#odyssey

Zara rubs her temples. "Do what thoust needest. I shall be near, in case you need aid. But this place... I do not wish to linger, aye? Nor do I desire more scrutiny."

The thane doesn't hear, but he notices the gesture "Begging your pardon, is every thing okay?"

She makes a dismissive 'I'm fine' gesture at the thane.

The Thane, who looks rather miserable himself, nods and steps back

"Then, would you like to call Earl? Or another escort? Or... I could escort you and come back." he offers.

"You are not safe here alone."

August chuckles gently "Zara, no one here wishes me harm."

"Feh." She crosses her twiglike arms, looking stubborn.

"The danger has been neutralized. The Duke is not holding a grudge."

"You do not know that."

"I can stay out of sight."

"But you -want- to go ho... " he pauses "No. You don't want to stay -here-. Zara, please pardon me if this is prying, I would never mean to offer offense. I ask only out of caring for you. Is... everything ok?"

She wraps her arms again, sulking.

"I do not like it here."

August shifts to move a little close. "Zara, I'm confused. Why not go home? Unless something -is- wrong? Can I call Earl for you?"

"Because it is not safe here, and you are not willing to leave yet."

"Zara, it's safe for -me.- And I have a duty here."

She squirms with discomfort.

"Aye. So you must stay. So I will stay, but please, let me hide anon. I will be near, I will watch, but I wouldst not... I cannot leave with ease, not when you remain."

August sighs and shakes his head in bafflement. "Please, don't stay on my account. I know you'll ... do what you think is best. Will you pardon me, then?" he stands.

"Aye. Take Quatra, aye? She is fond of thee."

"She is?" he asks, nonplussed "Ahhh... take her....?"

Zara deposits the sister on August's shoulder. Quatra promptly ducks under his collar, out of sight from a casual observer.

She's entrenched! Operation Liam Guard is a go

August allows the adornment, then sighs with perplexity "Well. I hope we can talk later, at EarthRunes. Be well, Zara." and he steps away, allowing her space to disappear if she wishes.

Zara does so - she is out of sight when he turns again

The Thane whirls then says "Where did... she go?"

"Who?"

"Miss Zara?" He says looking nervous "I.. am supposed to be guarding the group of you if possible?"

"Sorry, Thane... it's just me."

"Oh well, I was going to be dismissed anyway" he sighs then frowns "Pardon, Baron. That was unprofessional of me to say aloud. I hope she is well"

August is quiet a moment. "Thane, have you ever considered a posting elsewhere? If you are going to be looking for one?"

"I may have to, Baron. But not sure anyone will want me when they hear grounds for my dismissal. I'm considered too informal and relaxed by most. A failing of me more than my House. I was..distrated by a lovely woman, and she took advantage to get to areas of the hold she shouldn't have been to. No harm but still, if she had meant harm she could have."

And Zara has slipped away from this room, feeling trapped in a place she does NOT like.