#earthrunes

***

Coradel does get some breakfast -- she has an appetite after Carnivale exertions -- and gives Delores a grateful smile for her part in making sure all went as well as it did.

(Assuming she finds Delores along the way, that is.)

She eats a bit while there, but puts together a tray with food and drink for August as well, and brings it back to their room. He may be awake enough to notice the scent of bacon.

He looks to be asleep still; and him a habitually early riser!

(She did)

That does surprise her. But...well...he did just return, not that long ago. She sets the tray on a table near the bed and just admires him for a moment...then takes her plate and settles in an easy chair across the room, to avoid disturbing him. She takes a bit of time to read another few pages of Natira Gold.

But....his nose leads him; that bacon..... he shifts, stirs.

She notices. "Morning, love. Eat a bit."

"Mmm?" He props himself up a bit, blinks, exhales. Regards the tray. Then Coradel.

"Morning."

She smiles, sets her book aside (it wasn't one of the steamier moments, at least), and brings her plate back over. She settles on the bed again, propping some pillows up behind her.

August adjust his own space for the same effect and pulls the tray up.

She reaches over to play with a bit of his hair as he settles.

He smiles at that.

Then he leans over to kiss her. "Good morning."

"Mmm, better by the second," she smiles, giving him another kiss. She tastes lightly of toast and marmalade and tea. "Here, don't let it get too cold," she urges him to eat.

So he does.

And suddenly develops an appetite; he was hungrier than he thought.

She finishes up her own, smiling as he appreciates the meal. She enjoys the few minutes of laziness. However, she is Baroness again now that Carnivale is over. "I should spend some time this morning talking with Innish about upcoming court business."

August nods, wiping his mouth with a napkin as he swallows.

She takes the napkin from him and dabs at a spot he missed.

He leans over and gives her a kiss for that.

She returns it, pleased. "What about you?" she asks, nuzzling his nose lightly. "You have tasks to pursue today?"

"No." A bit mystified. "Some school work, I suppose."

"Mm, yes, you are always so good at getting your obligations cleared away before holidays."

"It allows me to focus." soberly.

"Of course." A nod, and she sets aside her now-empty tea cup. "August...if I promise that I won't exact retribution for acts done on Carnivale, will you tell me a bit more about our two lovely guests?"

He looks away; an old habit.

"Yes."

"Then I promise that." And only that.

"I knew them at Alabaster Hollow."

She doesn't move, just continues to look at him. Clearly this answer is not sufficient.

.......

"We had some conflicts, then. I don't know why they were here for Carnivale."

"Some conflicts," she repeats, an invitation for details.

A sigh. "It was unimportant. Petty conflicts."

"Such as...?" She seems unhurried and determined.

"They were better at combat and melee skills than I." He looks away. "Both were titled."

"Petty conflicts...and they drew blade on you for that?"

"It was sanctioned."

"Sanctioned by...?"

"The Baron."

"The Baron allowed his fosters to settle petty dispute by the blade? And in uneven matches where the weaker had done no wrong?"

"One must be ready to defend a holding. All Hands." quietly.

"Those that should lead, must."

A frown. "Exactly how does beating on a weaker opponent train them to defend the holding? Especially if it is over a petty grievance?"

"Coradel... I can't claim understanding. I'm sorry."

"Hmph. Then don't parrot nonsense philosophies as if you accept them as true." She takes a grape from the tray and pops it in his mouth for emphasis when he starts to reply.

August chews instead.