#earthrunes

Vince heads off, perhaps to floss bits of rubber out of his teeth.

August leans against the car for a moment, then bows his head and takes a deep breath.

And he finds Delores "Baron? Are you okay?"

"Mm?" He straightens "Yes, Steward, thank you. I hope you are well?"

Said with genuine concern.

"Mortified, terrified, and infuriated," She confesses, "I thought I was strong willed, yet here I was zapped to pant after the trueheart of my liege and friend." a blush "I am sorry, Baron. She meant it as a distraction but still"

"I quite understand, Steward." gently.

"I don't know how I'm going to face Coradel afer this"

"I would imagine with an honest gaze and a firm chin. I do not believe she will think any the less of you."

"I hope not. When I spotted her ad rollo, I knew something was wrong. the vibee off her was that of smug contempt for Rollo. that is NOt our Coradel"

A gentle smile "It is not." he agrees.

"Of course, I gathered Honoria and Leonora and nancy to help alertt folks and she wwhammied us. I hope thatt horrible Leanhaun is her cell again"

"Ahhh.... she is secure."

"Wonderful, good work"

"Oh, not I." he demurs "Rollo and Vince were the heroes, there."

"Mmm?"

"I wouldn't be surprised if your humble nature didn't downplay your part, Baron"

"It was a team effort."

"That, I certainly believe"

"I'm glad you're feeling better. Ah. If you'll excuse me, I feel I should seek Coradel and inform her of recent events."

"Of course, Baron" She bows and moves off

And August will go in search of Coradel.

He seeks her here, he seeks her there...

he seeks her most everywhere...

alas, she's not in the hold.

He checks.... ah, of course. A weekend shift at the school stables. He leaves her a message, a simple code that indicates he has new but there's no emergency.

And then, feeling an obligation, he goes to the animal master of EarthRunes, Sir Sergi.

Sir Sergei is in the kennels, so to is Benny, who likes to help with the dogs

"Hello Benny." August greets him, and nods to Sergei. "Sir."

August is kinds to animals, and rides well, but is not as focused on them as some others.

"Baron" Ser Sergei says checking a dog's ears, he rises to bow "How may I serve you?"

"Hello, Baron!" Benny beams

"Did, ah, did Thane Rollo come by with a, ah, rat for safe keeping?"

"Yes. Baron. Shall i show you where she is?" He says

"Please."

He leads August to a back area. There is a rat cae with odd runes about it "I asked our namer for warding help"

"Ah, yes, very careful." approvingly. He kneels to look more closely inside the cage; there is some kind of shelter, privacy?

Not much of one, no. a small tranparent dome with straw is within

"Lady, can you understand me?"he asks softly.

Furious chittter

"I will take that as a yes. Is there anything you wish that I can provide, given the state you have brought yourself to?"

the rat. lits her head, looks at her form, then back at him as if to say he's mad if he can't figure out what she would like done.. or rather, undone

"Baroness Coradel is not available at the moment, but I will inform her at the earliest opportunity of your situation and ask what she deems fit." he promises.

Trix is laughing her spinnerets off. Who knew spiders could laugh?

Hurumphh. The rat turns her tail to him

August might not notice the hysterical spider in his hair. Instead, he says "I understand, Lady. If there is nothing I can give you for now, I will leave you in peace."

ears flat, back to him

He rises, and turns away. "Sir Sergei, please treat this creature with all the mercy you can find. Consider her protected by my seal, personally."

He bows low "I hear and obey."

"Thank you. Benny...." he turns to his page "All is well? Lessons sinking in?"