#scarsdale

She nods. "I can."

Another fast, sunny grin. "Thank you." Heartfelt.

"What do you hope to achieve by taking on a squire?"

He seems nonplussed. "What.... ah, I mean, what do you mean? When knight takes a squire, there's a bond formed. Learning, both ways one hopes. It strengthens our society."

"So - you want to teach? Form a bond. Have.. a legacy, mayhaps?"

"A... legacy. I never thought about that but... yes. I suppose."

"After all, some knights may wish a sidekick - a fellow fighter, or one to tend menial tasks..."

He shakes his head. "I'm not a hero; I don't need a sidekick. Or a servant."

"Right. So you want a student."

"Though I might argue about the hero thing..."

"Only in that I may have some skills they might not; I would be happy to learn, in turn."

"What do you hope to teach?"

"How to be a productive member of our society." A bit as if this should be obvious.

"Aye..."

"I think I could do -that.-"

"Aught else? Values?"

"Aren't Values part of being a part of society?"

"Well, you can be productive and NOT a Liam."

"Yes....." waiting for the punchline.

"So. You hope to promote Liam values?"

"Could.... how could I do otherwise? I've spoken with both Miss Velvet and Tylar and they are open to the idea."

"My understanding is that the other baroness is not pressing her squire to her house." She shrugs.

"I have only had good experiences with Liam. But I could not be one, I don't think."

"The other.... Derynwydd? No, she's not, and I support her, and him, in that." A little mystified. "Thank you for the, ah, compliment but... Liam is not for everyone. Not but a long stretch."

"I am far too unseelie for your house." She grins. "Even in my summer clothes."

A troubled little flicker, but he nods.

Gently. "I am. I fear I do not delve deeply into either court."

"I know." A pause, and then with some humor. "I'll pray for you."

A soft chuff. "Could you imagine me all the way seelie?"

"Yes." Guilessly.

"Oh? What would I be like?"

"Well .... like you are." Nonplussed again. "I mean.... smart and clever and sweet and kind." Another quick grin. "Mostly, Kind."

"Kind is not limited to one court, August."

He shrugs; a noncommittal gesture.

She shrugs back. "I try. Not too hard, with Midsummer upon the doorstep."

He nods, expression not really easing. "Yes. Three days." A deep breath.

"You have seen me unseelie, and did not forsake me then. And did I betray thee?" Eyebrows.

"You did not. Nor I, you, I hope."

"Exactly."

"I"m glad to hear that." He finishes his tea.

"So, ah.... how have things been here?"

"The Wards seem strong; any more trouble on that front?"

"It has been quiet. I... am waiting for trouble, but not willing to stop living."

"Moth fares well, the satyr has not approached again. Golnaz appears to still be ruminating in the wilderness."

"I have not scryed him, not until I can be sure I am able to do so safely."

"And you are working on that? Could I ... could I quest for something that would help?"

"I have not seen direct action from him in months. Not since Samhain. His children, yes, but not him."

"Zara...." He takes her hand. ".... how can I -help-?"

"I... don't know. I will not go to him. I think I must just... live like this? It's a cease fire, perhaps."

August frowns, thinking. "Will you let me Champion you? Find him, root him out, and meet him in a challenge?"