#earthrunes

August fients and attacks.

The Feint almost works, enough that it forces Ivory back this time "Nice"

August steps forward and backward, engaging and disengaging.

To and fro they go back and forth, but with every exchange, it becomes apparent that Ivory is getting an edge over him. That is not to say August is not putting on a good show. His earlier life of abuse forced him to build an endurance for hard work

However, when it comes down to it... he just doesn't have the heart of a warrior, the passion for combat.

No, August's passions include reason, empathy, and study... one of the reasons he'll make an excellent lawyer!

And then finally, the 'fatal' blow smacks against August's helmed head, and another against his heart. THey are weak taps really but that's the point

"Should have lunged at him with teeth bared, my lord" Temerity notes

Breathing hard, August salutes Ivory. "Well done."

"Thank you" Less winded but at least he has a sweat, the pale liam salutes back "You have improved. You don't enjoy fighting, do you?"

"No, but I acknowledge it is a necessary skill."

"that it is" He nods "I imagine you fight harder when something important is on the line. Meaning no disrespect"

A gentle smile. "There are more than one way to fight."

"Our lordship could have your guts for garters in the court of law! " Temerity says proudly

Ivory smiles at that "True. True"

"Perhaps not that, not yet."

"From what your wife and my liege tells me when she's visiting River, you're the most promising graduate ever" Dame Claire says

A shy smile. "She does me too much honor."

"Never enough honor and never enough pepperjack cheese" Temerity says

"I.... wouldn't know about the cheese." he says politely.

"I sympathize... a fiona spouse is wonderful, but if they don't get to boast about their truehearts they implode so we have to induldge them" Dame Claire relates

"I hadn't noticed..." he murmurs politely.

"You're nicer about it than I am" Claire concedes with amusement

"I'm sure you have your own situation worked out to your mutual satisfaction." he says certainly.

"Sure. I let him give inappropriate praise at socially akward times and he puts up with me when I'm 'in a mood'" She replies

"Just so."

"Are Ailil ever NOT in a mood?" Temerity inquires "Asking for a friend"

The Knight Captain narrows her eyes at the pooka

August wisely remains quiet.

"Let's go get something cool to drink, shall we?" Ivory tries to change the subject

"A capital idea." August agrees.

"Ladies, a cool drink?"

"Sounds delightful" Dame Claire admits

"Liquid cheese for all" Temerity agrees

and off they go... to have some cold lemonade

(End Scene)