#earthrunes

Lord Hume groans and limps after practice. "Does it ever get better?"

"You are getting better" Dame honoria, a house sister assures him, "You don't yelp every time you get hit anymore"

"I think she hits HARDERR when I yelp" Hume protests

"Well, then it's working" The girl with the mecahnical heart might seem heartless

"Fiona value courage, in themselves and others" She explains "And while it may come easy to their house, it is a virtue of great use to a future leader"

"And Dame Claire?" He asks

"Oh.." Thoughtful "She's just mean"

The younger wilder grumbles, "Just seems to be I'll never be a proper warrior- why are they trying to put a round peg in a square hole? "

"Nobody expects you to be a proper warrior, Hume." Coradel has followed from the training ring, and just got close enough to hear the last part. "However, competent enough not to hurt yourself or your own people? That's a non-negotiable."

"Yes, Baronness" He sighs, at least he does not simper "I just worry I may not hit that stage"

Honoria looks at the Baroness "I think he's improving, though I'm no warrior by trade"

"Improving, yes," Coradel allows, though perhaps it's a generous assessment. "We'll do some more blocking drills next time. Practice not getting hit."

"Well I can see the value in THAT" Hume admits, "Though I still think the best method is hiding behind a troll"

August appears from around a corner, head first (at the normal level) and then coming around. "I thought I might have heard your voice." He carries a sheaf of papers.

"Hello, my love," Coradel smiles, claiming one of his hands from the paper rivals. A quick kiss, and then she says, "We've just come from a bit of practice. Hume is improving."

An attempt to boost the young man's ego? Maybe?

He kisses her back. "Practice? Combat? Excellent, Lord Hume."

Hume smiles "the baroness is being generous" But he does look grateful "Oh, the e-text book access to the schools has been a success I think, for mortals and kithain alike. Looks like some folks are even signing up for summer programs. I think that library out side of Jefferson may get enough public interest to stay open" he shrugs as if it were no big thing "What with the Covid now managable"

"That is wonderful to hear, Lord Hume. Thank you."

"That is quite an accomplishment. Thank you, Lord Hume."

"I suspect certain parties also threw some donations at the library" A brow at the wealthy Baroness "I have my suspicions... but yes, I think it was a useful pro..."And he seems to forget he was talking.

Coradel grins at the mild accusation, then gives him a curious look. "Are you all right?"

Minerva moves by, wearing what would appear to be a femine toga, albeit in black and silver. In her mid to late teens she's older than the younger wilder by about 3 years. She seems to be reading (a real book thanks) as she walks

"Lord Hume?" August asks as well.

Ahhh. Coradel feels this explains a lot. "Hello, Minerva. Lovely outfit."

She looks up from her book, then smiles and cursies letting the limbram shift to her left hand "Baroness, you're too kind. Vashti made it for me." a smile to the ohers as well "I hope everyone else is well?"

"WONDERFUL" Hume blurts

"Lady." August nods politely.

"Very well, thank you. Lord Hume was just telling us about his success in supporting the local library during the pandemic." A nod to him.

"May I ask what you're reading?" she continues to Minerva.

"A book on philosophy " She admits "Apparently I should decide if I want a street car to smash five strangers, or divert to take merely two, however, the two maybe people I know, and so on. Frankly, ,the whole thing makes me twitch. How useful are the two that I know? Are they essential to my plans or merely entetaining? The five people... I have no time to learn about them... and that of course makes me wonder if they might be evenn MORE Useful... and, after switching the lever, would they be in my debt?"

"Ah.." Hume says trying to remember what a library is then he recalls "It's. it's just a side project"

"That is a very analytical approach, Lady Minerva." August says "What about the moral and ethical aspects?"

He shifts his papers into his arms, leaving his hands free.

"I always thought the point of that whole exercise was to reveal to you how you think?" Coradel muses. "It sounds to me as though you focus on practical advantage to yourself -- which is not terribly surprising." Not said as an insult or accusation, merely a nod to the house.

And Coradel did have claim on one of August's hands, already.

Ok, ONE hand free, papers sandwiched under his arm.

"What about them?" She asks August "Everyone is someone else's villain, hero or stranger. The only way to judge a life's worth is through a personal lens"

"Interesting...but I can't say that's how I see it." An easy shrug.

"I suppose, though, you might consider potential value, an unknown quantity."

"That is a solidly gnostic approach." August observes.

"And a strong Empirical tone." without judgement.

"I confess, not knowing does frustrate me. I probably AM Eiluned" She says "But if I'm Ailil I would be fine with that"

"Whatever house you're in will be PERFECT for you because your'e in it" Hume assures with eagerness

Coradel gives him a surprised look.

Minerva looks at him, too well trained to give him the full 'are you an idiot?' look, but clearly she finds Hume's comment nonsensical

Then she smoothly adds, "Quite so. We are all in the houses that we are meant for."

"If you say so, Baroness, but I must say if I prove to be a Gwydion I shall feel something is very off" She shrugs

A brief, amused glance to August.

"Yes." August agrees.