#earthrunes

"Do you have a reservation ?" The hostess asks

They do!

"Yes," and she gives the information.

"We have guests joining us. The Castle party."

The hostess smiles and calls a waitress over "Show them to Table 3 please? The Roulette room?"

The Waitress is a pooka!

"Oh!" Coradel beams at the pooka as they leave the hostess's station. "Hello, there."

"hi... my name is Annie .. please follow me" She looks pleased "Clearly you two are high rollers. " Her name tag says Mary.

August nods in recognition.

"Well, gambling isn't my go-to, but it's fun now and then. Do you like working here? You find it glamourous?"

"Simply enchanting darling.." Annie/Mary leads them to a table, her little bunny tail moving in the cigarete girl style outfit (Sans Cigaretttes)

The roulette room has a roulette table but it's nott an active gamblingg thing, more decor

There is a juke box that has Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and other crooner songs

"Your table" She leads you to a nice corner near a fire exit but otherwise private "You can have it put in a to go bag later"

"Thank you." August moves to seat Coradel.

A laugh. "That would be a pretty big bag." And she smiles at August as he gets her chair.

"Now I have here a table for five...so I assume one of you has the others in your purse but while you wait for them to grow, can get you a drink Or two? Just to be daring?"

"May I have an iced tea, please?"

Coradel orders a cocktail of some classy variety.

"One ice berg hitting a Brit ship" She writes "And one Hooch with culture, got it . Be a tick " And off she goes bunnny tail wigggling just a bit

"She's fun," Coradel says appreciatively as their server walks off. Then she looks at August. "You're nervous?"

"I wouldn't have thought to find one of our own here..." he looks at Coradel "Ah. Apprehensive."

"I think it's a good sign. It means the place isn't too banal." She looks around. "Interesting...that Weatherly would choose a place with fae on the staff."

DUN DUN DUN

Coradel blinks. "Did you hear that?"

As if SUMMONED by his name, Weatherly appears in view, with him a tired looking woman that must be Monica (Not Catherine, Monica) and his father. Who looks a little like what Mortal August might look like but much older and with a bald spot

August blinks too, but then the Castles are there. He stands.

Coradel remains seated, as is expected. "Hello!" she smiles at them. "Weatherly, lovely to see you. And you're his parents! I'm Catherine, and this is my husband August." She reaches a hand to Monica. "I'm so glad you could make it tonight. Come and sit."

August offers his hand to Weatherly, and then Mr. Castle... while still keeping half an eye on Coradel and Monica.

"Nice to meet you" Mister Castle says shaking August's hand when i's his turn

Coradel and Monnica start to shake hands when Monica seems to come alive, more attentive "Do I knnow you?"

Coradel's eyes widen. She smiles and says, "I don't think we've met, but your son pointed out that we have very similar looks."

A glance to August.

"Did you know Rachel? I swear I've seen you somewhere..."

"Well, I..." Coradel gestures, and she knocks over her cocktail, spilling some on her dress. "Oh! Oh, no...." She gets up from the table, brushing at it.

He gives a very slight nod; he's seen it too. He finishes introducing himself to the gentlemen.... then moves to get a napkin to blot the spill.

"Oh, and this is a new dress, too..." she fusses with disappointment. "Will you excuse me?" she says to the men, and then, "Monica, would you mind coming with me?"

Not an unusual request at all...women travel in herds to the ladies room as part of custom.

August nods. "I'll save your seats." with an attempt at a smile. It probably works on everyone but Coradel.

"Oh certainly, Catherinne" the older woman ggoes along

Coradel gives him a wink, and then takes Monica by the arm as the go to to the ladies room.

"Your young lady alright? " Mister Castle asks Auggust "She seems a bit upset. "

(Ladies room) "Monica, be a dear and hand me some of those towels? I'm hoping a little cold water will take it out...."

"It's, ah, a new dress." he explains "I'm sure we can sit while we wait, and if you'd like to place a drink order....."

"Think I will" Weatherly jumps in "Feeling parched. And we can get an iced tea for mom" he looks to his dad. The men exchannne a look and nod. No booze for Monica

(LR) "Of course, it's a lovely dress. seltzer water is something I swear by but I don't have any" She reaches to get the towels

The gentlemen are seated.

(LR) "I could ask a waitress, I suppose. Oh, would you mind holding my purse?" It's a lovely sequined clutch bag, and it sparkles brightly as Coradel offers it over. "I don't want to put it down on this counter...."

They are! And drinks come inn

(LR) "I don't mind at all" She takes it