#earthrunes

"We'll only see her if she wishes to be seen." he warns her cautiously.

"Ah," she whispers back, "but she has already expressed an interest. I suspect she might wish to be found."

August pushes the library door open and holds if for Coradel.

She gracefully steps through and looks around. She doesn't really expect to see Zara right away, but she might catch a lucky glimpse.

"Perhaps if I do this...." She meanders over to a shelf and rearranges the Narnia books in chronological order, rather than the proper publication order.

"Coradel....!" urgently.

"Oh, she knows I know better," Coradel assures him calmly. "But I'll be impressed if she can resist the need to fix it."

"I'll be impressed if -I- can...." muttered.

"Oh, August." She moves to him and gives him a consoling kiss.

HIs return kiss is decorious.

Hers teases a little bit further than he's likely to go, but then she relents and moves back, smoothing out his collar.

He ducks his head and clears his throat.

"I suppose we could leave a note, if it comes to that."

She looks about the library. "I suppose. There's little chance she's truly here at the moment. Perhaps she and Earl are gallavanting."

Considering some of the book spines. "August, if we do find the journal, wouldn't it be a glorious task to copy and illuminate it?"

"It would be." he agrees.

She smiles. "I can think of no one better for such a task."

"I can." with a rueful chuckle "There are many of my House who are more skilled, more experienced, and more senior."

"Dilletantes, all of them!" she declares.

August just shakes his head, bemused.

She gives him a smile and a wink. "I can have opinions."

"Most assuredly." he agrees.

"How was your trip?"

"Largely uneventful, marginally tedious. How did you spend your time while I was away?"

A warm smile, "I hope our friends helped to keep you entertained."

A light blush. "Leonora was kind enough to spend some time with me."

"I'm glad," she says warmly. "I'll have to make a point of thanking her for that." A mischievous look.

His blush deepens a bit.

"Well, do leave that note for our dear librarian." She moves back to the bookshelf and -- mercifully -- puts the Narnia books back in their appropriate order.

He nods and does so, scrap paper and pen always handy here. "Dear Zara," as he writes in a beautiful hand "Coradel and I stopped by to see you and chat. Please find us at your earliest convenience. Your Servant, August."

When they each finish their tasks, she takes his arm and kisses his cheek.

"Where would you like to go now? Can you stay a bit?"

She presses against his side. "What did you have in mind?"

"I've just gotten a copy of 'Call us what we carry' by Amanda Gorman; I thought I could read aloud to you?"

"Oh! Yes, that sounds wonderful. Lead the way, my love."

He tucks her hand into his crooked elbow and heads for the door to hold it for her.

She enjoys his gallantry, kissing his cheek as she passes through the door with him.

Off they go to a secluded nook after he retrieves his book from his study.

Tea is requested and served, and then they have the little quite spot to themselves. She settles in and listens.

(Pause/fade)