#elsewhere

Coradel's back in the driver's seat of the sportier vehicle. "That's better," she says.

A smile " I was going to offer to drive, but it sounds like you're feeling your oats a bit. " A look "Coradel. You are one of my favorite pupils , and I've had many. But you can't let your ire at how their graces acted lash out at the lad.. well, you CAN, but it's nnot productive, and it's not just. And you, my girl, are a just ruler"

She drives, not recklessly, but with the same confidence that makes August grip panic bar. "Driving soothes me, when it's not a clunker van." She may have looked at it as an adventure, but in the end she didn't enjoy it. "It's not just that they placed him. It's that...he's not who I would have chosen. He's my heir, but there doesn't seem to be anything I can teach him that he wants to learn. I find that very irritating."

"Mmmm difficult students are difficult. What do you think he NEEDS to learn?"

"Self-defense at the least. He needs to be able to help protect himself in a crisis, not become a liability."

"You're a Fiona.... you've tried tto appeal to his sense of glory. What else wiill young men fight for?"

"I don't think he sees any glory in any physical endeavor at all. Only discomfort."

"I would suggest that he might need to defend a lover at some point, but he doesn't seem interested in that!"

"Please, he trips over himself when Minerva inhales. She's too old for him by just enough years, but that can be diverted. "

As if he has thought about this

"Does he?" She considers this as they fly along the highway. "I suppose so."

"Now, what if you were to find a lass who likes him well enough, but also enjoyed sunnlight. What he ignores from your mouth, he might run after at her wish. Manipulative? yes. But I've found hooking students up with the influences I want can work well"

She gives him glance. "Now that...has potential. So...it's a matter of finding such a lass...or lad. He might appreciate both."

"Lasses I think... though I can't be sure if he's an ass, breasts, or leg man." A look at her "And you have a whole barony to sort through, or for that matter can take on another into your service if need be. Obviously he likes Minerva's looks. But we need to find out what personality traits draw him and he heeds"

"Hmm...I wonder what similar manipulations you played on me in my fosterage, Teacher-Mine." A grin.

"Moi? Why my dear lady, you came with a love of old returned and vice versa for August. Now, is there a reason I pushed him to learn or relearn certain things like dancing annd poetry? mmm could be. Is there a reason I seasoned him onnly a little, because I knew you wanted to corrupt him for yourself? POSSIBLY, and did I make sure that the dedication and serious minded parts of him I did approve of might rub off just a bit on you??" A beat then merrily "Perish the thought! How could I dare tilt the pedestal I put you on even if I thought it was for your own good?" Such over the top innocence it kind of goes around to wicked again, or at least naughty

That brings a peal of laughter. "Well said, Teacher-Mine, well said. I may need to find a spot where we can pause and I may thank you for your wise choices and observations."

A smile at the laughter "Well, who am I to argue?"

It's going to be a long drive back to EarthRunes. Coradel will let him take over the driving at some point...and why not take a nice little break (with the car and its occupants veiled) at that point for proper...thanking.

(Fade to graditude)