#earthrunes

"Nonsense. I must spoil you with candles scented like funeral homes and old books that are yellow paged with time, the soft music of dirges and my lap for your pillow"

A soft chuff and a smile.

"And, your family is well, Zara?"

"The Uncles fussed."

"Mama and Papa don't know how badly hurt I was. Probably for the best."

August agrees. "They are special people, but mortal nevertheless. Some Right of Ignorance applies."

She nods.

"I will be back home next weekend for passover..."

"Please give them my best?"

"Of course."

"Heck, glad the DeBukes don't have that rigid a view of Right of ignorance when it comes to family"

"I hope not to be rigid so much as protective?"

"Papa can see, so that is challenging, sometimes."

"We save our rigid for other things" earl sighs "Poor Kelby"

"Oh, aye."

August tilts his head.

A look to Earl, ceding to his discretion.

"Oh.. well, yes. We had a family member return nfrom the dead.. in the same life. To do this, she had the help of a noble house which she sworn to" He says 'the family would be furious me airing dirty laundry but they need to get over some things"

August looks momentarily puzzled. "And.... that is a reason for concern, not celebration? I know your family's feelings about nobility but......"

"..Velvet might give a finger to have tea with Kelby, in truth..."

"Nay, perhaps a thumb."

"they fear she is sworn to House Danan... so she must be not completely trusted " He sighs

Housoe Danan August knows, for friends from before are there among them

August sighs and shakes his head.

"But she lives"

"She lives." he repeats.

"Death has its place, but..."

"Yeah, they.. it wigs me out a little but I'm glad she's alive a LOT"

"Apparently she's going to move at Dark Gate. They can use her there. But it's grim"

"Oh, but tis interesting... "

"Brr fell stuff" Earl is no Fiona

"Aye!" Sparkle.

"There are secrets there..."

August chuckles.

"Given a choice, I'd pick prague"

Sip.

"Prague also."

"Glutton" But he smiles

"S'truth."

"Well drop by and visit Kelby then, pardon me, Dame Kelby" He says "THAT's weird to say"

He looks at August "August... how are things with Hume? Coradel seems to.. not like him"

"Ah." he sets his cup down "Well, early days. His appointment was something of a surprise. I'm sure it will work out."

"Coradel resents having an heir imposed."

"I think she had her own ideas about how that would go."

"Aye..."

"It should go to you" Earl says to August "God forbid if it should be needed"

August goes slowly grave and shakes his head.

"August, you'd be a kind ruler"

"I would endeavour to serve my people, -our- people. But I doubt my ability to function in those circumstances."

"Without Coradel? Aye."