#earthrunes

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August is knocking around the Barony Manor, nose in a book.

Squire Nelson, squire to Earl, follows him stealthy, the Eiluned exercising his sneak skills

Not a challenge like sneaking around Zara, by any standard; Lord August is generally absorbed in his work or reading or both.

Ten minutes later "Baron. Aren't you worried about an ambush?" A youthful voice

The Baron looks up, perhaps startled a bit? "Pardon?"

"Well, I've been trailing you for minutes and it's not even hard. If I were a spy or an assasin you'd be in trouble"

"Why.... why would a spy or assassin want me?"

"You're the head of a bannerhouse. You're the paramour of Baroness COradel. You're a Liam and not everyone likes them. You're a sidhe like me, not everyone likes us. OR maybe it's a cover up double feint where the crime of your murder is blamed on someone else to turn that group and Earth Runeson each other while the third power reaps the advantages as they both weaken each other"

The boy seems almost intrigued by the idea

"I, ah, think that might have been tried already. Although it -is- a very devious thought." he says, keeping the boy's House in mind. "I was distracted. My apologies."

He beams at the compliment "Thank you, Baron. "

"You're welcome."

"What are you reading?" He asks, curious

"The just and legal prescident of Faerie."

"Oh you're studying fae law too? COOL"

"Mortal and Fae law are, or were, reflections of each other."

"Do they both go 'dun dun' " Making the TV sound

"Ah... no. And they rarely arrive at a solution in an hour. But studying one provides insight to the other."

"Oh, boy that sounds like it would get boring" More than an hour? Madness

A small smile. "It's not for everyone."

"No I guess not" He boy says "You want a drink sir?"

"No, thank you Nelson. How is Earl?"

"Sir Earl is on a painting spree, he finally got okay to do gothic romance covers and is doing sappy dark"

"How wonderful for him!
I look forward to seeing them."

"It's mostly kissing, Baron" The boy says in warning

He sighs. "Yes, well...."

"It does have some cool shadows though" He admits

"You enjoy that?"

"Sure, shadows are fun to hide in, or make bunnies with" And he puts his hand in a gesture and makes one

August chuckles. "Have you met the dustbunny tribes?"

"Oh yes. There has been talk of a new chieftain soon, because the fraying does happen you know? Tragic"

August nods gravely. "Miss Zara does her best to protect them."

"Yes, and the maid is very careful too"

"Of course."

"Have you seen your page today?"

"I have, he attended me after breakfast and we plan to meet later."

"Good. He should watch out. Cooties seem to be reviving. Word is every childling should take TWO Shots"

"I will discuss it with him." August says seriously.

"Thank you, Baron. Seems they thrive more in Fiona holds. Not sure why" Confusion

"Ah... well... House Fiona is a House of Warriors and, ah, Lovers."

"Yes, I feel sorry for them too" he nods 'But they're good people"

"They are."

"See you around, Baron. I need to find harder targets to sneak around if I'm gonna improve"

"May I suggest Squire Velvet?" politely.

"Oh yes, she's very hard to get past. Thank you, Baron. Excellent idea. I'll probably end up serving her tea but well, practice means hard work" And the boy bows and slips off

August nods back, and returns to his book.

(End scene)

Earl disturbs August with a soft knock at the door or door frame

August looks up. "Oh, Earl. Pleasure to see you. Please, come in."

Earl enters in "Hi, August. Bad timing ?"