#earthrunes

She slips her hand into August's as they walk down the corridor. "I need to figure out how to play this right," she murmurs.

"Do we send a message to their Graces, or do I pester them in person again?"

"I... I do not know, Coradel. I hope no offense was taken at the way we left so abruptly."

"Good point. And I suppose breezing directly back would be taken wrong, as if we had free rein of the Ducal Court."

He is very preoccupied, thoughtful. "I could... check in the library? Perhaps there's some precedent for this sort of thing?"

She considers this. "Perhaps. I would like to share our thoughts with the investigator...but I am not certain even she can be trusted."

"I suppose we haven't many friends in the Court....."

"I hope, perhaps, I have set the groundwork for some. And you have, as well. But we are certainly playing catch-up in that regard."

"I... me?"

"Your fellow scribe?"

"Oh!" a quick smile "Yes, he was most pleasant. Not sure I would say a fast friend, but.... I enjoyed our conversation."

"That is important. Nurture that connection. I think you would, anyway," she adds with a smile.

"I did plan to correspond with him, but......"

"But?"

"I, ah, I'm just not sure how that connection might assist you but.... tell me, and I will do so."

"Oh! No, August, I'm saying that you should nurture that connection for your own sake. For the sake of having another voice in your corner, whether or not it helps me directly." She smiles at him and squeezes his fingers gently.

"Ah."

"Do... do I need a voice in my corner?"

"Don't we all?"

"But I have you. And others here. Ah. Don't I? Or, wait, you mean at the Duchy seat?"

"Yes. Just as you observed before...we have not developed many friendships at Court prior to now. Those are as important for you as they are for me."

"They are." partly agreeing and confirmation, and partly a question.

She tilts her head, not sure where his question lies and inviting him to comment further?

"Ah. I'm not well-versed in these things. To my detriment. I don't want to negatively impact EarthRunes with my ignorance. I will correspond with him, perhaps offer in an invitation if Zara's amenable. I didn't get to meet many others while we were there.... ah."

She shakes her head. "I think it would be a mistake for you to try to play politics. I think it would backfire. I merely suggest you form authentic connections with others who share your interests. Such connections may never provide a political advantage. Build them anyway."

"As you wish."

She smiles and leans to kiss his cheek.

He pauses and gives her a kiss back.

A murmur, "We will sort this out."

"I am at your command."

She gives him a gentle look, then whispers, "As you wish."

The two will continue to walk and confer for some time more.

((Fade?))

((Fade))