#earthrunes

He taps on the library, and pushes the door open.

"August?" She calls, though he might not hear.

But, he was listening for her. He enters. "Zara?"

She emerges from behind a shelf, arms laden. "Greetings. I recognized thy step."

"Hello." He says with a shy smile, and sober eyes; THE EXPRESSIONS at conflict with each other.

"Do you have a moment?"

"Always."

He gestures for her to sit, getting her chair for her. "My apologies for not coming to you sooner with this, what with one thing and another......"

"It has been a bit hectic, and I did just return from my parents'..."

"Yes, still..... ah."

"Passover, nu?"

"I trust it went well?"

"Mostly, aye. The Uncles and Miriam fussed."

"But then, they will."

"They shall." A fond smile.

"Ah....." He sets a small leather pouch in front of her. "I got these from the Hollow. I'm sure this is all of them. I thought you would want them."

Head tilt, and she opens the pouch.

The pieces of glass hold very dry, very familiar blood on them.

A soft hiss. "Oh, what a failure that mess was..."

"Thank you, August, for finding these. I was not... not well..."

"The Count has been restored. Guzela has been removed." gently "It was not a complete failure."

"I know. I was ... frightened. But I am glad you are better."

"Aye. But I do not like being caught. Tis pride."

"I understand." a gentle smile from the most unprideful man in Concordia.

"I shall scry to be certain there are no others... but, ah, twas wise to rescue them."

"There might be... powder, miniscule pieces but.... I think this is all."

"Aught too small to be useful. Good. Thank you, August. Very much."

"You're very welcome." he assures her. "You're feeling better, now?"

She nods!

"Wonderful." he smiles and pats the tabletop "Well."

"All is well, aye."

"And then, soon, a book quest!"

"I would presume after Easter..."

"After Easter. Yes. Ah."

"Are you sure you wish to engage in this quest? A book, yes, but....."

"A lost and rare book, aye! Oh, we could bring Bronte..."

"Mayhaps Coradel and Earl?"

"If you go, I am sure of it. Coradel.... ah, we haven't spoken about it. I'd welcome her, of course. You realize the book is, ah, well.... Liam. It rightfully belongs to Liam."

"Aye. It will go to them. You are Liam."

His grey eyes blink. "Ah, yes. And you're ok with the book going to my House?"

"I shall still have the claim of finding it, nu?"

"It -might- be a group effort?"

"Aye, a team. But I shall get to see it. And it may well be hidden with other books..."

"True!" he brightens "That would be a success."

"And I rather enjoy quests, so..."

"Then we will quest, after Easter." he says, with a brief touch of his fingers to her hand.

"Wonderful! And find books!"

"And find books." he agrees.

1122 leaps forward between them And My Mandibles!

"Ah?" August might have missed that morse code.