#earthrunes

"It was a bit of a rush, dad annd you barely spoke to him" Weatherly reminds

They are all seated and August answers 'Catherine' "Ah, law, actually." a small smile to Weatherly "But perhaps, a change of subject." he suggests.

"Oh yes please, " Monica seems in better spirits "Weatherly loves it but I cann't keep up"

"Mr. Weatherly, may I inquire as to your line of business?" August asks politely.

At that the older man says "Indpendent department store manager.... mostly clothing, some school supplies"

"I know what you mean," 'Catherine' says to Monica. "August can rattle off this or that, and I'll grasp it for a bit, but it vanishes later." An easy smile.

"Oh, really?" she says to Mr. Castle. "I know so many businesses struggled during the past year...but you got through?"

At that his face falls a bit "I've beenn forced to supplement some income with a second job"

"There's no shame in it, honey" Mrs. Castle assures her husbannnd

"There is great honor in it." August says softly.

"Well, if you pardon me, I'd forgo the honors for a bit more stabilitty in these times" He mmms "But thank you"

"I have every hope that you situation improves soon," she says.

August nods seriously. "The social contract established in generations past have changed. That has effected not only economics, education, the job market, and more; it has impacted people emotionally. The feeling of betrayal from the system you've supported. We must do better."

"Those we call leaders must serve."

She blinks at August's strident proclamation, then nods. "It's not a popular concept among many leaders, sadly, but it's only right. You take care of your people; you don't leave them to suffer." (Using "you" in a general tone.)

"Alas, true nobility is a lost thing my .. I mean, August" the enchanted mortal says. Auggust can see the mark on her hand

"Perhaps not completely lost. Only.... sleeping." a shy smile.

Coradel hides her smile in a sip of the drink that August ordered to replace her spilled one.

"Weird way to word it, mom" Weatherrly says

"Oh, I don't think so," Coradel says to Weatherly. "Nobility isn't always about rank. It's about behavior."

"Yes." August agrees.

"I knnow I sound older than I look" Mister Castle says "But there was a time a manager, an employer, remembered his employees werre people, not cogs in a machine, but members of his community each with their own story . I tried .. try to do that, but it seems the world doesn't reward it much anymore. You want to win, you have to be ruthless and treat the village like a factory. Givenn tha choice, I'd just as soon forgo the victories if I could. "

"As would I."

Coradel smiles. "Maybe the rewards aren't monetary. And there are many possible definitions of 'winning.' I think the notion of bigger-is-better may be appropriate for some venues..." a saucy wink "...but not in business. It always seems to collapse."

She looks to August, some sort of married brain communication.

Weattherly nearly spills his drink at that wink then recovers. Manners dude, she's married

August frowns slightly.

Then, on a different tact "Of course.... we must remember that we sit in a fine dining establishment, with careers and education and opportunities not everyone has."

Coradel gives a little playful pout at whatever she read in that frown, and picks up with, "True, true."

"True... I'll get the check" Mr Castle assures "I can do that and it's an honor and blessinng to be able too"

"Here we go" Weatherly says as his father tries to pay for it all

"Oh, now, please...we invited, I'm going to have to insist we cover the meal...though if you'd like to do dessert and the tip, that would be lovely."

"Now young lady, Pride is at play here..." He starts to fuss

"It is, indeed," she smiles at him, her own pride at play.

"Honey, we'll cover dessert annd the tip" Monica says putting her hand on her husband and calling in the 'wife vote' which startles him, for Monica rarely uses it thse days. It's a GOOD sign though

So Mr. Castle says "Well, all right. Thank you"

And the meal dies down as they get to desserts.

Perhaps the evening is done. Perhaps it will be... extended

(But for now, fade to dessert)