'll look into that."

"You will let me know if I can help?"

"Oh, of course." She leans in to give him a light kiss. "Thank you for the suggestion."

He returns it. "You are most welcome."

Sparrow returns to view, pointing out details to the grump as they walk.

"Ah." August notices and whispers to Coradel. "There they are."

"It's all very lovely. You're a talented young woman"

Agnethia is truly old for a sidhe, perhaps older even than Granddame Bondraste

"Oh, perfect." She takes August's arm again as they approach. "Good afternoon!" she says as they draw near.

"And this is Coradel, who I was telling you about!"

"Good afternoon" The woman returns in kind, "A pleasure to meet you, young woman. Lady SParrow has been showing me about your lovely hold, and a great deal of her art"

A touch of pink.

August escorts Coradel, clearly just a bit besotted by her.

"Isn't she skilled? Yes, her work is delightful. And it is a pleasure to meet you, Granddame."

"Please, call me Agnethia, Baroness, and , the same. You've got good folk all around. Though I admit it's a bit of a shock I can't hardly sit down without some kindhearted boggan refilling my cup for me if I look away"

"We are both very proud of Derynwydd, even if we can't -really- take credit for her skill or talent."

"It makes them feel better to do so, I think." August admits about boggans.

"Well, Agnethia, I hope you won't complain if we insist on having our staff spoil you further as you sit with us at dinner?"

"It was an adjustment for me. They spoil folks."

"I maybe a simple living lady, but I'd not be so rude on my worst day I hope," She says to the Baroness, nodding to August, then a sympathetic look to Sparrow "That they do, but as the gent says it seems to make them happy. When in Rome I suppose."

August smiles at the echo.

She nods. "It takes a bit to learn the right manners for each kith."

"Where do you hail from, Lady? I'm sorry, is Lady correct?"

"I try to act like one," the old woman smiles "as for where I'm from..." and she stops, "Well I..just a little country place. "

Coradel gives a little bemused smile. "Oh? Well...I'm sure that's pleasant."

"It is, thank you" A touch of pride.

"Here in Grass?"

"Come, let us see to that meal. I think it should be fairly informal this evening."

"Ah. Not -too- informal?" Perhaps just a touch nervously.

"Kingdom of Grass" She says assuring him, "And do lead on, Baroness. I'm much obliged for the kindnesses"

She moves with the elegance of a sidhe. Despite her talik of simplicity there's pride there

A light laugh at August. "Are you worried I'll suggest we dine in the nude, my love?"

The hunted look in his eyes suggests it wouldn't be the first time.

A sigh. "Fiona."

"And proud of it, thank you."

"Well, if it's the same to you, Baroness. At my age I'm liable to catch a chill."

A smile. "Well, I leave it to our guest's preference."