#earthrunes

"Antony doesn't play right. He's a little workaholic" Leonora says over tea, "I mean, he has fun when I push him towards it"

"That might be his animal's nature at play."

"True, industrious" She ponders "He does love legos"

"And legos are considered play."

"They are, okay okay. i just don't want him feeling he is ONLY my squire for the work. I want to teach him ,and that includes teaching him dances and sports and things"

"I'm sure he'll address these lessons with a workman-like attitude." August says seriously.

"Ugh" She says but laughs as well "I guess he'll be teaching ME somethings too."

"One can always learn." August says approvingly.

She sips her tea "Almost your motto" A nod "Looking forward to Pennons?"

A gentle smile. "I have come to look forward watching and cheering you, and Coradel, on from the sides."

"I hope you at least join in the gorup melee if they have it?"

"Why?" he tilts his head quizzically. "Have you noticed something lacking in my combat skills practice?"

"Because we like having you with us as part of the team" She smiles "Yes, cheering will do, but shoulder to shoulder, side by side in a fight or contest, it appeals"

August appears to consider this soberly. "I... suppose I can see the benefit in that."

"Not a must, but consider it, please"

"I will."

A smile "Thank you, oh and thank Benny when you see him next? He's been so nice to Antony"

"Am I too late for tea?" Coradel says as she approaches their table.

August lights up, and stands. "Hello." he offers to take her hand in his.

"Never, Coradel, please," She gestures "Join us. I was just talking about my squire and the chance of August entering in the group grand melee"

She rests her hand in August's, reflecting his light in her smile. Then she slips into a seat, keeping her claim on his hand for the moment. "Oh, I do hope that's more than a chance."

" I didn't want to bully him..." A smile "That's YOUR job"

"Now, now." She squeezes his fingers lightly. "I coax and encourage. That's different." She finally releases his hand (if he allows) to help herself to tea.

"Leonora made an excellent point, which I will consider most carefully."

"And that excellent point was...?"

Indeed, one boggan shows up with more tea to refresh cups

A gracious nod to the boggan.

"That in the general melee, there is value in the bonding and teamwork involved. Shoulder to shoulder, I think she said. I have to admit, in that light.... yes, I can see it."

A new cup is poured, other refilled, and sugar and cream applied as wished

Coradel smiles. "I can, too. And I agree. If you think about it, August, the only times you and I have fought together have been times where each was worried for the other's life. I'd like to find out what it's like when I don't have that chilling my heart."

Leonora thanks the boggan for the refill, then says "Exactly"

"As you wish." he murmurs quietly.

A warm smile to Leonora and she toasts with her teacup.

"But..." she turns to August "...I won't insist if you would prefer not."

"And Teamwork IS a skill that takes practice for us all"

"Sir Bachdion has suggested my martial skills could use honing." he admits.

"You've been training with him, haven't you?" She takes a sip of her tea and claims a shortbread cookie.

"Has he taught you reverse cowgirl with twirl yet?" She tries to time it while Coradel is either eating or drinking

A very dainty choke and cough, then a mock-vengeful look at Leonora.

August blushes.

Leonora dimples wickedly

"Ah... yes, Sir Bachdion and I have met for training."

"I can't imagine you think August needs to be taught that. At this stage of things?"

"Good," to August.

"Well, no," She admits, then agrees "And Sir Bachdion is a great fencer to learn from"

"Leonora, have you heard what the melee format is? How many per team?"

"Two sets, trios, and teams of six, two different events"

She nods thoughtfully.

"Is there a childling melee? We certainly should prepare our younger ones, if there is."

"The trio can also be part of the six later" She says then she says "There IS a childling sparring melee. Protective and padded gear"