#earthrunes

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In the meantime, Coradel has decided that she and August need to return to the duchy at the earliest possible opportunity. Which might mean the day after they returned to EarthRunes.

August is ready to drive them, although understands if Coradel wishes to get there faster.

As long as August is ready, Coradel eagerly seeks out Bachdion to see if he's able to send them back there.

August carries a messenger bag stocked with supplies and examples to share with the Duchy scribe.

Bachdion stands at attention as the Baroness approaches him and bows

Coradel pauses and smiles. "So formal, Teacher Mine?" She reaches a hand to him and gives a kiss on his cheek if he allows.

He does "Ah, apologies, my lady. I'm a bit distracted. '

"Oh? A problem?"

"a father's worry. my son, or at least he could be my son, has a tummy illness. His brother's fine so far"

"Oh, dear. As I understand, though, such things are common for children? And usually pass quickly?"

"Does he require medical care?" August asks gently.

"His mother already took him, he should be fine in a day or two but he's miserable right now. Thank you both. you're kind, but.. .you came to me for something that maybe i can take actual action on? Might be good to distract me from worry"

"Well, if you truly don't mind the distraction, we need to return to the Duchy. It's important we have audience with the Duke and Duchess again as soon as possible."

"Oh? Yes, of course Ive been there. Would you prefer the park that enters into it, something a bit further back, say a half mile? or to try for the interior itself?" An offer

"Not the interior. That might be seen as pushy. The park sounds ideal. And of course, we can provide you whatever dross you need."

"rain check, my friends and lieges" he winks

"Then," another kiss on the cheek, "at your leisure!" She takes August's hand.

August offers Bachdion a smile and a nod.

A smile, and he sings songs "When you come back to St. Louis
And I know that you will someday
I won't be angry with you for leaving
I understand why you couldn't stay"

and they vanish

As Bachdion sings, Coradel shifts into dancing with August, and so they are dancing when they Flicker Flash away...and upon arrival.

August is somewhat startled, but takes Coradel in his arms and.... off they go!

bachDion looks about "Here we are."

"Ah. Well done, Sir."

"Lovely!" Coradel says. "Now...let's go." She turns to move towards the entry, holding August's hand.

They find a thane in the way "Your pardon, my lord, and lady. Court is not currently open. Do you require haven?"

Coradel pauses. "If haven is available, we would welcome it, all three of us," she indicates Bachdion, whom she assumed was following. "However, if others are in greater need, we can surely find nearby accommodation until court resumes. When will that be?"

"Tomorrow at ten in the morning. " he says "But there is room enough for haven if you wish, Baroness. If that's agreeable, follow me"

She nods to August and Bachdion, and all three follow the thane.

August keeps his eyes peeled as they walk. Just in case.

The thane leads them not to the main great hall, but a side passage. They pass several paintings , one of them of Coradel

Coradel pauses. "I had not seen this...." She looks to see who the artist is.

August stops, surprised.

Artist initials are V.A.

"Do you happen to know," she asks the Thane, "who this artist is?" She indicates the initials.

the painting moves as it observed. an incline of a head to the Baroness, then the image looks at August, and her eyes admire, then drop lower below his belt like, and looks even more admiring

A bemused smile as she returns the nod. "How wonderful!"

August slowly pinks.

"Valreria Ackerman I think is her name. " the thane replies "She's done all the portraits here."

"I should like to meet her. Such skill!"

"I never sat for such a portrait, though. She must have a very good eye to capture me so."

"I am not sure she's on the grounds, but as their graces are her current Patron she might be. i'll send word, baroness'

the other potraits shift now and then, glancing about

August looks to see what the subjects of these portraits are.

"Oh, of course, they would be her patrons," she says with good humored envy.

Mostly sidhe, but one sluagh..wait, is that her Countess? yes, and there's the Count. "these are all freeholders in the Duchy" Bachdion observes

"Just so, sir" the thane says

She looks at the collection. "Oh, of the past as well?"

"No I fear not" He says "The ones of the past are retired"