#elsewhere

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August knows Imbolc by other names as well, and be Brigid a saint or a Tuatha's daughter, neither takes away from the reverence of the moment. Coradel was radiant, of course.

But now, a day after Imbolc, things have grown peaceful

Just as well; his college studies are demanding this semester; Criminal Practice, Administrative & Federal Procedure, and Probate and Estate Planning....

And he needs to get to class. In this case, Probate and Estate planning.

Always a challenge, of course, but he keeps himself reminded that there is dignity and honor involved in helping other prepare their legacies.

His professor greets everyone warmly. And, to August's approval, he has a similiar belief "Right now, there is a generational imbalance of property ownership, if you own a house, most likely you're either my age, or very fortunate. I don't have to tell you folks how currently it's more expensive than ever to buy property or even rent.... now I won't cast stones, but my generation is under a lot of pressure to sell our property not to people, but corporations... and a lot of good folks pass away , and rather than a chance for new young couple to have a family in property they own, some company pays full price up front, and boom... it's another rental property. Now no one OWES anyone their own house, barring finacial debt, but what I'm going to introduce you to today..."

August, not being a first year college student, is taking copious notes.

The subject goes smoothly, the teacher seems to be well, maybe not a dreamer, but the chill in his soul is lower than average for a man who could be in a grim and ruthless profession.

That said, he does notice a tiny chimera on the wall

August watches it as surreptitiously as he can.

It stares at him.

A very faint nod to let the little... squirrelmoth (?) know the Shining Lord has seen him.

It perks curiously, and fluters closer towards him, cautious of him, but curious.

August is well accustomed to soft, fluttering things; he allows it to approach.

Soon, it is in hand's reach

August is still taking notes; he hardly needs to focus, really. His pen moves as the words enter his ears, almost automatic-writing.

He ignores the sqwuoth, and so it comes that by the time class is done, its on his shoulder

"Hello." he murmurs softly for sensitive little feather-ears "Welcome."

It seems to fid him warm, like a sunbeam one can rest in

And it is welcome to stay with him as he finds a quiet study-corner in the library.

"Now... " when he's sure there's no one about "Hello. Can you speak?" he is still speaking quietly.

"yes. " it says

A gentle smile. "How should I call you?"

"Flutternut" it answers

"you?" it asks

"I am called August Truthbranch."

"How did you come to be in my classroom?"

Flutternut tilts its small head "Luck?"

August chuckles. "Fair enough. Have you been here long? Do you need help?"

"No. yes." Flutternut says

"What can I do to help you?"

"warm place?" it looks hopeful

August chuckles softly "Yes. I have a warm place I can take you to. You mustn't harm anyone there." he warns gently.

It seems to think this over then 'Agreed"

"Where would you like to ride? Or would you rather fly? Find your own way to my car?"

"Ride"

It nods

"Find a perch, then, Flutternut."

Flutternut settles on his shoulder with amazing balance. "Here. Good"

August gathers his things and walks out of the library to his car, and heads home to the Manor.

And they head home. Flutternut seems a chimera of very few words.

August has always been a quiet man, himself.

As they walk into the Freehold Manor, August says "Welcome to EarthRunes, Flutternut."

As they enter, the litle chimea's eyes widen "Beayoootiful"

"A reflection of its Lady."

"Ah, Baron? " Oswald asks "you know you have a Chimera right? "

"I do, yes, Thane. Thank you. Flutternut, this is Thane Oswald. Thane, this is Flutternut."

"uhm.. Hi, Flutternut" Oswald says "Cause no trouble and all is well"