#scarsdale

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After a phone call or two, August jogs up the walk to the house not that far from his own, and rings the bell.

Meeting the ward, of course.

A faint, puzzled frown as he feels the resistance, and gently tests it by ringing again.

Hannah bustles to the door, opening it. "August! Oh, long time no see! Come in, come in. Zara!"

August hesitates on the doorstep. "Ah, well, thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Schwartz, it's good to see you. I'm sorry it's been so long. -IS- Zara here?"

"She is. Reading, I think, Who knows with that girl? Zara! You come in, I'll get cookies." And Hannah bustles off for the kitchen, leaving the door open.

August leans forward, feels it, and settles back, taking out his phone to text Zara *Bzzt* I'm here; can't get in.

Zara pads down the stairs, dark eyes taking in the slender figure frames by the open door. "Mama didn't invite you in?"

"She did." Softly. "But.... I can't. It's Warded, right?"

"Aye. After the satyr." She extends her hand towards the sidhe, reaching through the door. "Come in, August."

He takes her hand, and steps through. "Thank you."

"Let's go get cookies, or Mama's feelings will be hurt." She leads the way.

With a sunny grin that fades quickly, he follows her. There is the usual small talk, and compliments. August waits patiently.

Cookies AND tea. Of course.

August smiles at Zara shyly over his teacup, and toasts her.

"How have you been? I've been a bit caught up at home, father's day and all..."

"Oh, I understand." He glances around, and, alone with Zara..... "I'm trying to lay the groundwork for my parents. But that's not why I'm here, if you don't mind? There are some things at.... Jefferson City.... that I'd like you to look at?"

"Aye?"

Quietly he explains about Velvet, and names for serpents, and the need for a new augury.

"They have hatched? Oh, delightful!" A soft round of applause.

"Not yet. Soon, I believe." He clears his throat, takes a sip. "I haven't heard anything today."

"If they are all girls, mayhaps after the Gorgons... terribly misunderstood, truly... or mayhaps a smattering of names. Jörmungandr. Nüwa..."

August grins. "I knew you'd have ideas. Yes, or the Fates? Or is that too much?"

"They were saved by fate, were they not?"

He nods. "I suppose... yes. They were."

"So, a kind of symmetry there... Names matter. It may well help guide them as they grow..."

"Or.... just .... Harmony, Wisdom, and Understanding? Faith, Hope, and Love?"

"Something akin, aye."

"Do, ah.... do you have plans for Highsummer? And Earl, of course."

"Not particularly. Avoid pooka, watch the stars?"

He nods. "Well. There's something planned at EarthRunes, if you'd care to."

Softly. "Will you talk to Miss Velvet?"

"Of course. I have had, I think, a fair amount of experience with noble courts..."

"You have." A shy smile.

"The Countess tis a sluagh..."

"Ah." He stops to think. "Is that.... do you think..... should I consult -Her-?"

"Well, more that... it means, perhaps, a better place for one of my kith to consider that world."

"I have no title, August - not even that of a squire."

He shifts uncomfortably, but nods. "But.... I trust you."

"I will speak to her. I do not think you would mistreat a squire, of any kith."

"I would work hard not to, of course. I'm considering a boggan as well. Really, since you know me, I just want to know if you think we would be a good fit. If not, I will try to find her someone who is." Earnestly.

She nods. "Sometimes, well... if you are considering any commoner squire, you must be mindful."

"How so?" Listening.

"Sidhe are... can be... overwhelming. I am no boggan, but... I am a sluagh. Both kiths can struggle to advocate for themselves. Boggans tend to be submissive, and sluagh are shy."

"Over... ah." He struggles. "Tylar spoke up for himself, and Miss Velvet spoke up to me."

"Would it be so easy if they disagreed with you? Or if they were in conflict with another sidhe?"

"It would, ah, depend on what Sidhe, of course." Soberly. "But I hope I would be able to listen and be honest and fair."

"It helps that Coradel is a Fiona. Will you defend Velvet from the Varich?"

"Of course!" Instant and committed. "There's no question of that, I'll call Sir Sergi out myself if he offends you or her or.... well, anyone."