#earthrunes

"Of course not."

"Don't change? August..we've been friends that i know when you're withdrawwing."

"My apologies. I meant that if you wish to change, I should not change your intention."

"Uh huh... sorry, feeling my Fiona nerves fray a bit. And I should have known better so it's on me."

"It is a difficult time."

He looks up from his deskwork and smiles. "Until we meet again, Leonora."

"I'll be wearing my usual hair color and maybe something a bit more modern" She assures "But not in great material amounts" A weak smile back, and she heads out

He returns to his studies.

It's less than a minute later that there's a knock on the study door. "August?" Coradel inquires.

"Come."

She enters and closes the door behind her. If August is looking towards her, he'll see that she's wearing a bemused expression. "There seems to be some sort of competition I hadn't heard about."

"Perhaps, yes." He is NOT bemused.

She notes the tone. "You're upset."

Approaching, she reaches out to touch his shoulder lightly.

He does not disseminate. "I will not be drawn into...that."

She shifts and settles on the floor next to his chair, her legs folded gracefully to one side. "It offends you."

"Yes." Evenly.

She nods, understanding and sympathetic. "Do you think Zara knows?"

He looks to her. "It does not matter."

She looks back. She wants him to explain more.

"This.... is offensive to me, Coradel. And I wish nothing more to do with it.

She nods understanding. "Somebody has overstepped. I'll speak to them."

"As you wish."

A tender smile, and she reaches up to touch his cheek with gentle fingertips.

Then she rises and leans to give a light kiss on his temple. "I'll be back later."

"May I come with you?"

"Will you? I didn't want to suggest putting you in the midst of it again."

"I will wait for you." he sides with restraint.