#earthrunes

"But to enter her room is DEATH"

"We must persevere... no matter the cost"

Cantrips must be used to trapse the precious cargo...across the narrow path from the spiraling stair case

A portal passage evoked.

"Move quickly, discretly... and not pry into her affairs"

"She's at the library right?"

"Yes, yes, it's why this time is safe!"

"Is it ? What if I get a spider bite"

"Then I guess you die, and we'll miss you"

"Not funny..."

"It's a litle funny" A softer voice says

Quickly it is up up, with a note

Empty, it is, but oh it is sure to be of use

*******

Coradel has taken the luxury of sleeping in late after her Carnivale obligations, while August deposits the monarchs back in the mortal world.

He slips in, showers, and seeks rest....

"They're back to their home?" she murmurs as he returns to bed.

"Yes." Not surprised she asks. "For the better, I think."

"Oh, yes." She yawwns and stretches. "They were wonderful. Excellent choice, my love."

"I am glad. And more... I hope the Dreaming is happy."

He snuggles in.

She snuggles him right back and quietly says, "For the most part, it was a very good Carnivale."

He holds her, exhales. A pause.

"I have had their things held and cleaned and returned."

"I am sorry, Coradel."

"Mmph." A pout. "We should see that their things are infested with bedbugs before they're returned."

"No." softly "Please don't."

Another sound of annoyance. "One. One bedbug. Two at the most." I'm sure it could be arranged, and the bedbugs will manage the rest....

August does not react.

She opens her eyes to look at him. "No?"

"Please.... don't."

She frowns. "No retribution. Carnivale. Fine."

"They are not worth it. Coradel, I don't remember them. Ah, not .....much."

"Wait...what? Remember them? Remember them?" she repeats with disbelief. "From where?"

"it... "

"Nothing."

"Carnivale?"

"August...?"

"Alabstar Harbor."

"Oh. That place."

"Yes."

He drifts.

"Did anybody emerge from that Hollow unscathed?" she murmurs quietly.

But it seems that August is too sleepy to answer her question. Only somewhat miffed, she eventually follows him to sleep.

***Later... ***

...August wakes up alone. It seems Coradel didn't want to disturb him as she got up, and he did have a long night.

Coradel, however, is on a mission. In a deceptively simple soft grey gown (oh, but how it drapes so nicely and shimmers when the light hits it just so), she makes her way through the halls of EarthRunes, towards the library.

The flowers are mostly gone, but there are a few stubborn holdouts.