#earthrunes

"Of course" Delores says

Carol nods "Well, jurisdictional boundries..."

"Right.... " and August seems to actually enjoy this... he takes a seat and grabs a book "Have you taken a look at Article III, Section 2, Clause 1?"

"Specifically....." he flips through the work in his hands "Chisholm v. Georgia?"

"I had, but I barely had time to skim..."

There's another knock at the door

"Ok, take a look...." he hops up and gets the door before his aunt can.

He's quick!

His next study buddy, a guy this time, waves a bag "I brought soda if you guys want"

"Hi, Carl, come in." The group has gathered here before. "Carol's here, and this is my Aunt."

Introductions are made

If August has his phone on him, he notices it buzzing that he has a text.

From Coradel. TXT: Leo just told me about Delores. Is everything okay?

August slips out to another room to check, and answer; no need to remind Delores that her own phone has gone missing.

No, I understand. I was thinking she might want to return to my parents' house for some time. But we can talk about that later. ❤️

Go study. 😉

And he returns to the study group.

They're laughing hard, someone else has come in...

"oh dude, your aunt is hilarious. She talked about this time you were kidnapped and had to be rescued by your wife..."

He flushes and rubs the back of his neck. "Ah. Yes."

"And she says you were a knight'

"It's realy good. she should write abook"

"I think she might be working on one... does anyone want something to eat or drink?"

"I brought sodas" the guy repeats

"Oh I'll get the coffee for you my liege" Delores curtseys to him

The others grin again

"Soda's fine, Auntie, thank you."

"Let's have some of that soda, then."

And it's passed around. August has lucked out... his friends assume it's all a joke

He helps serve.

And the disbelief seems to calm Delores

"She's a bit older than she looks. Good genes." he murmurs when she's distracted.

"Really good genes" Another nods

"Ok! Let's get cracking here.... Carol, did you look at Chisholm v. Georgia?"

"While you were gone, and I see what you mean..."

The chatter turns quickly to legalese... and Delores looks lost

August carries the conversation in that direction, then. More lost is better.

Sometimes one person's delightful niche is another person's snooze fest and Delores looks..rather bored

Which is good!

"....Court may proceed ex parte if a state refuses to appear when duly summoned. Look at Rhode Island and Massachusetts" August says.

Delores mmphs and tries to do some housework

"Oh, Auntie, no... please come join us. Have a seat!" he encourages.

"Well yes I .. as you like"

And soon she's bored out of her skull

Mission achieved