#earthrunes

He sighs, settling down on his back beside her. "What would you have me do?"

“Well, first I’d have you recognize what happened. They didn’t come after you directly. They came after you through me. So consider...who else resides at EarthRunes that ne’er-do-wells from the Hollow might eventually target in an attempt to put you in your place?” A pointed look.

"Zara." he answers immediately. Then he sits UP. "Zara......" he starts to swing out of bed, reaching for his robe.

She puts a hand on his arm. “She’s fine. I just saw her a few minutes ago.”

“However, my point is this — they many not be done, so we may not consider the matter done.”

Her touch arrests him. He listens and nods. "Coradel, I am sorry to have brought this on you. Us. EarthRunes.""

He sighs and his brow furrows. "We can't do anything about last night; they are protected under Carnivale. I suppose we could be more cautious on future holidays?"

"Again, not your fault," she scolds mildly.

She gives an odd, secretive-innocent hybrid kind of look at the notion of Carnivale retaliation. "Perhaps."

August stares at the ceiling. "Holidays are supposed to be a time of welcome but.... but how could we regulate it? Or... I suppose you could issue a ... be on the look out order? For times that aren't holidays?"

"Oh, no. August, I don't think that caution need be the approach. After all, while I certainly did NOT enjoy their company, none of us were truly harmed. To be honest, they provided a bit of fun. At their own expense, of course. No, I don't think we need to be more cautious about whom we invite...but if intolerable people fall within my notice, I certainly reserve the right to...notice them further."

A pause. "Yes. Of course, yes."

"And perhaps notice the influences that nurtured them towards intolerableness."

"...and...do something about those."

"What's that baron's name, again?"

He gives it. [Von Klipp.......?]

"Of course." She repeats it as if naming a gourmet dish she intends to enjoy...vindictively.

"Coradel?"

She leans over to give him a soft, lingering kiss...and then slips out of bed.

She is, after all, already dressed and started with her day.

She knows his response to her kiss. Then...."Please don't...."

"I don't want this to be... a ....shanda. A thing."

"If it happens again, yes."

She looks back at him, a gentle smile. "I haven't quite decided what I'm going to do yet, August. And it's possible I may do nothing. I have to think about it."

"Either way, I won't do more about it today. Probably."

August nods slowly. "Yes.... that is, however you wish to manage it."

Oh, that smile grows, pure adoration. "My wonderful husband."

"Stay here. Eat a bit more, go back to sleep if you like. I have some things to attend to." She says it with a light tone, not the sort of vindictive fire she used before. Perhaps she genuinely means things unrelated to their conversation?

And then she is out the door, blowing him a kiss before she departs.