#earthrunes

"I got one!" He calls out to the hallway

August sticks his head out after a moment. "Sir?"

"Oh, ahm I shoudl watch my volume. I'm a bit drunk. " He moves closer and whispers "Found a namer"

"Would you like some coffee?" the near-teetotaller offers "Jack will have some, I'm sure. You found a Namer?"

"Coffee is good, thank you. I'm not too focused right now. A moment ago I started to flirt with this very sexy woman in the art gallery.. only to realize she was a statue on display" A chuckle "ANd yes, I did. He had retired from the business, but I talked to him into it.... mostly be beating him at drunk poker"

August will walk with Bachdion down to Jack's.

And to Jack's they go. Jack looks up "SOmeone already started a party?"

"It seems he has." August agrees. "Coffee? And, ah, tea if you would?"

"Sure, that's why folks come here, to sober up" Jack chuckles

"Don't pick on the baron, I worked hard to help him and he's my investment for when I get old" Bachdion says, even as Jack starts some tea and heats up some coffee

"WHEN you get old?" Jack grins

"-When-" August says firmly.

"You are kind man, August" Bachdion smiles and flumps into a chair "Suffice to say, the namer like gamblilng... and can be competitive"

August sits nearby. "What preparations should be made?"

"Oh, a room set up for him mostly, he's low key,"

August nods. "That should not be an issue. Should I prepare a formal invitation? I suppose we should wait to hear back from the Duchy."

"Oh Coradel can simply approve him, no trouble from the duchy whil;e they're this short staffed" Coffee and tea served, and Bachdion takes a sip

"Thank you." he murmurs at the service, and sips. "I suppose we should check with her, then."

"When you see her" He slowly sobers

August nods. "I will. "

"How are you by the by?" he asks

"Oh, I am well. School is enjoyable."

"You do have a scholar's soul" A nod

"I do." he sips "You are no slouch yourself, Sir."

"Well, The humanities of all stripes have made life richer for me."

August nods. "As they do for all of us, I'm sure. How -have- you been, Sir?"

"Not bad. The boys are growing, I see how they're doing now and then, I am not ignored by the many lovely lads and ladies of the hold. THere are times I feel less needed than I was, which is why it was delightful to be able to help"

"I hope you know, Sir, your presence as part of the court here and... and as a close friend to both Coradel and myself... you are a strengthening, supporting influence. For both of us. You -are- needed."

"Thank you, Baron. You cheer me up. But in a way, my insecurity I'm less useful than I was is a testament to my teaching. THe fact folks I taught a decade ago are now so very good at their pursuits and things they once needed help with is support of the notion I planted some of you seelings on fertile ground.. 'by their fruits you shall know them'?"

A shy smile. "I'm familiar with the saying."

"In more than on language and with greater detail than I" A smile "Suffice to say, you and my other former students have grown most impresively indeed."

"I am glad.... and, ah, proud.... to hear you say it, Sir."

"Ah, strong coffee. " A smile

August smiles and sips.

"Oh, how is Coradel's school going?"

"She is enjoying it." he confirms "Even... especially.... the challenges."

"She never shies from those"

"For which I am grateful."

"She seems very happy with the new horses"

"She is." August assures "I think she found closure in the rescue of the mare and colt. And I think she believes Wish to have great potential."

"Samson maybe put out to stud" A chuckle "Sweet fellow that he is, his offspring will be even tempered"

"I... hadn't thought of that."

"No? "

"Well, no." a blank blink.

"Would it be a bad thing in your view?"

"Ah....." he is trying to assimilate the idea.

"No. No, not necessarily."

"You just seemed to find it.. problematic somehow. Maybe I misread."

"No, just .... I hadn't thought of, ah, anything like that."

"Well, whatever will be will be"