#earthrunes

He takes it and, indeed, looks at the illustrations. "I don't... this is....??"

The illustrationns are amazing, easily as good as anything Sparrow or Earl could do.

August offers a crooked grin "With any other author, the illustrations would surpass the writing but with Lewis....."

Indeed, an attempt to match the vision raher than surprass

Zara nods. "I thought you would like it. Tis not a magic book, but it is special."

"It is enough, in itself; it needs no magic to be special." August agrees softly.

"Earl and I took a rather spontaneous journey to Paris... but it seems you and Velvet kept the library admirably..."

"Ah, that would be Velvet's work, primarily. I'm glad you were able to see Paris."

"You and Coradel should go." A pause, and a little wrinkle.

August studies the wrinkle, trying to translate it.....?

A concern/unhappiness.

"Zara, what's wrong." gently.

"Oh.. oh, naught. But France is not Concordia, aye? But.. but you and Coradel, you should not face risk."

"Yet we do." not without humor.

"Zara, did you face risk in Paris? What happened?"

A beat "Is Earl ok?"

Leonnora seems focused

"Earl is fine!"

On her book that is

"Just.. feh. It is not a kind place to commoners. They would not allow those unbound by fealty to travel freely."

"But you are not common."

August is visibly relieved, but still concerned about Zara. "Ah. Ah." understanding "They are more traditional than you're comfortable with."

Zara nods. "I could not travel freely there. I did not anticipate the need to skulk, when I wish to enjoy tea at a cafe."

He takes her hand. "I'm so sorry, Zara. I wish... that is, if I could... if you and Earl would wish to try again, I would be your, ah, beard. If you like."

Sigh. "I appreciate the sentiment."

He nods and releases her hand.

"I shall travel with care in the future, but you and Coradel should go."

"I... will ask if she likes to go."

"Well, it is beautiful. And beauty is life."

He smiles, the warming smile he has; "Yes, it is."

"Any events here?"

"Ah, well... ah, no? That is, I've been on my rounds. Oh, I met our centaur."

"Ah, yes. Miss Daria. I met her earlier... "

"What did you think?"

"Well, methinks her unseelie. A wild, primal type."

"Not one for books or niceties, but she has wit."

"She has books now." with a soft smile "Coradel gave her some."

"Aye?"

"Yes. Greek mythology and others. I made sure they were recorded." he says conscientiously.

"Thank you."

"Of course."

Leononra checks a book out "See you guys. I found what I wanted" She signs out

"Yes, thank you and.... ah. Good to see you!"

He calls softly to the Dame as she goes.

"Aye, good night Leonora..."

She winkns over her shoulder and gone

August ducks his head and smiles.

"She is planning aught. I know not what."

"Planning? Ah, that's ... bad?"

"No, not bad per se..."