#earthrunes

"I'm blessed with good grades and some financial help that way." August says modestly.

"You're one of the lucky ones. Thanks your stars and don't ever forget to let it make you just a bit humble. Humility is a gift that pays off. It means when things do go bad, you realize it's not 'why me' but rather 'oh, bad things happen and I'm no exception' maybe grim, but you roll with the punch better that way." Leo says as donuts and coffee are ordered. He does help himself to a big glazed. "Who's your friend?"

The boy in the corner signs , then sees Leo doesn't know the lingo either

August passes the notepad over to the little eshu, and asks Leo "Sir, I volunteer quite a bit; would you be willing to accept a little help? Iknow some mpeople......"

The Eshu writes 'Nidhar the Bountiful'

"Nidhar." August introduces smoothly.

"nice to meet you " Leo waves to Nidhar, then loosk to August "I don't know August. There are lots worse off then..." A sigh "Okay I'm homeless. .I maybe one of those worse off types. I don't know. I just want work you know?"

"Will you let me make a phone call?"

"Hold on a sec" He says "I will, if you take this" He reaches into his pocket and hands over a quarter "if you were older you'd get the joke"

August looks at it carefully before taking it (Kenning)

Just a quarter

Nadhir shrugs

August takes it, and hits a button on his phone.

"Hello."his tone is warm, and a soft smile graces his lips. "Yes. Me too."

A little pink on his ears.

"Yes, well... perhaps later. I've made a new friend, Chloe. His name is Leo. No, -his- name is Leo and he's a landscaper. Do you think your parents might need a little assistance in that area?"

He listens.

"Yes, Ican give him the address and ask him to stop by today. Thank you."

He listens again.

"Ah. Yes. I suppose I do owe you." He clears his throat. "Yes, See you tonight." Pink on the ears and cheekbones, now.

Nadhir watches all around, not picking up sounds but quite interested

And Leo looks curious

August hangs up and takes the notepad to jot down a very toney, old-money address. "The DuBois have been looking for help with the landscaping, someone with some vision. Would you be willing to go over today?"

"The DuBois" He says startled "When you said you ahd connections I.. that's pretty uptown" He says surprised "And yes, sure. I.. be happy to. When is best?"

August adds a phone number. "As soon as it's convient for both parties."

"Ha. I think I'll go with what THEY want" he says "man they are loaded I.." then he sets his jaw "Nope, they'll get a fair price. " As if reminding himself NOT to become one of those guys. And August is sure he will be honorable in his dealings

"Leo, it's been a pleasure meeting you."August says genuinely.

"And you, thjanks for the coffee and donut" He rises and offers his hand "I owe you"

"Pay it forward, Leo." he stands and shakes the offered hand.

Leo says "Will" Not if but will. GOod man here.

And Leo shakes Nadhir's hand as well, and then heads out.

The Eshu boy may have spent all of August's ten bucks on donuts and over dosed. He's rubbing his belly happily

August treats himself to a bite of donut. He glances at Nadhir. "Good work, young prince."

Nadhir looks at him and taps his ear again, smiling

August ruefully shakes his head and jots the compliment down, adding "Sorry, Ikeep forgetting."

He writes back I thank you, older prince. ANd it's okay. I forget too. Thank you for helping Mister Leo. I don't like Ravagers. He pauses, then adds with a flourish They are selfish jerk Doo doo heads

August nods agreement. "Have you been to the Source of Flames yet? I dont' recall making your acquaintance before."

He writes as he speaks.

"Then.... a no?"

He nods and writes nope

"Is your father Kith as well?"

A shake of head ,and sad look, but then a smile, the boy using expressions to show his mood then writes Little K, not Big K

August nods understanding and jots down his phone number. "If you'd like to visit, or need help, please call."

He takes it, then nods and writes Okay. Let's go.

August writes "Your father will not mind? Right of Ignorance......"

And then he writes Besides. What he knows is a lot less dangerous than leaving notes like this around for motals to find Smug look

"I don't plan to leave my notebook behind."he writes "And I can burn the pages if/as needed. But if you would like to visit, Ican take you there."

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