#earthrunes

"I find I have used the word euphoric too cavalierly before now, Coradel" He moves with Coradel "And thank you. I.. you've been a good friend to us both, and I know that Zara's friendship was hard won, but you have been supportive of us so often and I'm not sure I say thank you enough for the friendship you have shown"

"I... never thought I would want it. And I was so afraid... but oh... oh, August, it doesn't feel like a cage at all! It feels so right!"

Coradel tsks at Earl with gentle amusement. "I'm wonderful. It's a known fact. You don't need to say it." She winks.

Earl actually laughs, softly, but a laugh "I suppose it speaks for itself"

August nods. "I know. Of course..... in my case I couldn't believe she would want ...." a graceful shrug; Zara knows the background.

"Will you and Zara be going away for a honeymoon?"

"Oh, the families would be furious if we fled without telling them where" He ponders "Which, god help me, makes this all the more appealing"

"Oh, you underestimate yourself. You are very lovable."

"I am very glad you and Coradel found each other."

"And I am glad that you have found happiness, too." gently.

"Ah, yes, I suppose you have some family visits to accomplish, first."

"Who would have expected it?"

A soft voice "Coradel, you have no idea. I thought one of her uncles was going to have a cardiac arrest, and my family is already sending texts asking when we're moving to the farm. "

"I thought I would never take any oath..."

"But I wanted this. I wanted this so very much."

"I admit, an Oath surprised me." August says. "I know how much Coradel's Oath means to me, but I thought you were adamant. Was it a traditional Oath?"

Zara nods.

"Oh, my. Well...I can provide you some cover, by insisting that your services are required here. They won't accept it, but at least it will be my doing and not your choice."

"I thought... I wanted to show how much I felt."

August nods. "And now it's deeper, more rich, more.... alive." he describes.

A happy nod!

"Sweet of you to say, Coradel, but I can handle my family. I'd no sooner take Zara away from the library than I would a star from the firmament. She is happiest there. I am happiest with her. We're both where we belong unless she tells me otherwise. She likes to visit the farm, Clem is her friend, and she knows our secrets as few nontrolls do, but you and august have made one of the places her true joy is. Or .. perhaps I should say allowed her a chance to make it her own."

"And more secure." introspectively "Locked in but... as you said, not a cage. A freedom within the bond."

"I would say that the latter is most correct," Coradel agrees. "The library was fine enough when I arrived at EarthRunes, but Zara's touch has brought it to a new and different life, a wonderful one. And, of course, there's her River." A little playful glance.

"More like.. like I know I can always find my way home?"

Earl smiles "Oh yes. My lady does enjoy, thank you" He says

"A compass. True North."

"Aye, so!" Pleased with August's comparison.

"You're holding up the line," Loenora says behind Coradel but her eyes are playful

"Well, I am glad," Coradel says as the song draws to a close. Then Leonora butts in, and Coradel laughs. "Oh, by all means!" And she relinquishes Earl to his fate along a line of dancers.

August bows as the music ends/transitions "Thank you for the dance, Zara. Perhaps we'll have another, but I mustn't monopolize you." He kisses her cheek again.

"May I?" Magnus asks

"Aye. Thank you, August. Ah - hello, Magnus!"

Magnus is almsot floating himself. PErhaps he's just happy to hear of this triumph of true love

Or.. perhaps, Zara knows, he was told something by his wife

August relinquishes Zara and returns to Coradel.

Zara smiles. She knows!

Leonora takes Earl "Oh the times I considered... "

"Considered what?" Earl blinks confused

The Fiona sighs "Have you considered a career in House LIam?"

Coradel meets August on the dancefloor again and moves into his arms, so he's drawn to dancing again whether or not that had been his intent.

If it was not his intent, he doesn't object.

"Earl is very happy...and ready to do battle with the families, I think," Coradel reports to August with amusement.

And Magnus moves smoothly with Zara "Miss Zara, I know we do not always see eye to eye, but my wife tells me.. well, hints really, that we are in your debt. And given the subject... ask o me anything and I will strive. "

"I ask only discretion, Magnus. And... that you be happy, nu?"

Only now does the thought strike him. "Ah. Oh dear. The families......"

"Of course I don't really know the DeBukes but......."

"I think you have a stricter definition of discretion than I, but ... I know that and will definitely take your definition over mine in this case" He whirls with her his sense of timing is amazing , Magnus grins "Now, onto YOUR Triumph. Congratulations having Earl chase until you caught him. He's a good man and you deserve every happiness"

"Nor do I, but I get a sense. Did you enjoy your dance with Zara?"

"I did. And your dance with Earl?"