#earthrunes

His worry-lines are back, but he nods.

A gentle smile. "I'll be fine. You know how this works."

"I do." he agrees without the slightest change to his frown "I also know I am very bad at it."

She considers him a moment, then taps a finger on his books. "August...in those case studies...is there somebody you find completely despicable?"

"People who have committed despicable acts. Engaged in despicable behaviors."

"I mean, a particular somebody?"

He thinks, and leafs through the pages. "There are many such examples. Here.... this person was convicted of running a confidence game, taking the life savings of the elderly."

A nod. "How about...." she trails a fingertip over his wrist. "How about somebody local who did something awful, but got away with it on a loophole?"

He tilts his head. "Are you asking about a Carnivale monarch?"

She nods with a grin. "We've done lovely things with some of our monarchs...but Carnivale can also be to bring somebody to a well-earned retribution, while they think they're being lauded."

He shifts, uncomfortable. "Yes. It can."

"You don't like that, either?"

A hint of frustration.

"It, ah, it doesn't matter. What's important is what -you- want. And... yes. I keep up with the police and court blotters; I can find a selection of those who have made poor choices for you." he says without even a hint of regret or reluctance.

"But it does matter. What you want matters, even if I'm not always going to provide it."

"You are allowing me to pick the monarchs for my own sense of comfort, Coradel. That matters."

She nods. "I think you'll make good recommendations."

"Thank you."

And he gives her fingers a squeeze.

She squeezes back, then nods at his book. "Study." She also goes back to her book.

He smiles at her admonition, and turns back to his book, soon lost in it.

He might get a bit distracted when she starts stroking his calf with her foot.

"Mm?" He looks up quizically.

"Hm-mm." A mild 'oh, nothing' tone. He can certainly continue studying if he likes. She's just enjoying the contact.

He smiles, recognizing the impulse, even a -need-, for contact, and goes back to reading.

One-handed; he takes her hand with the other.

Her hand is warm in his. And together, they get back to their studying.

((End Scene))

**********************************
And sometime later, August goes in search of Leonora.

The practice yard perhaps? An exercise salon? The stables?

Leonora is found practicing her archery

August positions himself so she can see him, but not to interrupt her.

She's perfect, each shot dead on

He smiles, watching.

A flip of of hair, a finger motion and thwack

He will wait until she is done.

And she turns to .. "Hello, August" SHe moves to him for a lean in kiss

He gives her a respectful kiss on the cheek; so different from what she knows he can be in private, but... well, that's August.

"Hello, Leonora. Do you have a few minutes?"

"For you? Several"

"Coradel's set to graduate college this year. I'm not sure if her family have any plans for celebration but I think it should, certainly, -be- celebrated. Could you help me?"

"Could I? Oh hell yes"

"Good. I'm probably not the best person to plan a -party- but I know you can."

"Well, she'll love that you thought of it! Mmm do you think a theme party or?"

"Ah. Graduation themed? Or horses?"

"How about fraternity and sorority ? The fun wild unrealistic take on college she didn't get to enjoy? Toga parties, letter jackets... Animal House esque?"

"YOu know, Fiona PI" A grin

A frown. "She... didn't get to enjoy?"

"AH..." A pause "August, don't do that. Don't turn a causual comment into a negative. I'm saying she hates college, or didn't make friends or have fun.. i'm saying real college is work... and they don't play that up in the movies and other fiction things. They play up the whacky frats or sexy co eds. see the difference?"

He considers a moment, and nods. "Yes. Yes, I can see that. Ok. So... a party that would, ah, poke fun at that?"