#earthrunes

She smiles at that "Thank you, Baron"

"You're welcome."

"And do let us know if you need information or resources for your journey."

She nods then bows

He nods in return, and turns to leave; he heads to see if he can find the Thomases, or failing that, GrandDame Bondraste.

It turns out the place to search is at Bondraste's little home outside the hold. So he goes there

He parks the Prius, walks up the walk and rings the bell while standing on the porch. He has a mask on and is otherwise dressed in a preppy-law-student outfit.

The door opens. For a moment he doesn't quite recognize Brenda, outside of the hold her mein isn't eactly shining. No make up, and not much give a damn either

He blinks, then nods politely. "Mrs. Thomas. August Rachford."

"Is there...some emerggency at the hold?" She asks

"No, Ma'am. I've brought you something. If this is a bad time, I can return or we can wait till you come to the hold."

"No time is a good time right now, and I'm not sure if I'm going back to the hold. Ever." Her voice is clipped "What is it?"

August's expression is one of respectful and somber regret. "Chief Clem DeBuke of the Farmhold gave me a token of gratitude for Adam. I thought perhaps it would be best for someone here to hold it for him, till he returns."

"IF.. " She says "IF... " She says "Fine. I'll take it. Leave it with Grand Dame Bondraste" She holds out her hand

August puts the box into it.

"Mrs. Thomas......." softly.

She takes it, and takes a breath "Thank you for bringing it by. If you see the Chief again tell I'm still not sure I'll be back for teaching. I'm really not sure if I'm doing anything but enabling"

"Would you like to talk?" he offers gently "I'm happy to listen."

"We ttalked before, and it did help a the time- but my son is either a callous asshole, a maniac, or has been set up after being told that was an auspicious day for his saining depending on how you look at it. Your seer's an incompeent dick by the way. " She slams the door between them

Making it clear who SHE blames. Looks like a certain Eiluned

August sighs. Must remember to mention that to Coradel....

He turns and heads back to his car.

A voice says "August?" Standing near his car is an old woman

Bonnie aka Bondraste

He approaches. "Yes. Missus... ah..... Bonnie?"

"Sounds fine , dear" She looks around, then says "if we keep our voices down I think we're okay. Everything okay at ER?"

"Yes, ma'am. Mrs. Thomas seems, ah, troubled."

"That's putting it mildly. Brenda is angry at a certain seer. I suppose in a way it's healthier that she blame him rather than blame her son. " A sigh

August can't help a glance back at the door. "I wish I could help....."

"Kyle and Brenda wanted so much to be there for their son, and he wanted so much for them to stay away... it hurt. They thought they found a balance and... well, they didn't. They're each taking it in their own way. Brenda's in a pickle. She feels judged no matter what she does, and that she's a terrible mother. She's angry at those who told her 'we' would take care of Adam, and she wants to go after Adam but everytime she's tried to do things like that it's made it worse. Kyle feels like he's failed in his duty as a father."

He nods somberly. "A young man, or woman, growing independent of the family unit... psychology textbooks have been written about it. And Greek plays. How are -you-?"

"Oh... worn." She says "Very tired. Vince came by, helped a little. Sweet boy. I see why the Baroness and you like him. he cheered me up , let me cry into his mane a bit." A smile "Sweet boy. I hope he's telling everyone how I'm a demon in the sheets, but still a lady on the streets? Even an older woman has her reputation to consider"

Predictably, August pinks lightly. "He, ah, he seemed very positive about your talk."

A chuckle "Truth to tell, August nothing like that happened. I just like the idea folks think it did. Boggans need gossip. " A look at him "how are you?"

"I'm well, thank you for asking. Preparing for Carnivale."

"Ah, that will be a bit bitter sweet wonn't it? Still with Magnus and Claire expecting, there's some shining light"

He blinks. "You've... ah, pardon?"

"I said the carnivale will be biter sweet. Meaning Adam's departure will be felt. At least by me. However, Magnus and Claire are expecting a baby, and that's good news" she says

"They... they've announced that?" cautiously.

"Apparently once they told you and the Baroness, Magnus figured what the hell and is happy to tell everyone. See, this is why he'd have made a TERRIBLE Eiluned"

August chuckles. "I'm ... surprised but pleased for them." He admits.

"Oh? Magnnus didn't already tell you? " She's alarmed "He told me he had"

"He did, he did. I didn't know they were telling others."

"I hope you aren't offended. was there some reason they shouldn't?" A thought "oh dear. I wonder if Claire knows they are telling others?"

"Oh. I, ah, I don't know. I'm not offended at all, no. It's their news to tell."

"Well he's certainly happy about it

"

August smiles proudly. "I think we all are."

"Claire's going to be like a panther in a cage in the last few months. Ailil do not always take things gracefully"

"Ah. Thank you for the war.... the information." yes, he's dead serious.