#earthrunes

"You have?" he sounds pleased.

"I have." That undertone of purr once more, her fingers stroking delicate patterns over the back of his knuckles. "I'd heard others raving about it, but hadn't found a copy to sample myself until today. Tell me, my studious love...have you heard of an author named Talia Amur?"

"Talia Amur....." he thinks, staring off for a moment "No. No, I don't believe so."

She leans close and nuzzles his ear briefly before whispering, "You really should." She brings the book out from behind her back and rests it gently on the table. "I promised the Seer I'd bring this copy back to him, after I read it," she continues. Then she pauses. "I suppose...If I were to read it aloud to you, that would still be me reading it...."

August glances, and chuckles. "Ah, that one."

His tone suggests things make sense now.

That takes her back a bit. "You have read it?"

"No, I haven't. But Leonora has. She, ah, finished it in my study."

"Ahhhh...." A warm smile. "I suspect there were other activities in your study shortly thereafter."

"Ah..... yes."

"Mmmm." Pleased, and her fingers stroke his hand with that tantalizing touch again. "It's that kind of book," she whispers. "I expect you think you're above such things, though."

"It... I ah, it's not really my usual fare."

"No. I know. But...if I can find another copy for you to borrow, August, I really wish you would. I think you'd find it...enlightening."

"If you want me to, of course."

She gives him a direct look that smolders slightly. "I want you to."

"Then.... I will." mesmerized by her gaze.

She lifts his hand to her lips and lightly kisses the side of one of his fingers before whispering, "Tomorrow." Her eyes have not left his.

"Ah. You know, I had just finished up here. For tonight. Would you care to retire?"

A flicker of a smile. "Oh? Can you be torn away from your important readings?"

"I've done as much as I can tonight." he assures her gently.

"Mm." A little sound of pleased agreement, and she tilts his hand so she can press light kisses to each of his fingertips, still keeping that unwavering gaze.

"Shall we?"

She releases his hand with a tingling touch. "I shall have to meet you there. I have a book to return to the Seer...unless you do wish me to read to you?"

"I'm happy to walk with you to Sir Almandine. Or for you to read to me." he reaches to recapture her hand, to hold it.

She permits its recapture. "Mmmm....to Sir Almandine, then. Perhaps I can persuade him to let you borrow it yourself. I truly would read it to you...but I think you may enjoy it more with the voices that your mind assigns to it. I know I did." She rises with him when he's ready.

He gathers his papers and offers his arm to her, relating to her as they go his trip to the apartment with Minerva.

(end scene, or .perhaps.. tbc)