#earthrunes

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Coradel might be found in many places on any given day. One of those regular places is the stables, and that's where she is now, checking on and grooming the steeds.

After a few inquiries, August finds his way there.

He approaches directly, but with his usual air of calm.

She's brushing Samson's mane when she spots August. "Hello, love! What brings you down here?"

"You." He says simply, watching her a moment. Then he approaches more closely and kisses her cheek.

"Do you have a moment?"

She enjoys being the subject of his gaze, and enjoys the kiss even more. "I would say yes, but I need another minute or two to finish grooming him," she refers to Samson. "You're welcome to stay and we can talk while I do."

"I think that would work." he moves away so she can work "Squire Velvet came to me with a concern."

She switches brushes and starts currying Samson's hide. The big horse snorts quiet enjoyment as she works. "A concern?" she asks. "What kind of concern?"

"She feels that Zara may have fallen victim to ennui, and suggested that you and I might ... ah, invite her on an adventure. Suitable to ... put some life back into her."

"Miss Zara?" That clearly comes as a surprise. "There's not something wrong between her and Sir Earl, I hope?"

"I admit I have not heard of such a rift but... I also have not pried."

"Fair. But if Squire Velvet thought that were the case, she'd have told you, I suppose. Well. An adventure, hm?" She switches to a different brush to finish up. "Was a specific adventure suggested?"

"No."

"I wondered if you were willing, and had time in your schedule. If so, then I might approach Zara and see how she is."

"For you, and for Miss Zara? My love, I will always make the time," she promises.

A gentle smile. "I didn't want to assume; thank you."

Samson snorts at August's silliness.

"You tell him," Coradel agrees with Samson. She puts the grooming tools aside and pats Samson's shoulder before stepping out of the stall. "All done."

"We'll have to choose the adventure carefully, if it's to tempt Miss Zara to undertake it."

"I had thought to invite her ideas; ours are probably.... fundamentally different."

"Most likely. Well, perhaps she knows of some great task that needs to be undertaken."

A faintly sad smile. "There was talk of a book of King Liam's.... a year or two ago. We spoke of seeking it out but... well, we are both busy in our own ways."

"Oh, dear. Yes. The end of school, of course, frees both of us up a good deal. Well...we should pursue this book!"

"I suppose, if Zara agrees, I could ask the House about it."

"Remind me about what was in the book?"

"It was -rumored-..." he stresses "... to be his personal, ah, accounts. A diary of sorts or a type of autobiography."

"Ah, yes. I recall, now." She considers. "That might reveal a great deal that some would wish hidden."

"Hence it being a quest." he points our reasonably.

"Hence it being a quest that might encounter significant opposition."

Judging by her expression, this is far from being a deal-breaker.

"It is something we should be prepared for." he agrees gravely.'

"So!" she says brightly, "when shall we speak to the librarian in question?"

"If you like, I can seek her out but.... no one finds Zara unless she wants to be found."

"Excellent point." A few steps later, "What about Earl? Are we intending for him to be part of this expedition?"

"Assuming all is well with them." quietly.

Surprise, then a thoughtful frown. "Oh, dear. When I asked earlier, I sort of assumed that wasn't the case. I don't like the possibility."

"Again, I cannot say; I haven't heard anything but the... tone... I got for Velvet suggested the suspicion."

"Oh. Velvet would likely be in the know."

"Or...she might be misreading it."

"Oh! Perhaps I should have Delores see what she can determine."

"My inclination is to speak with Zara to gauge her interest in an adventure, and if she is, who she'd like to involve."

A soft smile. "In other words, don't involved the boggans until absolutely necessary."

"I can't imagine she would welcome it." sheepishly.

"Of course, you're right."

August gives her a shy smile.

The smile she fell in love with. She responds by pausing them both in the corridor and giving him a kiss.

He gives it right back to her.

It's a perfect arrangement.