#earthrunes

If Baron August enters the library, he'll find Lord Hume tapping away on a lap top

Baron August enters the library on a daily basis.... and thus, he finds Lord Hume.

Lord Hume types and taps, working on something with alacrity

August quietly does a little work; Zara rules here, no doubt, but August does keep a hand in with cataloging, shelving, and tending the bookstacks.

Then the Dougal looks up, and bows clicking a bit "Baron, pardon. I didn' see you there. I've almost got it finished"

"What are you working on?" politely.

"Electtronic library... I think Miss Zara hates like 75% of it" he confesses "She loves her hard copy. But she's let me set up one for the non changgeling books. What i've got here is a set up for the childlings. The baroness seemed to like it when I helped the local kids with better connectivity for school programs"

"There is a... tangible beauty in a hard copy book." the Baron says softly "Even worn and aged.... something a digital copy can't replicate. I can see the use of the ebook as well." he admits "Utility but... lacking something you can feel."

"Huh." he says "No I don't think I get it, but okay. "

A gentle smile. "This is a very.... tactile holding."

He blushes "Yes, well. Fiona" he taps away "DOes... does the Baroness hate my guts?"

"You should ask her directly." August chides mildly "But no. I don't think so."

"Sometimes I'm not sure" he says "I didn't ask for this, honest"

That makes the young Baron chuckle; Hume might have the impression this is not exactly common. "I understand."

A confused look "You do?"

"I do. I did not seek rank, or title, or position, either."

"Oh, yeah, I remember hearing about that. You ended up with a banner house under you. You just. .stumbled into that?" Confused

"Ah... no. It is a long story; to do it no justice at all, none of it would have happened without Zara and Coradel."

"Miss Zara confuses me. She's.. not a secret noble, is she?"

Another chuckle, his eyes dancing with amusement. "She is one of the most noble people I know.....but. We disagree fundamentally on a few things; the place of the aristocracy among them. No, she is not titled."

"Ah, well, she's got to be good. Everyone seems to defer to her," he says thoughtfully "Minerva seems very respectful toh er, maybe in awe"

August smiles. "Coradel inspires awe in many."

"I meant Miss Zara" he says "I KNOW why folks defer to the Baroness. Baroness Coradel is scary"

A soft laugh. "My apologies; but yes, Zara is awe-inspiring as well, for different reasons."

"How do you... I mean.. do you have tips for keeping either of them .. not upset?"

August chuckles. "They are very different women."he pauses and considers Hume. "May I ask your full name?"politely.

"My full mortal name?" He seems surprised "Why?"

"Iwould be honored to know both your mortal and Fae names if you choose to share them, but not offended if you don't."August clarifies "I have found mortal names have value, connections."

"My first name is Henry, which I think translates to 'your parents are so very very white'"

"I'm told I was named after St. Augustine." dryly.

"August Ratchford."he adds.

"Good to know if we're in public I guess" He admits "Mostly I use my online handles"

August nods.

"Lord Hume....you asked how to avoid upsetting either of those awesome ladies. Idon't know that there is a sure way to do so. I, myself, frequently misstep. My personal best path has developed over time, and error. Know yourself and be true to who you are. Seek common ground, and mitigate differences.And above all else..... put them above all else."

"But.. the Baroness wants me to learn how to fight. I suck a fighting, unless you're talking video games. I freeze up! "

"In my experience, that protest will not inspire much respect from the Baroness. She is, every inch, Fiona. They see that kind of deficit as a challenge to be joyously faced and overcome, bruises and breaks be damned. Pardon my language."

"I pardon the language, but.. BREAKS?" He winces "Like in broken bones?"

"Potentially. I, myself, avoided breaks but earned plenty of bruises."

"I feel woozy already" he mutters

"I do not have the heart of a warrior, Lord Hume. But it is wise to know how to defend oneself. If for no other reason that to avoid being a drain on resources."

A wince at the word 'drain'

"I guess that's a point"

"I had grave doubts of myself, and the wisdom of accepting the rank of knight, and then of baron, and then leadership of a bannerhouse, Lord Hume. But, I thought, at least I could defend those I accepted into my care. At least I could avoid costing them more than I had to."

"On a personal level, Iwould understand in a very real way if you were to seek to be relieved of this task. Of being the heir to EarthRunes."

"I'm still surprised the Duke and Duchess have done this to us all. They have to have reasons"

"I am sure they do, though I am not privy to them." August says evenly "And as my Trueheart's lieges, I respect and obey them."

((At least, I don't think -August- was offered an Oath with them?))

(Nope)

((Then it stands.))

"I guess I just wish I knew whatt those reasons were" A scratch "I mean, I think I can help this place. You guys don't seem very computer savvy at all"