#earthrunes

He looks up "Baroness, she's warm again, just sleeping"

She considers them a moment, then nods at him. "Good. When she wakes, put this about her neck." She hands him the necklace. "Explain that it's a loan from me. I cannot tell you what it's for," she adds before he asks.

The sound of running bootsteps.

"Okay" He says

"Coradel!!" alarmed, August approaches.

She looks up in the direction of the running steps. "August?" She goes to him.

And takes "Thank you, Baroness"

"What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" he asks breathlessly at the same moment.

His hair is mussed, and he's clearly just belted his sword on.

He scans for some danger.....

A momentary puzzled look, then the hint of a smile that she has to control quickly.

"I was told you were calling for a healer, and ...."

"It's fine now," she assures him, taking his arm. "Hume is here, and Selena will be well...for the moment. Hume, I need you to care for her for twenty-four hours. She should be kept warm and comfortable. Can you do this?"

Hume can be seen, fussing gently.

"He can do this," she says to August, pleased, as she draws him away.

"He.... Hume? Who is -she-?" puzzled and departing.

She leads him down the corridor -- is it a coincidence that they're heading back to their room? "I'll explain everything, my love." She's beaming. "And I'll need your help to figure out next steps..."

And the Baron and Baroness vanish down the corridor, leaving the piskie maid and the young lord ensconces before the balefire on Valentine's Day.

"You're alright?" needing to hear it one more time as his gaze skims over her to assure himself.

In answer, she pauses and gives him a very thorough kiss.

When he can speak again, he mutters "You're alright." and together they absent themselves from view.

(Fade to ❤️)