#earthrunes

"A different man than you." Gentle correction.

"Ha, I think in the regard of pettiness, you are the better man. I? I'd rub it in their faces." Then a smile "But, I am a better dancer than you, so balance." A pause "By the way, are you the one who taught Velvet the Pipe Organ?"

A rueful chuckle. "Most certainly not. I am not musically inclinded, as you may recall. I am very proud of her."

"It's just, well, pipe organs are most famous in churches. And with your connection.. ah well yes, you've every right to be proud." An apologetic look "I fear we may have swarmed the poor girl a bit. Nice of you and Tylar to rescue her. "

Another gentle smile. "I've had practice."

"Yes, I Suppose so. Good thing we have you to look after your fellow introverts." A pause "Ready for Samhain?"

His smile fades to a frown. "As ready as ever am."

"Yes, well, we all react in different ways. I think a few of us might want to go into hiding, but the baroness will just drag us out anyway. Don't worry, your wife seems to make sure no one gets broken"

August looks at him curiously. "I don't remember you dreading it, Sir."

"Oh not me, no" He says "Just a few folks I know"

He nods.

"Any tasks you need help with before then?"

"Idon't think so, Sir. Coradel tends to manage the holidays. Samhain."

"She's a wonderful hostess" Agreed

"Yes." with quiet adoration.

"Ah, one other thing about Minerva" A cough

"Yes?"

"She's been talking about the 'freehold cat'... Whiskers? A big golden tabby or something"

"Ah, yes. I spoke with him about that.... not entirely sure what his response was. But.... I think? There is no malice involved. No ill intent."

"Oh that cuddly kittey hasn't a mean bone in his body... but that confirms it's him. What IS he up to?"

"My -impression- is that he meant the cat as.... a friendly gesture. To one who is newly arrived and without close company."

"Yes, I love that fluff head a great deal, but she might not take it that way when she finds out he's 'fooled' her" Troubled

"Fooled her?By not presenting the cat more formally as a gift?"

"No. I mean.. I don't know .." he waves it off. "We'll see how it goes."

"It might help, to have someone 'safe' to talk to." August is a silver-lining kind of guy, after all.

"It might"A nod

At this point, he looks down, and sighs "Never enjoyed thse things." Pulling out a cellphone

And he checks a text "Damn."

"Something wrong, Sir?" concerned.

"I'm afraid so... A friend just told her son that their marriage is on stand by... her son didn't take it well"

"A... friend of yours is married to her son?" August is a little horrified.

A look at August "Really? You catholic fellows have the DIRTIEST minds."

August reddens; it's not embaressment.

Noting the temper, "Sorry but I thought the context would be a bit more obvious. She and her husband, said son's father, are separating .... a trial separation. Their son is not taking it well"

"I am, of course, sorry to hear that."

"Yes" He says "And I think I'm going to get some blow back for it. She says he..mentioned my name"

"You.... are known to him?"

"Oh yes. He's a student. THe irony? I'm not the reason his parents are doing a trial separation, but I am going to make a tempting target."

"A studnet? Of yours? Who's target will you be?"

"My student maybe angry with me for something not my fault" He says hoping that translates

"Ah."August considers. "Not the first time. You are.... thoughtful and gentle with students who may not understand, at first. Sir."

"Thank you ,August. I try. Now I need to decide whether to seek him out or let him mull it over and track me down. It's possible he won't right away"

"You haven't that many students...." August muses. "I wish I could offer you sound advice in this matter."

"Mmm" A pause "I was trying to keep it a wee bit in confidence otherwise I'd ask you for just that. is the offer open for later if I need it?"

"I can offer confidence. I do not have any wise advice for you." not without regret.

"Thank you, August." Bachdion says "I best get going."

August nods. "Of course. And.... I wish you luck in this."

"Thank you, and my apologies if I was boorish." He inclines his own head and moves on

"Forgiven, Sir." And he returns to his work.

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