#scarsdale

"I don't think so"

"By now they'd have cleaned it up"

"Darn." a frown.

"I suppose..... would the Count know more?"

"The Count is in no shape to talk... he's sick"

"The Keremet. The Ailil wished to place one of their own as heir..."

"A Keremet? I thought... was the assassin Keremet?"

"So that's who was in the.. mmm"

"Nay, the assassin was a pooka."

"Yes, but ..the Keremit was when you slipped away..."

August rubs his temple. "Could you tell me the whole story at one time?"

"Zara can tell you more than I can"

August nods and sips his tea, waiting.

"...at.. one.. time?" Blink

Earl fights a smile

"I've only heard bits and pieces, and I don't think in order."

"Zara's right, August, Tea has a rhythm, a pattern. Oh, let me got get some snacks and prepare some more tea. You two talk. I'll be back shortly" He rises

He looks mortified. "I'm so sorry. No offense intended. It.... it has been a bit since we sat down together but.... that's no excuse."

"Naught to apologize for, at least today."

"I made the same mistake" And out he goes

August composes himself and waits politely.

"There were, after all, many Carnivals."

"True! How did you find the others you visited?"

"Earth Runes pleased me the most."

A gentle smile. "I'm glad to hear that. I know Coradel, and Steward Delores, work hard to make it, ah, enjoyable."

"Well.. I suppose the party, aye."

"The opossum seemed very happy."

He chuckles. "Healer Emma is a delight, and truly skilled. I don't understand her all the time, but she doesn't make me feel lost, if that makes sense?"

"She seems a gentle thing. But FUN to scare! Oh, she faints delightfully..."

"And takes it in good spirit."

"Yes, she does."

"You look good." After a moment.

Pink.

"Ah - thank you?"

"You're welcome." Sip. "I suppose going to distance learning.... well, do you think it will make things easier for you?"

"I... should figure out where to settle."

"Miriam would not miss me, I'm sure..."

"I am sure she would." Kindly "Although she might to express it so."

A sigh.

He shifts as though he might take her hand, but doesn't. "If you're unhappy at Vassar, she would not want you to stay. There's nothing wrong with.... there is a lot that is right! With trying something and realizing you don't care for it. Zara, if you're happy here in Scarsdale.... the people who love you want you to be happy."

"I shan't quit!"

"It is a good school..."

"It is; I haven't any right to, but I'm proud of you for getting in."

"I don't think you should quit school, but perhaps transfer to a different one?" Then, wry "I have a lot of experience with that."

A soft huff.

"I shouldn't try to fix it." He realizes, sitting back. "You haven't asked me to, and you already know everything I said. Please attribute this to good intentions, and affection." He sips.

"Your Soothsay is as impressive as ever; are you still working with a mysterious teacher?"

"I am, aye."

"Clearly, it is beneficial. I have thought, perhaps I should focus some attention on my own cantrip work but.... it has been difficult, schedule-wise."

"School is a challenge."