#elsewhere

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Fadhalia has been a joy and delight to AUgust, the dear grump Eshu has stories of places in the Dreaming, and not just any place, but one of interest to the faithful...

"Oh yes, the Kingdom of Prestor Jon , the Saintly ruler of Mythic Ethopia is very much real in the Dreaming" She says as she talks in Jack's

"In fact, it is rumored the sceptre of Prestor Jon is adored with gold, gold taken from one of the golden bricks of heaven... it IS gold. I saw it as he went by..."

And so she tells the story, a mythos shaped by Chritianity that is very real in the Dreaming, thanks to the Dreamers of centuries

"It's quite a journey but worth it"

August is enraptured by the story, and the possibilities therein. He sighs. "I wish I could undertake such a journey."

"Why not?" She asks

"I mean, why can't you? You're young"

"I, ah, I have previous obligations."

"Ah, well, one reason this Eshu does not envy the nobility" A smile

"So your job here includes scribing? Could I see samples of your work? Hard to love children's books without learnning to love stylish font and calligraphy"

August chuckles. "I don't have any here at Jack's. But I'd be happy to show you some tomorrow if you wish." ((Unless they're meeting up sometime after the previous scene(s)?))

(Nah 🙂 )

"I look forward to see them tomorrow then," She is clearly enjoying sampling Jack's offerings, "Do you need a refill of your tea?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Jack, refill for tea, please" She motions

"Since it will keep you both here for more stories..." he pours tea for August and taps her glass off "Fahdalia, the stories of the Dreaming are great, but you got any news of other areas?"

"Oh I've been local mostly" Fahdalia says "And by that i guess i mean the County. However I do swap stories or even gossip now and then"

August fixes his tea as needed and nods politely.

"Let's see... i could tell you what I knonw about the defeat of Leech... it's becoming quite a tale. Beyond that, there's stories of a summer hold in texas.. a Liam lady triumphant... and there's a brief story I know about the new Duchy of Baja annd it's peace iniative.."

"Ah." August sets his cup down. "Perhaps the story from Texas?"

"Ah..." she smiles "In a land of dry tears, bitter bleak, there ruled a ..." And she relates tthe story

Oh it's a story with bells and whistles... a pirate and a shadow aiding a winged heroine with hair as red as flame. A dark lord who enslaved with shackles made of monsters...

Sparrow would be blushing to hear it

Although August quietly glows.

And yet the story does not end with her just taking the throne... no, updates of a sort... as she relates Centaurs loyal to her, ... sharks that swim through the earth, a great eye that gazes into the stars...

"And over it all, the wings of a warrior angel spread the silhoute of her protection"

August takes a deep breath, then smiles shyly and applauds softly. "Well told."

"I thank you, it was shared to me and I shined it in my own way" Fahdalia smiles

"You just made a fan, Fahdalia" A grin from Jack

"Oh now... just telling it how it is... sort of kinda" the Eshu smiles

"The story was well told." Firmly.

Fahdalia chuckles "Flattery is always good coin for me, thank you"

August sips his tea, composes himself. "Jack, what would you like to hear next?"

"Got any news from Pacifica?" He asks her

"Well, word has it that there are more protests at Ardent Harbor... the Count there traps ravagers behind mirrors"

"And... the protests are..... that those ravagers .... should be punished differently than that?"

"That he's too harsh."

A blink.

"I didn't say I agree.. and some say it's a political stunt"

August shifts on his chair. "Ah. Well. Perhaps, yes. Perhaps."

"Wouldnn't be surprised" Jack snnorts "A lot of folks arenn't crazy about a Liam being over them.. no offense August, but i mean the Count"

"Of course not." quietly.

Jack snnorts "Which is stupid" he tells Fahdelia "The Baroness here relies on August and claims he'd rule wisely and well by her side."

He blushes and mutters "Jack...."

"Don't jack me.. you know what I mean, you bust your ass.. you earned your spurs andn then some. And Coradel isnn't just a love sick Fiona sticking up for her man, she's got a good eye"

"Thank you."

Fahdelia looks at Jack, "You seem loyal yet casual?"

"Yeah, that's me. backed the old baron too. He was..well, that was a different set up"