#ccsemberclub

"Oh, plenty of Iowa earnestness left."

"Yes, I see that now that he's blushing again," CC admires, then she looks at Zara, "Try to keep enough in him to delight you, dear. I made the mistake of over corrupting when I was your age. Too much chocolate can be almost as bad as too much vanilla"

Earl groans.

"Mmm. My Love is a delight and holds enough play of shadow and sunlight to satisfy me."

This causes Earl to blush harder but he is grateful. ///"Quite well said, I should leave your mixing to taste to your taste," CC covers a smile, not well, but she does, "Sorry, Earl. To answer your question, I would love that book. Of course. I dabble in magics myself. But I think the important thing is that someone else gets it besides the current noble seeking it." a glance at them both "And please don't tell me that I'm the only one that enjoys denying the pretentious."

"I have been told I can be.. contrary. Imagine!" Hand to clutch imaginary pearls.

"No," CC plays along, "you? contrary? oh, what a world, what a world. Impossible."

Now Earl blushes less, and a smile does slip and reveal. It's hard not to like the often shameless woman.

"I know. Madness."

"Well, some say the best way to deal with such urges is to ride them out. Should you wish to ride this one out , I wish you luck, and more... I might even assist you sometime in the future. Eventually you will want that home in another town... and between Caesar and myself we might be able to make it easier. "

A soft sigh.

"I do not think Poughkeepsie shall stay home after graduation..."

"I wondered, which is why I offered. I don't tempt with hollow fruits," She says "Though I am sorry it isn't what you wanted it to be. " CC could easily be lying, but she certainly seems sincere there.

"It... I know not what I expected."

"Sometimes the unexpected can be wonderful," CC says gently, then looks around "I never expected to be happy, or here, or ..well, you know i suspect. But often firm plans that we meant as paths turn into hard walls of our own making and we slam into them. Not your fault dear, not anyone's. Da'an has it's way when it wants, but Fortune, foul and fair alike, often runs the ship while fate sleeps and is not a reliable captain."

"There are some good things. The house is lovely..."

"Mmm" She smiles "I knew you'd liek the House" she says

"We did have to ward our room against jacob. PInk bubble gum smell" earl shares.

CC does let a soft laugh escape.

"Oy. That boy."

"He sounds like a handful" CC says.

"Aye. But he and Miriam have grown close..."

"Good. " CC says "Nockers are NOT easy to know at times. They're so busy oh but I don't need to tell you that. I hope they're both thriving even if you're not as happy as you would be."

"I think she is." Her lips draw into a thin line. "I hope for it, deeply."

Earl squeezes her hand.

"She deserves every happiness." FIrmly.

CC observes the facial expressions and the tone of voice carefully before saying "Nockers aren't always good at showing gratitude or love, but I am sure she has both for him and for you." a smile "And you should both be proud for your part in rescuing her and foiling dark forces. I'd compose a jazz song to you both, but you'd wonder what you did that I should draw attention to you so I am sure"

"Truth."

Earl nods "If I must be famous ,I want it only for my paintings."

"Oh, wait until this body is dust and bone, Love, and our souls look back and wonder that once, you were you."

"Well, I am among your fans there, Earl. And I actually need to get you for a commision sometime once I get the full idea in my head to send to you. For now though" She looks up as music is changing then smiles as Zara declares her feelings "I envy the grace your kith has about time. I pout too much."

Earl leans just a little against Zara

And CC then says "I fear I need to take up my shift. You two stay as long as you like, everything is on the house tonight"

"A kindness, Miss CC."

"Oh, please, I enjoy our talks, whatever you do or decide, don't you two be strangers" She winks and heads up.

And as she goes, Earl looks to Zara, and blows out one of the candles, leaving only one lit "There, cozier. Let's finish dinner."

And it is a very lovely dinner indeed (End Scene)