#earthrunes

"Apples." a smile "I have roots there." a pause, thinking "Clearlake is........?"

"Near..." He names he locale which the ST has forgotten already

August nods and asks a topically pertinent question.

"Yes, it still works as a fine wood polisher"

"I had only ever thought of it as a floor wax! Thank you, Mr. St.Yves."

"most welcome, the preservation of fine old things is of great interest to my kith," Fondly, "My old mistress always said 'hold onto wooden antiques like a torturer, let it suffer, but don't let it die"" Nostalgia

"Ah. Yes. I am sure there is wisdom there."

"What of you, Baron? your interests? "

A soft laugh, self-deprecating "I... study. As is usual for my House."

"House Liams tend to Blbliophiles"

"We do." with a matter of fact nod.

"Annd I am told this place has an amazing library?"

"If you are sufficiently fortified, I would be honored to introduce you there."

"Please" he observes, "I am well and truly fortified, lead on"

August stands and leave the tea cart; those that know will come and recover it. The young baron leads his Guest to the Library.

Laurent St. Yves trails him, and servants in the background handle all

The baron of the bannerhouse and spouse of the Ruler.... taps at the library door.

The door opens, and out comes Benny ? "Hello sir. you need your page? Miss Zara's not here right now. She and Earl went out somewhere"

"A pity" Laurent admits "I have heard high praise"