#earthrunes

"Ah, assuming you play one of them?"

"I haven't." He admits "I understand they promote math literacy. And imagination, of course."

"Both of interest to a Dougal" He approves

"I hope you are settling in well?"

"Dice situation aside, fitting in fine. I think I found an apprentice"

"You have?"

"Looking into Minerva," He says "Eiluned girl, no title, sharp mind"

"I'm acquainted with her." August says "She is interested in learning crafting?"

"Oh, more likely Naming" He winks "But she'll have to learn the crafting too"

August nods soberly to himself; it looks like something is weighing on him.

"Now I'm not telling her of the naming part but... oh, now , " the old man asks "What's with that face?

"

"You... are aware of an incident last February? During a Saining rite?"

"Aye," A frown but he nods "Reason I was hired I suspect , at least in part"

"In part." August agrees "I understand and respect the care with which the Art of Naming is held, please don't think I'm prying or asking questions out of school...."

"Hell, boy, ask away. If the co ruler of this hold doesn't have a right to answers who does? Yes yes, I know, the Baroness sees you as Co ruler, you don't: but the point remains you've the right. Ask"

"Ah. Well, understanding you weren't there and have only heard accounts.... would you care to venture a guess at what happened? If... did something go wrong? Aside the obvious, of course?"

"A kinian turned sidhe yet still possesing his own soul? Then sained by one who may, by accounts have rushed the job? Rumors a sluagh was linned up to as well... but found another namer. I should look that boy up, see if he is prospering where poor Adam did not. Any number of things could have been to blame, or nothingg o blame. It is possible the moral mind was mad, not the fae spiit. It is possible a namer botcheed it BADLY annnnd out of proud blamed his sanity. It maybe Da'an has some plan dark or otherwise.. gueses are all I have"

"There were three to be Sained that night. Adam, the slaugh you mentioned, yes, but... I don't remember that Saining... and [the other one this player forgets....]"

"Perhaps it would be wise to check with all of them. Those we can, anyway."

"Then I will." He says "If you like anyway, Baron"

"Thank you, Baron; I think you might be the best person to ask." August exhales, and shakes his head.

He takes it "Mmmph if you say so "

"I... deeply regret the loss Adam's leaving has left. Not only for his own family, but in terms of what we might have learned from his unique situation."

"You can't blame yourself." the old man says "Hell, there maybe NO one to blame."

"I do not blame myself, no." August says quietly "You knew he was present at Minerva's Dream Dance?"

"No, I didn't. Interesting though. Mm was he a sidhe then?"

"He was not."

"Interresting"

He looks thoughtful

"There was an incident with a willworker that resulted in the destruction.... so we thought... of his bonded chimerical companion; that destruction was apparently what triggered his Chrysalis. I have notes on the matter if you'd like."

"I'll take a look. I did hear he swore aggainst ALL mages... even our allies. That's a problem"

"I'm not sure what his intentions were. When I was present, he started to make a blood-oath at the Balefire, but was stopped. I'll have my page, Benny, bring you the notes."

"If you like" A nnod "Understand, odds of me finding anything certain orr helpful is slim?"

"I am not an expert, but it seems worth looking into. Certainly, without looking into it, nothing at all will be found." he points out.

"True. " A nod "But quests must ultimately be settled by the questors"

"Of course."

"But I'll look into it.. and you can be damnned sure if it was Jeomry's mistake, I won't repeat it"

August offers a gentle smile "I appreciate that, my Lord."

"So would I.. I may enjoy drinks and treat things casually, but I want to do right by my people"

"Of course you do, my Lord; I didn't intend to suggest otherwise."

"Ah no nno, I didnn't think you had, but I should thank you perhaps for giving me a reminder of it, whether you meant it."

"No thanks needed, my Lord."

"Too bad. Thanking you anyway."

A grinn

"You're welcome."

"have benny sennd me those notes when you like, eh?"

"I will, my Lord. Thank you for your time."

"hank you for hauling me up from the dice"

"My pleasure." August nods, and makes his way onward.