#ccsemberclub

"I'm Sorry Zara isn't here" Earl apologizes, "But with the Queen of England's death, she's riveted ,and she and Velvet and others are talking funeral rites"

"Oh the death of a monarch is not to be missed" CC says pouring him more tea

Emerson makes a small throat clearing noise. "Pardon." and sips his tea.

"Well, Zara does love english culture, though victorian sensibilities" Earl says perhaps missing any reason Emerson might had to clear ahis throat "Though she's not a monarchist. We once took a tour of a pauper's grave yard. It was actually poignant"

"Emerson and I saw Arlington Cemetary together one Winter, it's very stirring" CC nods

He nods somberly.

"I can imagine" He nods "Probably a DeBuke buried there now that I think of it."

Then he says "Oh, forgive, that might seem a boast."

"Quite all right, Earl," CC nods, "Thank you for dropping by. How is your art going? "

"Oh, I've been getting steady work for book covers, gothic romances now"

"Indeed?" sip.

He blushes "Yes. I .. uhm confess it's a nice change from pure horror"

"I imagine it would be. Oh , Earl did you bring any samples?" Giving the lad a chance to show off

"A few but I wouldn't want to be a bore" he looks cautious

"I seriously doubt Callidora would find gothic romance a bore." dryly.

That gets him a bump from Callidora, warm and affectionate, "It would be easier to be irked with your light teasing if you weren't right. " A Look to Earl "Please, Earl. I do love romance novels of most sorts. Even in the 'so bad it's good' category and the art is often very moving"

He blushes and pulls out a few samples, on electronic media in this, and he looks apologetic for that .

"Well, this one has been selected by the author for a novel that's kind of Daniel Webster done gothic romance , a legal battle for a maiden's soul" the image is of a dark haired barrister , gothic, his garments ripped (Yes nice chest baring) standing before a court of hell, the Devil dashing and dapper arguing against him, while a lovely of red hair pulls against shackles that seem to be dragging her to a gaping abyss , far from going timidly, she seeks to kick at her captors or even use a fist full of the chain to beat or choke them

Emerson peers over to see.

"Oh she's a scrapper" CC coos

"A suggestion from a lady friend" Earl says "I admit she was more ..docile in the original cover"

"Mmm...." Emerson looks it over, nods "I think you've captured something there."

"Thanks" He flips another one , this one shows a different story unfolding, a gentle lady gasping as a handsome stranger before her twists a mirror to show the woman her own reflection, and her reflection is risque, borderline wanton, as if the mirror was at risk of changing her as sinister as the stranger in the dark suit with a glowing eye

CC makes a pleased 'mmm' sound and shoots Emerson a side glance as if she's sure why she's delighted

and a wee bit amused

Emerson's face is also a picture. "Interesting."

"Do you like it?" earl says

"I love it" CC assures, "What woman doesn't want an excuse to show her hidden side without judgement?"

Perhaps Emerson is coming down with a cold. He coughs slightly and sips his tea.

"Thanks, the writer liked it" He admits.

The last is that of two graves, side by side, and rising from it, two ghosts who can only touch each other, in a most ardent embrace

"Ah, now this reminds me, in a good way, of your earlier work."

"You prefer that one, Sir?" He asks

"More concrete than your abstract, symbolic work but not in a bad way."

"I don't know that 'prefer' is the word. I have a tin eye when it comes to art." he smirks "But I enjoy all of them differently."

"Well that last one I had the most control over, the writer told me the story summary and told me to convey it how I thought best. I was worried it was too pedestrian"

"Nonsense" CC tuts at Earl "It it's sorrowful and sweet at the same time."

"Agreed."

Reassured he smiles, "Oh, and this is for you guys. It's not a cover of gothic romance at all" He brings up something from an art case

CC looks intrigued, "You shouldn't have"

"I scarcely know how to thank you." Emerson says, recalling a certain nude portrait that was made OVER his insistence.

A light purpling as apparently Earl recalls it to

And Emerson and CC get it unrolled, this newest work.

It is a depiction, in Chimerical paints, of the two of them, but with kiths reversed. A devlish older male satyr leans over a dark haired bogganette with rounded hips, even as she offers him her cookies on a small plate positioned near her decolage. Fliratation in the kitchen

"Oh my." Emerson pinks.

"-Really- Earl." a hint of scandalization in his tone?

"I apologize if this offends I just.. well, I got a reminder of thos magic cookies .. you know the ones and the idea came to me and I..."

He is turning brighter purple

CC covers her lips. One might mistake her for aghast, but in truth...she's covering it so she doesn't break out laughing

"I apologize, I''ll dispose of it.." He offers stammering