#earthrunes

"Que sera, Sera." August salutes Bachdion with his teacup.

the salute is returned

He sips.

Jack shakes his head "Samhain coming soon. Either of you up for it?""

August sits back, withdrawing a little. "It is not... my favorite holiday, no."

"If you need a place to hide now and then, I can hide you in the supply room. I'm not teasing either. If you feel too stressed that night, feel free to pop in for ten minute breaks or what not" Jack offers

"No." He says with certainty "Thank you but... I will be present."

"Okay" he nods

"Are you feeling well now, Sir?"

"Much better" Bachdion smiles "Sobered up"

"Good to hear... ah, do you feel up to providing details on the Namer?"

"RIght right. you might want that. He's a Dougal, older than I am, surly on the outside, I mentioned his love of gambling and contests of drink and so on..."

"Are you sure he is Dougal?"

"Would it help if I told you his craft is mostly gambling games? Slot machines, roulteettte wheels and more"

"All honest non rigged"

" I didn't think gambling games work that way." August says " isn't the point that they make money for the owner by being... Well, slightly... In The house's favor?"

"It is is... " A nod "But he doesn't tell the casinos about that until they've bought a dozen of his products"

August tilts his head "You mean he's... he's not trying to cheat the casinos as much as make them play... fair?"

"He uses it to muse... " A smile "With caution, don't want mortals addicted to it"

"No, of course not." August says "Addiction is a serious illness. It can stimulate the brain’s reward system much like drugs or alcohol. In fact, gambling addiction is the most common impulse control disorder worldwide.It's a serious illness....

"Sadly true." A nod

"now, I'm sober...enough, I think I'll be getting myself a long soak"

"Ah. Of course." He sets his teacup down and stands.

"Besides, I think I saw a slaugh peeking in the door for a moment, not one of our regulars. WOnder if shes' a friend of Lily's?"

August carefully does NOT look. "Perhaps. Or Zara's."

"perhaps.. " A nod

"Thank you for your efforts, Sir. I will tell Coradel."

"Wonderful and thanks for buying me coffee" He walks off

"My honor to."

August takes the coffee mug and tea cup back to the bar and Jack.

Jack looks August over "YOu two respect the hell out of each other"
Not a chastismen

"I certainly respect Sir Bachdion greatly, yes."

"It's mutual.. I can tell" Jack says

"Well, thank you, Jack."

"Any time. Seen Vince around?"

"No recently, no." with... regret?

"Guy's been on a walk about or something near as I can tell" A frown "I tease Goldilocks, but truth is he's been great at the bar"

"Is he... do you know if he's well?" with some genuine concern.

"No, I don't. Doesn't mean he's NOT well, just haven't see him in awhile TO Know"

August frowns, familiar worry-lines appearing. "I see."

"Sorry to drop that on you, it coudl be nothing"

"No, no... I appreciate the word. Thank you."

A nod, and he goes back to cleaning the bar

And August heads back towards his study.