#earthrunes

"Good."

"But I would know, aye?"

"Aaahhh...." carefully "You are curious, yes."

"Oh, I shall learn of it." Assurance. She seems excited about the challenge.

"Ah." an understanding of this, and approval "Please remember she is, ah, dear to me. As are you."

"Oh, I am no gossipy boggan."

"No! Certainly not."

"Exactly."

"My apologies."

"Thank you for your help, Zara." he picks up his textbook.

"And for showing more than I sought."

"Always, August!"

"Always, Zara." and he departs.

Zara settles down for tea and reading.

-- scene --