#earthrunes

"Ah.... forgive me. It's not my concern, Sir." respectfully.

A brow then "I may have been too long in a Fiona hold. Let me clarify, she is somethingg of a friend, she's very young and I want to make sure no one thinks it's more than that"

"Crystal clear, Sir."

"Sorry, Baron. It's just... you know how Fiona can be ."

"Yes. I do." sincerely. Really, there can be no doubt.

A smile at that

"I would encourage you to speak with Coradel. "

"I will" he nods

"And, keep a sharp eye in the hallways." not without humor, and -with- a nod to the mistletoe.

"Ah, yes," the albino blushes easily

August nods and moves on (avoiding hallway pitfalls and traps).

He sees Selene dusting, looking wistfully at the dangling mistle toe and looking about

August wishes Lord Hume all the best, on that one.....

Lord Hume seems to be staying in his room tapping away

If Lord Truthbranch were a boggan, he might choose differently; but he's August, and he moves on.

Leonorra comes up and gives him a warm hug, no mistle ttoe needed "August. I got you a gift, kind of. Want to see it?"

"Ahhhhhhh......" he pinks just a little "Here?"

She laugghs softly, "Right here, right nnow..." Then a wink and she pulls out a phone and shows him pictures? Annd they are not of her, nnor even slihtly risque

The pictures are are of folks holding up signs that say 'Thanks, August Outreach'

He blinks, and looks closer.... puzzled. "What...?"

They're standing in front of houses...

or sometimes holding graduation caps

"August Outreach, a charity program I set up. This entire month, once a day, folks with student loands, medical debts, or houses about to be seized by the bank got finacial help. I wanted to call it Saint August Charity but realized you might considerr that blasphemous. "

"You... set up a charity? That's admirable but... August Outreach?"

"I... well, thank you, Leonora. Thank you, I'm honored, if nonplussed."

"People think it's the month" SHe assures him "And I have to ask, does nonplused mean you're not sure what to say? or that you're not impressed?"

"Oh, I'm impressed!" he hastens to assure "And honored. Touched, really. Just... no, I don't know what to say."

"Not done yet" She clicks something "Okay. You just got 20 emails I've forwarded to your email addyy. From the folks August Outreach has helped. Letters esenntially, from grateful single moms, small town doctor free of debt for the fist time in his life, some kid who now has medical care for a rare condition. So on. They only know you as August Outreach, but just mentally substitute your name in place of that and enjoy their stories. I know you, you'd love any gift I gave... but knowingg others have hope is your biggest joy, or at least in your top 10. So... this year, you get THIS , a sign you've helped corrupt me o puttting my money to good use"

A snugggle and whisper "THough later, if you want, I'll wear just a santa hat and the christmas stockings for you and Coradel"

"Aaahhh... Ah. Ah." a beat "Thank you. I'm sure. From, ah, both of us."

"You'e welcome. Merry Christmas"

"And, ah, Merry Christmas to you, as well." he gives her a sweet kiss on the cheek.

She smiles happily and departs

And August continues on towards his study.

He makes it without furtherr obstacle

And, although it is winter break, there are still notes to review and studying to do.

He does note that the staff has left out cookies for him, along with tea or hot coco options

A gentle smile at the thoughtfulness and.... well, it is the season. He takes a few, and tea, and settles in to study.

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