#earthrunes

"Unfortunately Ricardo's girlfriend's parents can't take her in but the lawyer is buying him time"

"And the landlord?"

"Angry as hell but unable to talk to Ricardo without going through Ricardo's lawyer"

"Oh, I hired that detective, siced him on the landlord"

"I'm sure he'll be thorough."

"I thank you again, August. Ricardo is a good man in a hard situation"

"Many are, and it's an honor to have been of any small assistance."

"Truth. Shall i keep you posted? I know you have a lot on your plate"

"If you like; I'm sure Mr Rivas' lawyer has things well in hand."

"Just the basics then" He nods "Thank you again. I'm going to burn some energy off sparring with Temerity"

"You're very welcome; best of luck with your sparring."

"Against Temerity? I'll need it" he says and leaves the office

Squire Velvet slips in so smoothly Ivory doesn't even see her.

"My liege?" She inquires "is this a bad time?"

"No, Squire. Please, how can I help you?"

"Well," Squire Velvet Shadecandle says softly "One knows I can be prone to drama, by sluagh standards. I pine for the gothic and tragic at times. Yet in truth I am burdened by an abundance of blessings ...even joy. "

August smiles gently but tries to remain somber. "I see."

"Due to this, I oft times vicariously partake of the sorrow of others, as an observer, often unseen" A beat "Yet, I have found a girl, adaughter of eve, about my age, who is truly miserable. I was quite enthralled" She pauses then says "I think she plans to commit suicide . I am torn. It IS her life, but... now that I know, I wonder if I am obligated to do something?"

There is almost a record scratch as her minor almost humorous complaint about being happy runs into the reality of someone who is not, to put it mildly.

August now has no trouble seeming somber. "I think you are, yes, Squire. Suicide is considered an evil, something wrong, because it is the denial of, the negation of, Hope. Without hope... we are all doomed."

"I see" A pause "I do not share your faith, sir, but I knew your stance would be thus. Still I ask because whether I do or not, I KNOW of the risk. I'm not good at inspiring hope. Should I pass this task on to one more qualified, or should problems be solved by those who see them?"

"I would stipulate it's not a matter of faith, Squire." August rises and gathers some materials into a bag, which he slings across his shoulders "Hope is the soul and center of our existence as Fae. We rely on mortals to Dream for and of us. To hope for something more, something magical in the face of all fears and doubts. If they lose hope, we lose all."

She listens, processing this

"As to your question, the answer is 'both' perhaps. You might be able to solve the problem by passing it on but that doesn't mean you are removed from the solution."

She nods "Yes... knowledge can be obligation... " A beat "I wonder if the late Charles DIckens was a Liam? 'Mankind was my business'"

"An interesting question, and one we may explore of an evening; in the library over tea, perhaps? But for now, we should seek out this daughter of Eve of yours."

"I know where to find her" She assures "I..asked one of the spiders to watch her. do you have advice on how to muse hope?"

"Well...." August murmurs ".... as you know everyone muses a little differently; we all have our own ways. And, it gets harder and harder to do but.... for myself, I find trying to tap into the inner child, the young wonder a mortal may feel, is a good starting point."

"My inner child was rather morbid but I will try"

(pause)