#earthrunes

The prius makes its way to an ice cream place

August lets the boys settle in the backseat, and puts on light instrumental music in the background. The only conversation he offers is a quick review of the story for mortals; he's an older cousin taking his little cousins for ice cream, and they will use his personal information for ID if needed.

"Little Cousins, ice cream, and nary a UFO in sight" Antony nods to how he got it

Benny nods "Remember, call him August while we're in the Autumn world. I'm a kinain, so I need this now and then but you'll be fine. If someone cold comes up we'll get you to safety"

Antony nods, antane bobbing "Call him June, got it"

August parks at the ice cream parlor and in they go. "Two scoops of whatever you like, guys."

Benny speaks for both "I'll have both Chocolate, Anthony would like one chocolate, one vanilla" The other lad nods giving a grateful look. It is clear Benny sorted out what he wanted

The lady at the counter hears this and smiles "Okay, and for you, sir?" Looking at August

"A single scoop of vanilla, please." he says with a charming smile as he gets his wallet out and pays.

The lady smiles. August is a cutie, and so gosh darn nice!

Soon, they have their frozen goods in keeping!

And seats (NOT in the car...) and they enjoy.

the ice cream is a wonderful treat, and they savor it.

Antony says "This vanilla is the best" even though that's not what he is having, most pay it no mind "Is this town nice? It seems so teeeeny tiny" Compared to Toronto, definitely

"There is a lot to do in the area, if you know where to look. We'll need to find you accom.... someone to help take care of you, you understand? There are government considerations."

"Go to jail, do not pass go?" Antony looks worried

"Let's actively seek to avoid entanglements, shall we?"

Antony nods A LOT

"It's okay" Benny assures him, "August always makes sure folks get help"

"I will always do my best by you, Antony and Benny. That is my promise."

"Antony, Baroness Coradel wishes to meet you anon."

Antony looks confused "I don't drink sir, not even water. But if you want me to go to Anon, I will"

"Anon means 'soon.'" he says gently.

"O, and other vowels" the Pooka boy looks relieved "I'll meet anon, bnon, and c non, if she likes, sir"

August nods. "Perhaps on our return, then."

"Benny, thank you for helping Antony get settled."

"You're welcome , Sir" Benny says

Antony gives a grin at Benny

"Antony, I know you came with me from, ah, up north willingly and you're looking for... well, a new start. Is that more or less correct?"

"That and working for the Queen of England" he assures

"Good, good.... what kind of things are you interested in? Hobbies, games, school....?"

"I collect spores, molds, and fungus" He starts to say then sighs, clearly a pooka ism, and even he isn't sure where that one came from. ANtony tries again " I like building castles, but mine are made with Sandy's help. And I'm pretty good at stacking with Legos"

August smiles. "Sandcastles, legos; those are great hobbies."

He beams "My knight was a Douga..." He stops and sighs "I thought he was arm and hammer'

August looks at Antony very seriously. "Myself, and Baroness Coradel, and your eventual knight here will know about that; no one else needs to. Only those -you- choose to tell."

Antony looks relieved

Benny nods "Yup. even I don't know"

"Benny, I trust you will hold this information in the highest confidence." August says gravely.

"Yes sir. If it helps, I am still confused some" Benny reassures "I AM Just a kid"

"Ah. Yes."

Antony smiles "But he's a good goat"

"Ah. Indeed. Building, hmmm... well, we do have some Dougal at EarthRunes and in the area...."

Ice cream finished, Benny says "We can show you some"

"REAL Dougal? Or Veggie Dougal?" The ant pooka asks

"Real Dougal." He assures the boy.

"Whew" The boy relaxes

Benny nods "Honoria's nice"

"And talented."

The pooka nods "Knights are like my favorite time of the day"

"We got lots"