#earthrunes

"I've played games of chance before. I recall the first Samhain I was here, my costume was that of a superhero card sharp."

"Our costumes for Carnivale are still under discussion."

"Vashti maybe getting itchy" She says

"More than maybe." August confirms.

"oh dear"

He sighs.

Curiosity gets more fingertips on her cheeks.

"Did you survive unmeasured?"

"I did not. She stopped short of taking a dental mold, though."

"I'm amazed you kept her in check"

"As am I." he admits.

She kisses his cheek "if it helps. We'll all look out for Coradel"

"It isn't that, exactly; I know the people would never -hurt- her."

"It is more my baggage than anything else."

A nod "Okay. So what have you been up to besides teeth checking?"

He tells her about his day; the visit from Chief Clem, talking to Alanza, going out to the Thomas-Bondraste house ".... and Miss Vashti waylaid me as I entered."

"Wow. I'm sorry.. the fall out from the saining.." She sighs "yeah, tense for all. "

"Were you..... close to Adam?"

"Not at first. I mean, he was okay but no interest.. but oh I adored Nab. And when she, when she died, I though a friendship was growing strong. then she came back and.. he.. he wouldn't accept that."

"Coradel told me something of what happened behind closed doors. I don't know the full story. What happened was... shocking, I think. For more than Adam, yes. But I can only imagine how shocking it must have been for him."

"Yeah. Maybe he wasn't ready" She sighs "I'm.. not happy with him. Nab is gone again and I feel selfish. But I do feel sorry for him."

"I have an academic interest in the situation, as well as a human.... or Fae.... one. But, it is not for me to involve myself."

"Sounds like you have been and it's stressed you out" A look at the sleeping cat in his hands "Nothing petting a cat didn't help mind you"

August chuckles, cradling the kitten. "Oh, no. It definitely helped."

"Good. Now, for the carnivale, how do you think I'd look as a bounty hunter checking out the shady characters in the casino?"

And they chatter and talk.. Leo wanting suggestions for costumes

(End Scene)