#earthrunes

"I just know you dislike lying, and lord only knows Gwydion can pop up from the strangest places."

"Your assumption is not misplaced. I would adventure with you anywhere, anytime, as duty allows me. But I would not jeopardize this mission because of my own.... notoriety. "

"You could wel navigate court circles I could not access - save, mayhaps, in the guise of a scribe or assistant?"

Rüzgarla listens

"That is true." he agrees "But if it -is- a Balor challenge, do you think, even now, they would recognize me? See revenge, or disbelieve my story?"

"Toronto is awfully far away...."

August nods. "That may be to our advantage, yes."

"Three very different perspectives can help, too."

"I think the story calls, and if someone doesn't step up, it will have a tragic ending" Rüzgarla shrugs "Some stories do, but given the fact childlings were put in danger... I don't think we can do nothing"

"I agree." quietly.

Rüzgarla says "Then we three go to Toronto, and we stay ready should plan A break apart"

"We'll need to tell Coradel and Earl." August reminds Zara.

She nods. "Earl will always be able to find me." Blithe confidence.

"Coradel will always come to rescue me." August says wryly.

Rüzgarla looks at them both "So THIS is what happens when you're in a Fiona hold"

"Oh, I suspect you and Coradel would get on like hotcakes."

"But aye, it can be a terrible influence."

"mmm" A shrug "She sounds lovely."

"She is." softly.

Tea is renewed, a few more cookies taken in

"mmm" She says noting their looks, and wondering what it might be like to share the road with someone special above all others.

August sips his tea. "Zara, I suspect we should do some reading before we go; learn as much as we can of the history of the place and people. About this Duke. And anything to do with a wild-hunt style carriage."

"I will consult with some kith kin about such tales as well" Rüzgarla offers

"Some of the courtiers might be informed... eshu tales, aye. I shall talk to my kithmates."

"Lord Hume...." A look at August, eyebrows quirked.

August nods, not without a faint reluctance "Yes. I will speak to him."

"Hume did an excellent job with the crow."

"Is this Lord Hume a problem?" Curious

"And he has been well educated with regard to his house - he might know aught of the Duke."

"I agree, I agree." August assures Zara "I will speak with him." Then, to Ruzgarla "He is not. He is heir to EarthRunes."

Rüzgarla looks intrigued

"There are some interesting stories in this hold. I can tell. Perhaps after Canada I can return and learn them in full"

"Some tales, aye. I could point you in some likely directions."

"I would appreciate it." She says finishing her tea "If it isn't rude, I'll depart and start seeking out other Eshu for those tales"

"We shall prepare here, so we may leave upon your return."

"Wonderful tea" She rises, inclines her head to both, and leaves.

Zara rises as well, hand on her chest. "Fair roads, Miss Rüzgarla"

But soon it is just August and Zara again, with the smell of tea.

Which feels very much like old times

"I'm very glad you are unharmed." he says softly "At first sight, I was.... alarmed."

"I was... not planning on having such an adventurous afternoon, no."

A soft, almost teasing smile "And it would do no good to ask you to stay safe? Or... safer?"

"Tchah, August. I shall be perfectly safe, in my own fashion!"

"I know." but she can tell he still worries.

"And when we go, neither of us shall be going alone. Surely that reassures."

A pause. "Coradel may insist on joining us."

A longish pause "Would that bother you?"

"Coradel is an excellent distraction, but she can be a wild card."

"However, this carriage threatened chrysalid childlings in her barony. She will not take such an affront lightly, aye?"

"I can promise you, she will not take it lightly, no."