#elsewhere

"I can send your staff the recepe if you like?" Jude asks

"May -I- have it?" he asks politely.

"Of course, I've got it here somewhere.." flames part, and the Count reaches into a case of little files "Oh, good work helping Alabastar Hollow, or as I like to call it 'the other AH' . "

He swallows. "It was the least I could do."

"Yes... the story is varying from there... and the nocker who did it all seized by the Crystal Circle if rumors are right. Poor Don Kipple...err however you say it, denied payback"

"Von DornKlippe." he supplies helpfully "I'm afraid I was, ah, in and out, as they say."

"Yes, must be nice to have a flicker flashing troll nearby" An amused look "Really tempted to offer Earl House Membership. He'd turn it down I'm sure, but damn, so many benefits if we could get him to join"

"I believe he may have Oaths that would preclude membership.... and in truth, Excellency, while he is a boon companion and friend, I do not think he would be a good fit for our House's mission."

"Mmm no? Damn. I suppose he leans more towards the Fiona if anything"

August considers. "I.... am not sure. Perhaps. The artist in him...."

"Well, he appears to be happy being houseless so I won't press. Regardless, you, your wife, Sir Earl and.. one other did well. "He says "August, Miss Zara means a lot to you, I take it?"

"Yes, Excellency." softly.

"I have something for you to give her. No need to tell her who it is from." He reaches into the flame and pulls out a small satchel, "She'd just think I was lording it over here no doubt. But it could be missed used" the satchel, or whatever is in it, tinkles

August looks uncomfortable. "Excellency, I'm not sure I'm the best one to deliver this. She is... very particular about some things. And I'm very bad at deception."

"Particular?" A curious look "THat could mean a lot of things. In this context?"

"She has... very strong opinions. And views."

"Yes well, lovely. Not sure how to approach this then that won't rile her all the more." He frowns

"Oh well." he ponders the nods "I'll handle it"

August looks contrite, even anguished. "I... is there something you can tell me about it? I'm not very good at guessing at approaches but if I can help.....?"

"Well, awkward as this sounds I.. " He shrugs "I sent an agent to make sure you were okay, an agent to see how Liams were being spoken of even after you helped save the day. What my agent found was this... glass shards.. with sluagh blood on it. Wasn't hard to guess whose"

Wordlessly, August reaches a hand out, palm up, for the bag.

He offers the satchel over "Now do you have a good idea how to hand this over to Zara so she won't believe I used it for nefarious purposes?"

"Do I have your word that in this bag are all the shards, and you haven't and won't use what you have here, Excellency?" He asks politely if quietly "And that it hasn't been used by others?"

A long look "I sense a lack of trust here. From her, I expected it. You step wrong once with that young lady and she's rather unforgiving, but et tu, August?"

"I suppose I ask on her behalf." somberly.

"Very well, I did ask you how best to mollify her," He says "these are all the shards I know of, but I trust my agent to be through and honest with me. I have not used them, and with all of them there, I won't. you have my word"

August makes eye contact, raising his grey gaze from the bag in his hand to the Count. He nods slowly.

"I will take it to her."

"Good. If i were anyone but a friend of yours, I'd be strongly tempted to parley this into a favor from her, but ah, no I don't play politics with the friends of friends if I can help it." A shake of his head "oh here's that recipe as well"

August takes it, far less interested but with appreciation nevertheless. "Thank you. And... ah, Thank you, Excellency." One gratitude means one thing.... and the other something more."

"Happy to be of use, and thank you- the diary... if we can find it, it will tell us so much" wistful

"Then I should accept the information from Chieftain Clem?"

"Yes, but brinng it to me for copying won't you? BEFORE your squad starts"

"Of course, Excellency!" He says as if shocked it would be suggested he'd do anything else.

"even if a certain Jude resenting librarian pesters you not to?" A brow

August looks down, at the bag. "Even if."

August pockets the bag. " Is there anything else I can do to assist you?"

"I'd say you've done a great deal for the house period, Baron. I'm rather proud of you. For all your modesty, or perhaps all the more so because of it, you're an amazing son of the house and I'm honored to know you. " he assures

August blushes.

"Thank you, Excellency."

"Here I'll walk you out. You're welcome to stay for the party if you want?"

"You are most gracious, Excellency but... I would, ah, I should return home."

"Understood. Please, send your wife my warmest regards"

"And mine to yours, please." August rises and bows.

And off August goes, gathering himself into the roller coaser trod for the return trip home

And off he goes!

(end Scene)