#earthrunes

"That is a most admirable goal, Lord Hume."

"Thanks. " A pause "Do think Selene is right, about me?"

"I can't vouch for your behavior on the internet." August admits honestly "And I'm not sure there's a compliment in any similarity found between us.... but I think -she- spoke the truth she sees."

"I want to make the truth SHE sees the truth others see" he says, looking serious

August eats a few bites, then dabs at his lips and takes a sip of tea.

"Then you might wish to speak with, ah, Selene. To learn more about what she sees."

"You mean.. talk to a girl about how great she thinks i am?" A blink "that..sounds like it could go so wrong?"

"Talk to a -person- to learn about their worldview." he suggests gently.

"You think she has an email? or..skypes?" Hopeful

"I'm sure I couldn't say." with kind regret "I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting her before."

"I've seen her around, but it's lilke... 'whos that pretty girrl, is she new? oh she was the one I saw yesterday'

"Hm. Yes. Her kith have a challenge in that regard."

"It varies I hear... but's ..she's kind of pretty"

"She has an attractive air about her, and a straightforward way of speaking." no judgement.

"YEah, Dougals tend to respect that"

"It sounds as though you might have common ground."

"We might" He admits, with a blush "I mean, I have friends my age. Lots of them. There's Joe in Toronto, Gabe in Tijauna, JB in Knoxville."

"You are well-traveled." with a smile as he eats.

"Well, never BEEN therre... they're online friends"

"Ah." politely "I'm given to understand those are valid friendships."

"Oh sure. I know lots about them. "

"Perhaps one day you will meet, ah, face to face. As they say."

"Well, Yeah." He says

"And meanwhile, this young lady is right here." Tea sip.

"yes. " he looks nervous and takes a sip

"She, ah, -seems-...." he emphasizes "... perhaps willing to speak with you."

"Yeah... "A breath and he steadies himself "I don't get me sometimes." He admits "I'm a sidhe. Arrogace is supposed to come easy"

"I don't think that lack is a bad thing." gently.

"Well, I'm cocky about my computingg skills. Maybe that's where I got it. but.. "He lowers his voice "Girls are kind of scary"

"Agreed." just as quietly.

"But .. you're married" He says "You cann't still be intimidated by your lady, can you?"

"Every moment of every day." he confirms.

"It never ends?" he says startled "They.. kEEP having the ability to make you feel foolish?"

He nods gravely.

"Daily. I have grown accustomed
to it."

"How demoralizing" He observes

"No." with a loving smile; not at Hume, but for a lady who is not present "It is exhilerating. Humbling. Wonderful."

"I am very confused" he admits

August nods. "Sounds about right."

"Somettimes I think the Dreaming wants a show and does't let us pick our parts as much as we hope"

That makes the young Baron laugh softly. "I agree."

A smile back, the meal was amazing "Okay, they really upped their sphaghetti game"

"It -was- very nice, wasn't it?" August is finished, with a last sip of tea.

He wipes his lip with a napkin, "Definitely. I.. want tto thank you, Baron. You make me feel more welcome than I normally do"

"You're very welcome, Lord Hume. I believe you are an asset to the Barony, albeit one we are not familiar with. That doesn't lessen your value and it provides us the opportunity to learn and grow."

A more confident look than usual "You know, between you and Selena? I think I'm starting to believe it" he wipes his mouth again "Forgive me. I need to go to melee practice"

"Of course." August rises as well "I think I'll have to work some of this excellent meal off myself, later."

the younger Baro smiles and leaves

And August pauses, trying to recall what he started the day doing.... oh yes. Studying.

(Perception plus Alertness for August)