#earthrunes

"You mentioned Lord Hume earlier; how has he been coming along?"

"Well...I'm trying to find ways to connect with him in the areas that he cares about. I just wish that I cared more about them."

August takes on a thoughtful frown "Is there... perhaps.... some.... equine connection? Link, that is?" he's reaching.

She frowns. "I don't think so? I do need to take him riding, though. Perhaps that shall be tomorrow."

"Has he... any experience? I only wonder if perhaps he might do best, at first, in a ring rather than on a trail."

"Hmm. Probably. Perhaps...perhaps I will have him start with a different teacher. I intimidate him, still."

"You are a force of nature." August admits.

"As my heir should be, but there it is."

"Perhaps he will grow into a force of something else."

"Well, I hope it becomes something other than a force of hiding away in his suite."

"I think there have been successful barons who were... withdrawn." gently.

"Well...yes. Yes." She still has moments where she struggles with accepting this reality, but fortunately they tend to be shorter lived, now. "Thank you, my love."

"No needs. But, you're welcome."

"Well...if you have reading to do, I think I shall leave you to it and see about that riding instructor for Hume." She reaches up to offer him a kiss.

"I will occupy myself usefully until you are free." he promises.

"Or just enjoy yourself," she grins. Then turning, she heads out of the library.

And August settles in to read. (fade)