#earthrunes

As the boy escorts him, August almost doesn't see the man waiting for him. The slaugh is not trying to hide, and he is well dressed, but he is so still it's almost like walking past a statue.

Almost doesn't see him.... but see him, August does. He gives the man a bow, slowing Enri.

A low elegant bow from the grim featured man, his eyes look haunted, and it almost seems as if a cool (but not banal) breeze follows him. "M'lord Baron Augugst Truthbranch, I presume? Have you a moment?"

"You presume correctly, sir, but have the advantage of me." soft and polite.

"My name is Laurent St. Yves," he whispers, "And I am cursed by conscience and driven by pursuit. My professions are varied- but one of them is bounty hunter"

"Will you come and take some tea?" So mannerly for a Sidhe!

"Why my lord, you quite overwhelm me," Laurent confesses, "Yes, I would be honored to sup with one who knows proprerties"

August gives him another polite nod and asks Enri to take a message to the kitchens for a tea cart to be brought to an alcove favored for meetings vs. assignations. And he leads Mr. St. Yves there.

Enri rushes off tot deliver the messages

And Mr. St. Yves follows... it seems wherever he moves, there is some odd atmospheric shift, a chill wind, or the scent of rain.

Not that it bothers August; if anything, he's curious but restrains himself.

A tea cart clatters past the library, drawing the librarian's keen nose, and her ears hear it approach, then, surprisingly, move off towards another directionn

Laurent waits until his host is seated then takes one in the same Alcove while they wait for the tea, "First, lord, thank you for welcoming me when I came without appointment. I fear the times have caused me to grow a bit lax though I hope not boorishly so?"

"Not at all, sir. I trust you did not come from too great a distance?"

"Distance is relative, I am used to travel due to my hobbies "

"But your concern is admirble, would i were more worthy of them"

"Travel and hobbies both widen the mind, and are admirable as well."

The tea cart shows up, the servant bows, and withdraws

Laurent St. Yves notices how well it's served, "I had heard there were slaugh here in trusted positions. I see you have respect for our culture, Baron. " Approving

"I have had the honor of excellent tutors."

"Clearly, And much respect to them," A sip "Alas, I fear I come on less pleasant situations. You are a baron of these lands, yes? Married to the baroness?"

"Baroness Coradel is my wife. I lead the bannerhouse but I do not rule EarthRunes. A common misunderstanding. "

August pours tea, and there are a few cakes for all tastes present.

"Ah, my apologies, Lord. Still, I did think it only polite to ask you if I might pry about the barony. Normally sluagh pry where they will, but this is a matter that has gone dreadfully political"

"Political." August sets his teacup down. "Shall I ask the Baroness to join us?"

His eyes get a distant look, for a moment the wind stirs "It maybe nothing to either of you. Tell me, Baron, how abreast are you of news regarding - Centaurs?"

"I have heard reliable reports then have emerged from the Dreaming as a new kith."

"Yes, as I hear your own hold houses a Rusalka Fledge, quite" A sip "They're still cominng now you know? The Yulestar was a herald and catalyst, but not a cause. More fae souls of these lost types are going to pop out, now and then" A sigh "And like all thinggs new and helpless, there will be those who prey on them. In this case, the centaurs. There is an individual, a sluaggh who has crossed lines. It is gauche to discuss such unpleasantries about kin, and he is in custody now. But to my shame, while I refused to work for him, I did nnot do more to hinder him. Now, I seek out one of his boltholes. I believe it is in this barony. I hoped to pursue it"

The young baron nods gravely. "Mr. St Yves, are you a visitor to EarthRunes? Or do you call it home?"

"A visitor, or else I might know better how to approach from the start," He answers "Besides, there is one who is very rooted here I hear, though never chained. And another in Jefferrson City. And you yourself have a squire ? I've done enough research to know I should be cautious in territory"

"I would like to offer you Hospitality, that you may speak eith the Baroness on this, and an introduction to one of your own."

"It would be wrong of me not to accept, so I do, and with gratitude"

He nods. "When you are sufficiently fortified, I will make the introductions and determine when the Baroness will be available."

A low savoring of the tea

"yes, it will be nice to have haven before fate lashes me forward anew"

August takes up his cup to sip as well.

"Tell me, Baron, would you say the folks of this baron.. what woudl you say they are like? "

A soft smile. "Passionate. Caring. Talented. EarthRunes is deeply blessed."

He nods "thank you. some baronies are more stand offish, which I quite understand, but it makes investigations less welcome"

August chuckles. "Ah, no. We are accustomed to investigations."

Laurent finishes his tea

"May I pour again?" August asks politely.

"Of course, what should we talk of, Baron? I am aware that other kiths are more gregarious than the typical slaugh and I am happy to shift to fit my host's needs ."

"More cake?" August pours. "I would not put you to any effort, Mr. St. Yves. I find silence and contemplation restorative."

"As you are a visitor, what news to you hear?" August casts for a topic.

"Ah, you are famliiar with how my kith share secrets and trade to others? What would you be innterested in knowing? Baron?"

"Ah." this man is not prepared for sluagh games but he covers, or tries to "My apologies, Mr. St. Yves. I did not shift my own awareness to meet my Guest's, an embarrassing faux pas on my part. Among my own, that question is ... small talk. Allows the one that answers to choose, which I meant to allow you to .... Ah."

He sips, then clears his throat. "I could answer you better if you could tell me some of the locations you might have visited recently." apologetically.

"A fair point, I have recently been in Clearlake in Apples, and... Connnecticut"