#earthrunes

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The baroness seeks out a certain dandy lion in some of his usual haunts.

She finds him relaxing in the garden, admiring some of the early flowers.

And perhaps a gardener or two.

Horace, the toad pooka is not used to being stared at, and retreats

"You are glowing." He calls after Horace, with a grin.

Coradel laughs. "Are you unnerving the staff again, Whiskers?"

"Would I do such a thing?" He asks, sitting up and brushing off the bench next to himself. "Join me? Or wouldst thou prefer a stroll?"

In response, she happily claims the seat beside him, perhaps even snuggling close in the still-chilly spring breezes. "The garden should be bursting with loveliness, soon."

He gazes at her. "Is it not already?"

"Oh, well said, my darling." She strokes his cheek lightly.

He purrs at the touch. "What can I do for you, my Lioness?"

A smile. "I would like to just enjoy your company, but you're right -- I do have a task to ask of you. When I returned from Alabaster Hollow, you were at Lord Hume's side, advising him in court. What do you think of the boy?"

He rubs his chin. "He is far more dandy then lion. And has yet to bud or blossom. Perhaps being kept away from the sunlight has stunted his blooming... or perhaps he hasn't found the light he needs?"

She nods. "He needs the attention of a fellow crafter, even if not one in his art, and I intend to turn to Dame Honoria for that, at least to start. Perhaps also Miss Zara may be willing to speak with him in matters of record keeping and data and such," she makes a vague waving motion in the air. "But he needs a guide in courtly manners, as well...and perhaps in the precursors to courtship, should the opportunity every miraculously arise." She sounds dubious at that notion. "Regardless, he needs the social graces."

"Whiskers, would you be willing to coax him in that regard? I believe he already trusts you to some extent."

A hand delicately splayed over his chest. “Moi? Well, I suppose as long as it is duly reflected in my compensation package, I can find a smidgeon of time for the lad.”

Amused. "And what form do you think this compensation should take, exactly?"

His whiskers crinkle. “Oh, I could think of a few things if... hard pressed.”

“Though I fear it will cut into my valuable time. Who will admire the flowers for me? How will the lilies know that they are lovely if no one tells them? Ah, I suppose I must teach the young lord how to do so.”

"That sounds like time well-spent, especially if it frees you up from garden duties to other important activities," she murmurs as she strokes her fingertips atop his thigh.

“What could be more important than the garden? Right here, right now, and me and thou.”

An intrigued look. "It occurs to me...I haven't investigated the garden maze all winter."

“No? Shall we go see what the tulips have gotten up to?”

"I think it would be neglectful for us to do anything else," she agrees.

She stands and, after he does as well, slips her hand through the crook of his arm.

And he leads then onwards and inwards, to see what delights the garden has to offer.

((End Scene))