#earthrunes

"Dame Leonora..." August speaks quietly in the mortal establishment "... is also interested in meeting with you, perhaps to be your leige."

Antony's jaw drops 'She might WANT me? " A whisper "Does she know I'm just a bug?"

Benny leans back, a sympathetic look on his face. There is something familar about his body language. IF Coradel or Zara were in the ice cream parlor, they would recognize it right away. Benny is emulating August when he tries to extend a gentle correction, "Now, Antony, you're not 'just a bug' , you're a cool kid who had a tough time. You'd work hard, I know. And Leonora would appreciate your help. Don't sell yourself short." Then he looks at August "Right, sir?"

"Absolutely right, Benny; I could not have said it better."

Benny beams

Antony nods "Good speech, Benny. This isn't just the 4th of july, it's my independence day" Antony likes space movies

"We'll find you the best fit, Antony. I promise you. And in the meantime, you'll help Benny with his duties. You're not alone."

Antony straightens up happily

With ice cream done, and as crowds come in near their table, they may need to vamoose if they want more private talks

August makes sure no one has sticky faces or hands, and they adjourn to the Prius.

The Prius waits for them. it ignores the large pick up truck which seems to be trying to intimidate it. The Prius knows, jokes aside, it at least cares for this planet, and it takes pride in that.

Or would, if the prius could think.

It also knows, with a smug humility, it is not a Tesla.

Thank the great Assembly Line of Destiny for that!

"I like your car," Antony says "It's doesn't give into bullies"

That gets an odd look from Benny but he lets it roll

"Let's head back home." August makes sure everyone is buckled before they head back.

Buckled they are, and soon they are heading home

And, barring incident, arriving home.

They do!

Leonora, by now, is back from patrol

If she's had a moment to clean up and has no other pressing business, it might be time for that meeting.

Soon enough they do meet, she's showered and changed into casual clothes /voile

August smiles as he and the pages meet with her "Dame Leonora, you know my page Benny, and this is Antony." He's taken the time to encourage the boys to scrub up and dress a bit finer.

Antony can be a bit dirty so the shower and change for HIM was wise

"Hello, Benny, and nice to meet you, Antony. " She bends down to shake the pooka's hand

"Antony comes to us from the court of the Duchy of White Trillium in the Kingdom of Northern Ice. He has interests that include Legos and building sand castles. I have nothing but positive reports of him."

Antony blushes furiously

"legos? Those CAN be fun" She says with a grin

His blush dims "I once made the death star"

"mmm that sounds like a LOT of work" She says then goes "Look, I'm considering a squire. "

Antony looks hopeful then ashamed "I was a squire kinda but I ended up having a really bad day and a worse knight"

"I heard" She nods "But being tricked by an evil person doesn't make you a bad person anymore than being bullied by a stronger person makes you the problem."

August nods; he has said as much to Antony.

"Now, I think you should get to know me before you decide to take me on as a knight, and I need to know you. So... if it's okay with you and August, I think tomorrow we'll take you on a trip you and I. It'll be a surprise, and we get to know about wehat we have in common and what is neat and different about us"

Leonora looks at August "That okay?"

Antony looks at August to see if he agrees

August nods. "That sounds like a good idea."

Antony says "I would like that. So... uhm, are we going to the saltmine or the factory floor?"

"Oh right, Dougal trained, you probably worked. I think I can find something a bit nicer than that to do, but still let you use your imagination"

"I would like him to meet Dame Honoria as well, if you don't object, Dame Leonora."

"What, you've got me competing?" SHe grins

A gentle smile back "Finding the right fit."

Antony blinks "Folks are competing over me?"

"We want to find you the right mentor, Antony."

"I never had anyone who ever WANTED me" Antony says surprised "Ever. "

"I couldn't ask in public, Antony, but I would like to know more about your experiences leading up to your Dream Dance. Your mortal history."

"Oh honey, your old knight acted like he was DOING you a favor but you were a burden?" The FIona looks appalled at the notion.

The pooka nods to both "Nope. Nothing like that AT all"

"In hindsight, we know there were issues, and greater issues than this, in the knight's choices and behaviors."