#earthrunes

Hume, it should be noted, IS wearing the same outfit.

he is not seated, but rather waiting nearby, leaning against a wall using his smart phone

A little pewter spider hangs out overhead.

The Dougal's fingers tap at amazing speed, weaving code one handed like a spider might weave webs.

Quinta lowers herself on a silken strand, watching.

Coradel arrives, her hand in the crook of August's arm as he escorts her. "August," she begins, "this is young Lord Hume, the new arrival to EarthRunes. Lord Hume, this is my husband and trueheart, Baron August Truthbranch ap Liam." Perhaps even a bit of pride in the 'ap Liam' part, as if daring the boy to say anything against her husband's house.

Hume pockes his smart phone and bows, an odd clicking sound but he does not say a darn thing about the Liam part "Baron, an honor. "

August nods. "Welcome."

"Uhm, thank you" He seems a bit nervous then says "I want you to know I have no interest imposing myself in the chain of command ... as for the chain of succession, that really wasn't my idea"

Coradel glances at August, then back to Hume, her expression carefully neutral. "Let's get settled for lunch before we speak more about this, shall we?" Without waiting for a response, she makes her way to her seat at the table, and allows August to pull out her chair for her before settling.

Hume stands until both Coradel and August are sitting before taking his own.

Some quiet moments as they're served by the waitstaff. Moments that might feel excessively awkward for Hume.

August does, indeed, seat Coradel and then himself.

Hume sits down and eyes the food.

August serves Coradel as needed, pours her drink, and passes dishes to Hume.

Coradel helps herself as well, and trades dishes with August. They seem quite at home with their own routine, of course. And eventually, Coradel begins to eat.

"mm this is.. a bit on the spicy side" he says after taking a bite or two of the peppered steak

"Mm? Is it?" Hers is just fine. She glances briefly at the boggan who served Hume, if he's in view, then back to Hume. "If it's not to your liking, I'm sure we can find something...milder."

"Yes, please" then he adds "if it's no trouble Baroness"

The boggan bows "Just a moment"

"Of course," she says to Hume. And she pauses in her meal until Hume is served again.

"I should have asked if you have dietary restrictions."

As does August.

"Oh no I'm not Jewish or a vegan or any other religion" he assures

Then as things get quiet he sort of ..sits there.

HIs replacement food is brought to him, and Hume says "Thank you"

August will wait to see if this serving suits him.

He takes a bit of the mildly done steak, "It's very nice, thank you" This one having no spice it seems

Coradel nods, then resumes her meal. "So...it sounds as if you're saying that you didn't request to be situated here."

"No, Baroness. I guess they just wanted me to.. ah shore this place up, act as a reserve in case of the worst?"

August takes a bite as well. "The worst?"

"Uhm if the baroness died and then you did, or for some other reason you didn't want to rule"

August glances at Coradel.

the boy digs DEEP into his food now as if it were FASCINATING

And then takes a bite.

The food is delicious, of course. August and Coradel find their pepper steaks cooked as much as they like

"Didn't want to rule? What an odd thing for them to consider. EarthRunes is the only home I have known in Concordia. I love it, and I am loved here. Why in the Dreaming would I not wish to continue ruling?"

Hume shrinks "I really wouldn't know, Baroness"

"Hm. I shall have to inquire of them." She takes another bite, then considers him quietly for a moment. "Where are you from, Lord Hume?"

"I chrystalised near Springfield" He says

"Springfield? August, is that the city where the building with the slide and the ball pit is?"

"No. The City Museum is in St. Louis."

"Springfield Missouri" He says

"Oh, that's right," she says to August. Then to Hume, "Was your chrysalis recent?"

"Three years ago.. I was still a kid..er childling." He says

"So I'm guessing your current title was revealed at your Saining. You haven't earned it during your time in Concordia," she clarifies.

"No, I .. I haven't earned it" he says "Many Arcadians don't "

"True. I was baroness at my saining. But August earned his title," she says with clear pride as she takes her husband's hand briefly.

"Sir August's legend is spoken of in the Ducal Court.. pardon BARON August"

"Hardly a legend." he murmurs.