#earthrunes

"Well, I thought I'd bring them some food... get you in the living area with Minerva to talk, while I chatted with Lesley in the kitchen. The cooks at ER are really happy to share so it's good stuff"

"And, uh, then?"

"Depends.. mostly enjoy the company. I'll consider enchantment or gift of pan but the first night I figured let them get to know us...us get to know them... a lady should be the arrow, not the target" Sir Bachdion says

"I think you stole that from a mo-" Zane starts to say

"Anyway I hope you like Pasta" Sir Bachdion before Zane can finish that

"Oh. Ok, that sounds...... Ok."

"Yeah, carbs are good."

"Adam, is something worrying you?" Sir Bachdion asks

"I just wasn't sure what..... how you figure to handle it if you used the Gift, like while we were all together and they wanted to.... you know. If it would be weird."

Bachdion blinks "Oh.. you thought.. oh my" Realization "Yes.. I .. lad I wasnt' really thinking you were ready for a group orgy, no. But I can see why.. I never said otherwise did I?"

"Not exactly.... But don't get me wrong, an orgy doesn't sound like a bad thing!"

"Just.... mother-daughter is a little...."

"Touch too Alabama?" The Fiona finishes

"I said West Virginia but yeah. Kinda of."

Sir Bachdion says "I apologize, Adam. I thought your concern was about the gift of pan's use... and I jumped to an assumption. "

Zane gives a 'told you so' look to Adam

"Sir, you said the Gift was a good thing. I've had it, I like it. I've got no problem with it."

"Well, I'm glad you clarified... yes, tonight's an ice breaker with them, how about that? If you and Minerva become friends! Great. If more? also great. If you dont hit it off, a shame, but it's cool. Either way, I don't picture either one of us seducing them that quickly. Fair?"

"I wasn't sure if you wanted me to .... uh, try and help Minerva or her mom, either. But yes, ok. I'm ready."

"No problem, I hate to take you away from Zane..." Sir Bachdion says

"Heck, it's okay. " Zane nods "Adam and I have an understanding. Wingmaning when we can, and sending good vibes when we're on our own"

"You good, man?" Adam checks with Zane.

"Totally" Zane offers a fist bump "You're trying to make a pretty lady feel good about herself? You're doing the lord's work, my friend"

Bachdion looks amused

"Cool. I'll text you." He turns to the knight. "Ready when you are."

"Come on lad. I could flicker flash us, but I'll save the glamour... now if only I knew someone who liked driving.."

"He has a -sweet- ride...." Adam tells Zane "let's go Sir!!"

Zane says "luckyyy"

And soon, Sir Bachdion and his trusty sidekick adam are on the way

Adam drives respectfully.

Adam hits a time skip, propelling him rapidly ahead in the narrative without warning!

.................................

"You've been ridiculously kind to us, Dion," Lesley O'Connel takes the pasta from his hands, "We shouldn't take this."

"Ixnay on the onay, mom" Minerva says trying not to show how much her mouth is watering at the smell of the food.

"Fine, fine, please, why don't you both come in" Lesley offers

"Thank you very much. " Adam steps inside with a smile for Minerva but as curious to see how Dion lives on the outside.

The apartment 's decor is classy , about the raciest thing is a sculpture of a nymph and satyr half hidden under a tree and even that's PG 13 really

It appears to have two bedrooms.. not that he sees those, and a kitchenette area

Minerva smiles back. His gut can tell him she's doing much better. ... that ugly feeling of tedium, of a dying dream, is gone off her now.

That makes him smile more. "You look good."

"Well, that's called Hot Shower therapy" Minerva says cheekily "but thanks . Your uncle is a lifesaver. "

"He is!" Adam agrees. "What school do you go to?"

"Capital City HIgh School" She says

"you?" She asks

"Uncle D is homeschooling me, for now." Easily.

"How's that work for you?" She asks

"You a junior this year?"

"Yeah, you?"

She seems honestly interested

"Same."