#earthrunes

The Beaumayn realizes she's being ignored, and returns to her own target

Being an athlete, it takes some time before he is winded;speaks well of his stamina.

And the target is showing signs of an aggressive beating, the practice weapon is dinged to. His arms might be a bit sore.

He stops, breathing, weapon point on the earth.

He glistens.

"Are you okay?" She tries again

"Pissed."

And after a beat he throws the weapon on the ground on a fit of pique.

"One can tell" she nods "Would you like to talk about it?"

"No." Then he seems to notice her. "No. Sorry, no Dame. Thank you."

He picks up the weapon and takes it to the side to clean.

"As you wish, we Beaumayn are said to be perceptive but your hurt is not hard to see. I regret I cannot do more for you. YOu've been a fine addition to Earth Runes"

"Thank you, Dame." Quietly.

He cleans the sword, then the dummy, slowly, thinking.

She nods and moves to withdraw

And then she looks back at him, with a look of profound sympathy and sorrow. Oh, Poor Adam Yet Sleeping, it's going to get so much worse- and yet, it must be

And she slips away

Adam puts things away, grabs his stuff, and goes to clean up.

After a fast shower and change of clothes (No sash) he sits on the bed, thinking.

----------

For August, his prizes are placed just so, the ink is.. well a wonderful prize, of great value in more than one way

He is quietly proud of his work, of course; scribing his his oldest, strongest skill. But the success at combat warms him even more, especially considering his less-than-stellar efforts on the recent hunt.

Luck plays it's part, and it would be self delusion to pretend he got more than one fortunate opening or lucky strike in, but luck isn't enough, and his hard work and discipline kicked in. It's possibly more than one foe underestimated him too. Liams aren't supposed to be good at fighting (Temerity and Ivory aside) and scribes certainly aren't known for excelling in melee. The trifefica of his own skill, a bit of luck, and bigotry was a dangerous combo for his opponents. To hear Sir Bachdion though, it was all August, the goat may not be his direct mentor anymore, but he certainly is as proud as any teacher who helped contribute to a success

"Still one of the best riposte's all day, the look on that fellow's face when you brought it home, priceless" Sir Bachdion smiles

"Thank you, Sir."with honest modesty "I have had excellent teachers. And embaressing experience is one of them."

"Embracing or Embarrassing experience?" He grins "Not sure I heard right but both have helped me"

"Perhpas both." He agrees.

"Coradel was beaming for pride at that my lad." A pause "Well, she was also miffed for other reasons but it certainly helped her mood to know of your success"

"I'm glad it helped her; that alone, is all the reward I'd wish for."

"Oh, so you don't really want these fine inks?"

"Not as much as I wish for her happiness."

"Good answer" A pat on the shoulder , then a pause "I should inform you that Lesley O'Connel is.ahem throughly debanalized and even inspired "

A beat "And meeting Minerva"

August nods gravely, although the tips of his ears pink.

"Do they need someone present?"

"Or is it happening as we speak?"

"It's happening now," Sir Bachdion says "I hope you don't mind, I have your Squire Velvet spying on them in case things go wrong. I told her I would tell you. "

The young Baron nods. "I understand."

"Well, I apologize if I Overstepped. I just.. I don't want this to go south."

"No, I understand Sir. None of this is... easy."

"For anyone involved."

"Yes. Minerva seems to be .. I don't want to say mellowing, but in a better spot"

"Good." Soberly.

"Ever since the raid and hunt, she's been especially respectful of our librarian" A pause "Pardon THE Librarian."

A gentle smile graces his lips. "Yes."

"I'll have to drop by and give my own respects to Miss Zara.. unfledged Sidhe have a great difficulty with humility" A look at August, "Well, probably not you" a hint of a smile

"It was not a lesson long in coming." He agrees.

"I wonder what the folks of Alabaster Hollow think of your succeess now? "

"I don't. It matters not, to me." Mildly.

"mmm Better man than I" He nods