#earthrunes

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"It's wonderful," A little childling's voice can be heard

In the garden

And from higher up, "Sure is," A familiar voice, "Told you'd love it"

August might over hear this

He goes indeed, as he crosses from a post-Samhain visit with Wish.

Wish is doing fine.. and was happy to see him.

But there on the top of the obstacle course, instead of the usual pooka, stands Lady Captain Siv Waveborne.

He glances across at the familiar voice's words....

A lifts a hand in greeting.

And below, a childling sidhe in Liam garb!

With naturally curley hair

He pauses, and observes for a moment.

"Baron, top of the day to you" Siv bows from her perch, "Squire, this is Baron August Truthbranch, head of Banner House Truthbranch, and , of course, a Liam."

August offers a short bow. "Well met, House sister."

"I know who he is," The little girl gushes and curtsies, "He restored the lost bannerhouse, his musing techniques are thought of highly, and his scribe work is brilliant. He's fought against the Balor and helped put down Paler. And he's right here, and I'm babbling, and he's talking to me..." Her eyes have gotten huge

Siv laughs, "Aye, you are a bit. Under it all he's at least part human. Poke him and find out."

"One does not poke the had of a bannerhouse, my liege" SHe is aghast, though looks tempted to poke him with a finger

"I, ah, I had help with all those. In fact, I was only marginally involved with the struggle against Paler."

August demures.

"I am, indeed, all too human."

"And that's why he's also earned the nickname 'the Humble" " Siv flips to a rope then twirls down ground level

"Humility is a strength among my house," the squire says then coughs "And you haven't introduced ME, Lady Captain? My name"

"I.... have?"

"Oh right, Squire Kassedy is her name" SIv says, then turns to August "I hope so. I've been using it when I talk about you"

"Ah." nonplussed, then he rallies "A pleasure, Squire Kassedy."

"An honor, Baron. My knight brought me here as it's Liam friendly and with all sorts of Liam lore . Though Sir Frank has some good stuff too. You've hard of Sir Frank? He's a troll"

August nods. "We have met, in fact, yes. A valued member of our House, with revolutionary perspectives on a number of topics."

"He does?" SHe blinked "But he barely SAYS anything"

Siv raises a brow too "I need more of his books more often"

The young Baron nods gravely. "He does."

Kassedy looks over at Siv, "Sir Frankyn and Count Jude did in House publish their letters debating the difference between Da'an's influence on kithain versus mortal, and if that meant mortals had more free will than we or at least a freer destiny and the ramifications of it in the long game. Most of it was over my head."

"My father debated Count Jude, in letters, and then they shared the debate with others in a book?" Siv blinks

"For House Records and other scholars," Kassedy nods, then looks to August "So we can all put our minds to the same questions and learn from each other, right, Baron?"

"It is a fascinating read." he agrees "Absolutely correct, Squire. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Sometimes literally."

Still being a childling, she laughs at that, then covers her mouth before confessing, "Sometimes it's fun when they let you. You can see forever" But she's pleased the baron says she's absolutely correct. "But yes. " She seems delighted, "Sometimes when I talk like that among other non liam squires they pretend to fall asleep or tease me about it. Not any more, not at Rivervale, but you know"

"Yeah, THOSE Squires won't be bothering you anymore" Siv mms

"It's okay, Lady Captain, I'm learning to defend myself better thanks to you" The squire assures

Siv looks at August "When it was discovered she was a Liam, got got picked on by some of the other squires. '

"

"It can benefit a Liam to learn many forms of defense." Augut offers. "That experience is not uncommon."

"You went through it too?" The squire asks surprised

"Yes." he admits.

"But you're a hero" She ponders

"No one knew that then" Siv says "And, much as it pains me Fiona soul to say, fighting isnt' all there is to being a hero"

"Oh, no. Far from it." August protests.

(as to his being a hero)

"Well you're a hero now, Baron," THe squire says firmly, "Isn't he, Lady Captain?"

"I'd say so," Siv agrees, "And the Baroness would probably decree it so. However, Earth Runes has many heroic sorts. "

"That is very true."