#earthrunes

"I want to ensure that your own dreams are being met."

"Well,thou knowest my field of study, Lord" Velvet says

"I'm proud to have signed up with House Liam" Tylar nods

"Do you aspire to knighthood?"

"I.. I " He ponders that "I do not know, my lord. I am...intimidated by the notion" he confesses

Velvet ponders this " I have no house, my lord. Houseless knights are few and I am not sure which I would join"

"As you both know, I never aspired to rank either." he says gently "And there is nothing I am aware of that says you must."

Tylar ponders "It's just, well, my lord, as Squire I am useful, even in demand. There are few squires here, save Nelson and Velvet. But if I among the knightly peerage? HOw would I ever compare to such as Dame Temerity? Or Dame Claire? Or Lady Leonora?"

Velvet looks at the boggan surprised at his concern

"They are mighty warriors, each. I do not believe that combat is a requirement, however."

"You muse very well, and have keen eyes and wits, Tylar" Velvet tells him "Such is needful in a knight on the look out for trouble that might plague dreamers in particualr. House Liam is not a warrior house, they actually use their heads"

Tylar blushes "I suppose I do tend to think of the war skills"

August nods agreement. "You may be better at them than I." a rueful chuckle "It would be hard to be worse. Knights can be scholars, healers, leaders in other ways."

"That said, is rank something you seek?"

Tyalr takes a breath then admits "one day , yes, lord"

August smiles. "There's nothing wrong with that, Tylar. I'd be honored to have you as a brother-knight, and Liam would be fortunate. "

"When I'm worthy" A nod "I don't think I am yet"

"Velvet, what about you?"

"My ambitions are more related to study of the condition of death and dying, my lord, less on noblity. While being a knight would allwo me more access to sidhe who would die, it's not a priorority"

He nods his understanding. "Tylar, we might modify your duties in light of your interest. Would that suit you?"

"If it pleases you, lord? I think you should have at least one squire, but SQuire Velvet certainly works hard enough for two anyway"

"We'll see. Velvet is certainly more than capable and I hope I'm not too much of a burden." not without humor.

"I am sluagh, Baron" SHe says blankly "We persevere"

"True."

"I'd had in mind that perhaps you were ready to consider undertaking a quest. Together, or separately. No need to decide now but something to think about?"

"Is there a need for something in particular?" The boggan raises a brow

"I'm not the best one to answer that, I think. If it is something you're interested in doing, you should decide the goals."

"Both of us? But who wwill care for thee, lord? " Velvet frowns

"I'll make do." he assures them "It will be good for me."

"Well, the baroness is there for you" Velvet looks to Tylar "Do you think he's ready?"

Tylar ponders this for what seems a long pause then nods "He's been training hard and like you said, the Baroness will be there. She might even enjoy fussing over him a little."

"Yes, he'd be mortified if she started to fectch things for her" Velvet ponders "Which is why she might try to do it"

it's hard to tell if they're joking or not

"You -do- know I tended to myself for years, don't you?"

"one hears rumors" Velvet concedes

"Gossip " Tylar shrugs

"I will manage."

"mayhaps we fear you may learn you do not truly need us at all, Baron" Velvet admits

"Like she said" he nods

"More likely I will learn that I -do-, in fact, need you." he assures them gently "You deserve the chance to quest if you wish it."

They smile and then with his help, go over some options to consider for a good quest

(Fade to plotting)