#elsewhere

August is distracted by the rush, and glances away in the couple's direction.

THe mugger, now pinned unnder him mutters "This is awkward"

The glamour is not a dream dance, merely a magical moment where his actions have helped preserve love

August smiles softly and looks back at the mugger. "I thought you might need help, if you were driven to crime to support yourself. The alternative would seem to be that you were going to threaten, steal, and perhaps harm someone because you like doing it?"

A sheepish look "Gun's not loaded. I was gonna.. you know, wave it, get that ring and pawn it"

"Why?"

"Money?"

"That is my point." He says from his spot of strength "Maybe you need a job, or temporary assistance, or health care of some kind. Of course, you don't-have- to tell me...."

"Look man, I'd love to tell you some shit about a sick grandma, or how i'm trying to come clean. Truth is, I got no job like a lot of folks, and yeah, I can't pay my rent..in fact I'm five hundred dollars down. But I know that's not an excuse I just... I gave up .. life wins you know? "

Now the handsome young man smiles at -him- "IT so happens I might be able to help. Would you accept that?"

"You aren't going to punch me in the junk again if I say no?"

"No." August eases off, standing, and offers his hand.

He takes it "then.. sure? I'm having a hard time understandinng WHY but sure"

"Because it is the right thing to do." He says simply. "What is your most urgent need?"

"I got to get money for rent" And .. his stomach rumbles as if to disaggree

"Let's do this....." he takes $40.... then adds a bill. "You have folks at home?"

"I got no one" he says

"Ok. May I have your name?" Politely.

"Mat. Some folks call me M.J." He says

"Nice to meet you,Mat , I'm August Ratchford. What's your last name?"

"Costner.. no realation"

He chuckles. "Ok, tell you what. Take this and get some groceries in. Call me tomorrow...." he gives his phone number, jotting it down "And we'll take a look at rent relief and employment, ok?"

"Thanks.. August I meann.. shit. you're some kind of saint"

"Not anywhere close." August shakes his hand and releases him. "Will you excuse me? My date has been very patient. Talk to you tomorrow."

"Yeah, saw her.. very pretty. Talk to you tomorrow"

August nods with a smile and rejoins Leonora on their walk. "Pardon me for the wait."

"Oh August, it was beautiful" She beams "She said yes, you heard right?" August did, of course. More he mused from it, though that wasn't his intennt. He is flush with new glamour

"I did." He smiles and kisses her cheek, sharing a bit.

"Oh, that's wonderful" she basks in the shared glamour "You can almost taste the... the sense of wholeness. Oh they'll be good for each other I think"

"It has been a very good night. Thank you."

"You're welcome. And thank you for coming along and letting me bully you. Next time you pick the restaurant"

August laughs softly.

He tucks her arm in his. "Shall we continue our walk?"

((Did she see the attempted mugging and August's response?"

Apparently she did, for she says "yes. Ah, August. One can't help but notice you had a fight in the bushes?" She plucks a loose leaf from his lapels

"Oh, that. It was nothing."

A brow raised

"Someone needed a hand."

"that's not nothing, August. That's a good deed" She points out

"It was nothing." He repeats, and leads Leonora away on their walk. "Do you have plans for Beltain and the summer beyond?"

"Beltainne at Earth Runes. Patrols.. but I'm open to quests"

He nods. "I waiting to hear details but I may be taking a.... ah, business trip, I suppose."

"Business trip? you?"

"Of sorts. One of the bannerhouse sqires has a situation I hope to help him with."

"Oh, Good luck"

"Thank you!'

"Will you need help?" She asks

"I hope not, but I have promised Coradel I will seek help if I need it.'

"Good. We both worry about you" A kiss

"I wish I could say your worry is without good cause, however....."