#earthrunes

Coradel watches him go, then sighs. "That's a relief, at least. If it were Shalimar, I would hate to have to levy a consequence on him."

August nods gravely. "That leaves the question, then... who?"

"Lady Wynda, it seems. But we must find a way to have her reveal her own guilt."

"I... I wish I could help you in this."

"Well, perhaps you can. I just haven't figured out how, yet."

"I'd be honored to help, in any way I can."

"Would you like something to eat, or drink? Or... I could go and get someone who might help?"

"Walk with me, and we'll talk it through. Oh...we should speak with Hume, see what he knows of Wynda."

"Do you think a letter to the Duke and Duchess might help? Telling them of Wynda's apparent scheme?"

August thinks about it as he draws Coradel to her feet and they set off "Perhaps. As a Gwydion, the Duke would not be able to tell the truth of what Lady Wynda says; that tends to irk Gwydion. It's possible the Duchess may have had a vision regarding the Lady... although that's a big 'if' and even if true it might not be useful."

"It would be awkward to ask Seer Almandine about her, I suppose. And I don't think Lady Minerva has traveled enough in those circles? Equally as awkward."

"Oh! What was the vision that the Duchess saw? How did she describe it?" She frowns, trying to remember.

"Oh, no... apologies. I meant that she -might- have had a vision. As in, it is possible."

"Yes, but I'm wondering if an earlier vision that seemed obvious might have new layers with this new information. But I can't recall."

"I don't know either."

"Oh! August, Dame Bludwen. The investigator. She must be our point of contact on this. If we tell her our suspicions, she may well be able to put remaining pieces together."

"Do you think she would be willing?"

"I think she is an investigator with a task to unravel a mystery, and would welcome any clues that might reveal the truth."

August nods thoughtfully.

"On the whole, the Duchy did seem pleased with Lord Hume's growth here."

"Yes. I'm certain Wynda truly resents it, though."

"She wanted it for herself; felt it was due, because of her House."

"I am deeply grateful to Da'an that she did not get it."

More steps. "Why?"

"It wasn't Hume's place she wanted, August. It was Baron Nemauses' favor she sought. She hoped to be his heir. If she had succeeded, I would have no home at EarthRunes."

He thinks about this as they walk, and nods. "Understandable."

They have reached Hume's door, and Coradel knocks.

"Ah, one moment , please?"

A bemused look. Does that sound as though Hume has...company?

It does!

She gives August a wide, happy smile.

Soounds of shuffling and...

the door opens and Selena comes out, wearing her maid outfit, a light blush "Pardon me, baroness, baron. "A curtsey

August colors a bit right back, and bows.

"Hello, Selena!" Coradel says happily. "I hope our timing wasn't too inconvenient?"

"No, Baroness. We were just..... talking" She seems to mean it and doesn't look TOO mused. Perhaps making out

"Well, I'm sure you'll have a chance to resume the conversation later." A nod to the maid, and then she enters the room.

Lord Hume looks less happy but bows as they come in

"Lord Hume." August murmurs in greeting.