#scarsdale

Has his own theories but isn't going to bring them up and set poor August so red he catches fire

"I did."

"Aye - see? You harmed no-one."

"You can be awfully hard on yourself August"

He shrugs.

"I just... I have... There are things I believe and ... I try to live them." He takes a breath. "And I don't accept failing in that very easily."

"You are hardly the first to... to listen to desire. But that doesn't mean you can't strive to do better. It is nearly December."

"And in December... an oath? Saining? Many things."

"Cool Yule and all that"

He manages to -just- miss hiding a panicked look completely.

"Yes. Yule is going to be... momentous."

"I saw the house, it's really nice"

She reaches out to touch his shoulder. "It will work out."

"House?"

"You did?" Surprised.

"Yup. I was visiting Miss CC for a commision again, she mentioned Caesar getting into the real estate thing and so when I went by I took a look...never got on the grounds , of course, but it looked good"

"Oh! Well.... yes. It's nicer than I thought we'd get but... Caesar rather embarrassingly insistent so..."

"you want me to slap him around for you and get him to back off?" He puffs up in faux flexing

August manages to chuckle.

He gives aw wolfiish smile

"Mayhaps I could visit?"

"me too, I need to check out the competition" Hurumphs

"The competition? The bird?"

"Yes, sure, we'd love to have you both over, anytime."

"Bird... you mean Derynwydd?" He grins fondly.

"Ooof. August, are you to blame for that name?"

"We have no idea." Dryly.

"Yes, actually to be fair she and i don't really compete that much... but Caesar is thinking of hiring her so I have to grumble just to keep up the 'offended artist' tradition."

"You are not in competition; you have very different styles."

"Ah... well, obviously, it's no competition. Thou art the finest painter I know..."

A laugh, "Dernwydd doesn't seem a bad name. I have a relation named Rutherford so..ahem. Trust me, it can get worse"

"Hey, have you seen Deryn's work?" Sticking up for her.

"thanks," A light kiss on the lips for Zara, "I am well inspired by a muse"

"I've not, no." A smile at the kiss.

"Let's just say, it is possible they are -both- very good. And very different."

"She's not as morbid as I am" He nods but is not ashamed to say it

"Fair enough. But I am biased."

"After all, one artist is mine."

earl almost glows

"I guess I can be more even-handed. Both of you are mine, and so is she." Shrug.

"Fair enough. She seems... nice, at least."

A grin "thank you, August. We're your friend too. And Coradel seems nice. I'm so very glad I talked Zara into not encasing her in a sarcophagus and mailing her to Memphis, Tennessee."

August pauses and looks first at Earl, then Zara.

tries his best to look utterly straight faced at that last.

"Twas a jest. Mostly."

August very gravely, seriously, and with an air of finality, shakes his head. His lips thin. Then he looks away.

"Mostly." A nod "See, Memphis is named after an older city in Egypt so, if you have a sarcophagus..."

Let's a smile slip.

August stands. "I should get going, guys."

"Aye... good night, August. Don't... I... don't be a stranger?"