#earthrunes

From inside the house, the kitchen, August sets the table and puts the platter of sandwiches and bowl of salad thereon.

"Well , anyway" Leo is saying "the cotilian was grand but there was this one unpleasant harpy there, and I mean that metaphorically"

"Better the metaphor than the alternative. I...oh! I think August's ready. Come on..." She hops up off the couch and takes Leo's hand, leading her into the kitchen.

Leo follows along

"Hello Leonora." August greets her. There's a cold bottle of chardonay along with glasses at thier places, and iced tea as well.

The kitchen-table seating is very informal but pleasant. Coradel gives August a kiss. "Looks yummy." She might be referring to the sandwiches, or to one or both of the other people in the room.

He gets their chairs.

Leonora gives him a kiss in greeting then takes a seat "Hi yourself"

August pours them each a glass of wine, and offers the salad and dressing around. The platter of sandwiches rests in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves.

"Thanks, August. We were talking about Temerity's situation. Coradel has this great idea about a place that has axe throwing. "

"It makes sense, doesn't it? She gets out, she gets to play, and she gets more visible to others who might be interested."

August nods. "It does make sense yes. Is that the sort of person she's looking for?"

"We were hoping you could tell us"

"I know pooka are difficult, but did she indicate what she wants?"

August thinks, but slowly shakes his head. "I... don't know."

"Hm. Well, as I was saying to you earlier, August, it could be she has romantic notions of a Prince Charming, but that might not be the best long-term fit for her. Or it might. Hard to say, as I don't know her all that well."

"Temerity shows her self as a warrior. If she wants to play princess off hours, well, I'd be surprised, but she can't and wont' stop being a warrior. So no insecure macho 'not my woman' bS, that's for sure. If she wants to be the agressor, and is okay taking lead once she gets started, that's fine too, but whoever should at least admire that warrior side too"

"Nor I. I recognized her as one of the bannerhouse but beyond that... no memories that I can reach." August adds in "It may be that she is seeking someone to fill a.. void. She is a warrior, true; perhaps she is seeking an opposite. I do not know."

Coradel's brows go up, but to her credit, she does not take the easy shot of a 'filling a void' joke. "Well, it's also hard to say what an 'opposite' would be for her. In public, many would say that you and I are opposites, August...but in private, that is not always the case." She gives him a mischievous smile and takes another bite of dinner.

He smiles shyly.

"Purrr.. sorry that slipped out"

Coradel's eyes twinkle. "So, when shall we corner our dear lady and start work, Leonora?"

"Soon I think. If she's trying to marry herself off for POLITICS" A scoff "but not fun or love at all? Then she needs a dose of 'you got this girl' stat"

"I think I agree."

"Tomorrow, then. I think around midday should suit."

"It's a plan" A nod " I can lure her with a sparring match offer. "

"She, ah, she knows I'll be speaking to you about this."

"Oh" mmm Leo looks over "Think that will make this harder or easier?" to Coradel

"Easier, I think. She won't be wondering why we're suddenly taking an interest."

"She welcomed your assistance." he offers.

"That doesn't mean the lure of a sparring match would be unwelcome. I think it would make a fine social lubricant to start the conversation, don't you?"

"Well then, Coradel and I will spar and then hook her in" Leo nods to both

For some reason, August's cheeks pink just a bit.

Coradel gives him an innocent look. Well, as innocent as she's able to manage.

"You know, coradel, in some cultures, sparring was done in the nude. Now our pooka friend would pass, I'm sure, but sometime you and I might try it. Or maybe just you, me, the volleyball and net, and go bare in the air?"

A sly look to the side "August could keep score"

"Oooh...I think I like that idea. August interrupted the last time I tried to play volleyball."

Nope, now he's fully red.

And he drinks his iced tea; oddly, the ice does not melt when he does, but it -could-.

"Did he? Well, he OWES you time as judge while we play then"

"I completely agree." She raises a glass in toast to Leonora.

The toast is returned

August clears his throat and looks up at their guest. "Leonora, would you consider staying the night with us?"

Coradel looks pleased that August took the initiative.

NOW she blushes just a bit, and puts a bit of her hair behind her ear "I would love to"

A warm look from Coradel, and she rests her fingers atop Leonora's. "I'm glad."

"I've missed you guys. Things just get so busy, don't they?"

"They do." August frowns, thinking "Time..... we should rethink how we relate to it."

He looks at Coradel. "I .... have I been misusing my time?"

Leonora looks tempted to protest but then realizes this is Coradel's call