#earthrunes

"Actually that's good, thank you" he jots down some notes "I can't imagine women WANT a book where a woman is so helpless she just folds up while the man she loves faces things alone"

"Well, some might. That romantic story is an old one...but it's really not entirely fair to either half."

"mm I'll call the author if I have to" He promises "ANd I'll draw these up anyway with your suggestions. Thank you"

"They are all excellent drawings, Earl, please don't imagine otherwise. I simply cannot abide weakness in women who do not need to be weak." A smile.

"I think you and Clem would agree. She used to yell at movies where a woman huddled in a corner while the two guys fought... 'Pick the one you like and brain the other one with something handy' she would yell. Got told to shhhush"

"Oh, I do like her."

"you might like her less if you were trying to watch the movie near her" Earl smirks

August sits up quietly.

"I should leave you two be while I get to work" Earl says "August, thanks for the help"

"Well, perhaps we should do that sometime. A movie night. We used to do those often with Derynwydd and Magnus. So, August and myself, you and Zara, and Clem and... her paramour? Who is she with right now?"

Coradel drifts back to August and smoothly takes a seat in his lap.

"Buck, a Centaur ,and don't think the family isn't reeling a bit. " He smiles, "Later you two" And he slips away to let the couple be a couple

A blink. "A centaur," she repeats after Earl leaves. "I have to wonder about the mechanics, there...." she muses.

August manages to see it coming and settles, accepting her into his lap.

"I -don't-." he counters firmly.

"Oh, I suspect you do, or would if you didn't firmly will yourself not to."

"I don't have to wonder, I don't -want- to wonder." he repeats.

"No, you don't have to," she assures him, and punctuates it with a kiss.

He accepts it, and smiles. "Hello."

"Hello," she murmurs back. "Are you happy with your gourmet meal?"

"I'm... relieved to know what it was in regards to. And it was tasty."

"Oh, she didn't tell you first?"

"No."

A bit of laughter. "That must have been confusing."

"It was, and terrifying."

"Oh, my love," she comforts him.

"I feel stupid about it now. Nevermind. It's over."

"Until next year," she points out.

"I think it's an admirable program. I hope it becomes a regular thing, with judges who can actually add validity and honor to the awards."

"You made them proud. That is all the validity necessary for such a contest."

"I'm sure the contest will be better organized next time."

"Better organized?"

"Less last-minute decisions."

"August...I think you are taking this far too seriously. The point, I believe, is to encourage the childlings. Any praise would have been acceptable."

"Then it needn't come from me."

"No. But they loved that it did come from the Baron of Books. They gave you a new name!"

"Come..." She stands and pulls him out of the chair. "Walk with me? The day is cooling, and the garden is still pleasant...and we must plan our visit to the Lake," she adds with a twinkle in her eye.

That does make him smile; he rises and takes her hand, walking with her and talking of... plans.

((End Scene))