#earthrunes

"Well, much obliged" She offers a small box, could be jewelry in it

He takes it and sets it on the desk.

"I suppose, if you like, I could take the gift for Adam and hold it for him till he returns. Or his family could."

"Well here you go" Something similar "Both of them were real heroes, brave wilders. Did credit to Earth Runes"

He takes the second box and nods, looking at it. "I have not heard details. Iwas aware they went."

Clem says "Well, to tell you.." She fills him in , the ice monster, the sacrifice attempt "it's like the thing wanted to conttrol winter"

August looks thoughtful. "Do you think... that might have been what it was? There is always the chicken-or-egg conundrum with Fae and Mortals, but.... no matter if the storm caused the chimera or the chimera caused the storm, could the defeat of the Yeti break the weather?"

"I think it helps. Symbols ARE the thing in much of the Dreaming"

He nods. "Very true. Hm."

"Further.. and Zara would know better than I, by using the children as symbols of spring, the monstter associated itself with winter... what you work, works you"

"I wonder what it looked like. Age, I mean. If it pitted itself against children and spring, did it appear old? -Was- it old?"

He gets up, finds a scrap of paper and makes a note. "I'll ask Alanza, if I see her."

"It has a lot of fur... hard to say" A nod "Yep, better to get a witness." Clem asks "How are you and yours doing, August?"

"Ah. We are well, I think. A successful Imbloc, Carnivale is well in hand, Spring is coming."

"Don't jinx it" but she smiles "I think so too"

"How fares your farm?"

"Wwell, I'm not sure the school was a success" She admits "We were necessary, helped a lot of families, but it could have gone better"

August pockets the note and retakes his seat.

"In what way? If you don't mind my asking. I have always enjoyed my formal education."

"Lots of resentment from the students, which is typical I suppose but I thought we'd get less of it than a mundane school, and so much drama."

August looks troubled, regretful. "I understand Adam gave you some issues. There were others?"

"Adam was probably the problem child, but there were a few others yes. Ones who couldn't or wouldn't put up with fellow students. others who figured they could slip out whenver they liked and were surprised it affected thteir grade. the fact we were kithain mean we were supposed to just let it slide grade wise apparently. there were tensions, the nobles were eyed wary, and the nobles got their noses now and then in a snit... plenty of blame there"

"It was a valuable experiment, Chief." he offers some consolation.

"It was and is, but even now I'm in danger of losing some teachers let along students. "

He tilts his head curiously. "I had understood this school was a response to the pandemic. Do you intend it to be a new kind of farm, now?" gentle humor.

At this she frowns "Truth? Bad as I think we've bungled a few things- some kithain families are thrilled to have the option. There's kids like Connor with a slipped seeming? Others want to be allowed to be open. I'm not sure that's a good thing for many, we can't live as fae too long, even on unechantted land... need some mortal interaction, but I won't lie and say it hasn't been a blessing for some of he poorer kithain families"

"And you think it would be wise to continue for them after the pandemic?"

"On a smaller scale maybe" She admits "What do you think? you're a professional student just about, no offense"

He chuckles. "None taken. In fact, it's a compliment."

He thinks about it.

"In Noble courts it is not uncommon to find educational opportunities for those that for whatever reason cannot attend a mortal system."

"If one will not be part of a court system.... those that want education of an academic sort could be served in a school like yours." he agrees.

"Based on what we've said here, there could be a risk of the perception that those who attend are underserved, or underprivilaged. A poor kid's school."

"But, I suppose it could stand in relief to a rich kid's school at a nobel court."

She ponders "Makes me feel a bit better knowing we've given SOMETHINg, and maybe it's worth offering." A nod "thanks, August"

"You are welcome, Chief."

She rises "Tell Vince to be careful playing tag without warning like that. I'd feel terrible if he got hurt"

August chuckles and rises as well. "As would I, but it is not likely. One learns to live with it."

"Fine, but if he gets his tail crimped and Coradel come grousing at me, I'm going to point out he has been warned" A nod "Good thing he's good looking and charming"

She offers her hand "Thank you again. Those here have done right by me"

He shakes it. "You're welcome, and thank you for coming by. I'll see the gifts safely put by."

She nods and walks off, looking around as if expecting annother Lion attack

"Chief, may I escort you to.... I assume you will depart by Trod?"

"No need. I'll actually be visiting some folks in Jefferson City proper"

"Can we provide you with transportation? We're on the outskirts, it's a walk in the cold."

"Actually, it's a flight in the cold.. but I'll pick something warm" She assures "Thank ye kindly"

"You're welcome." he says a final time, and bows.

"Oh don't do that, August. Chief or not, my family sees anyone bowing to me I'll get a ribbing that'll set me twitching after the first day of it"

"I do apologies." he says genuinely.

"No harm done" She looks around, then says "And I guess I SHOULD be calling you Baron but while I respect you, it's just not in me."