#debukefarmhold

"What I mean is Hiram alone is like a crowd when it comes to talking"

"Aye."

She draws her knees up under her chin, watching the water, quietly disconsolate.

"So it's not just the idea of a large crowd at the dinner table that bothers you" He says "So I'm missing something. I am not a skilled hunter today it seems"

"What do you think is next? That he comes here? That she stays?"

"Well, she can't stay so I guess we would offer to help him here unless your family in scarsdale…" he suddenly realizes "Zara, are you … thinking that she wouldn't stay for you, but she might for him? "

A scowl, two pink spots burning in her cheek. "N-no. Of course not."

"If she does, it won't be meant as insult on you- far from it. She knows how competent and powerful you are. You're not a childling who might need protection at least, not that much"

Her jaw juts out, scowl settling deeper. "Aye. I know. I don't need her."

"Well, not in the same way- but you love her and you want her near by. No shame in that." He says

"That's... not realistic. It's foolish."

"Stupid."

"It's hopeful" He says "And hope is part of our dreams. Don't give up on it. If I had given up on my hopes, I wouldn't have you"

"I don't think this is the same."

"It isn't, but it is." He says "And now I stroke my facial hair wisely and nod."

"It's fine. I'm fine. She's leaving tomorrow and then it'll be like she never visited at all."

"No. You'll have some good memories, of your adventure together. " He says "You both worked to do a good thing."

"Feh."

"A great thing" He says "You stole from a prodigal! you found out secrets that many sluagh would give a toe for. "

"Earl. please..."

"I'm just saying, folks have had sagas for less"

A shrug.

"I apologize for not feeling the right way about this, okay? I will try to amend."

"No.. no, that's.." He sighs 'Not what I meant. Please, don't feel like you have to put on a false face for me ever. I'm trying to make you feel better, yes, but you don't have to lie. Not to me."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Then we won't" He says and offers his hand "So Prague"

"When they get back." Arms folded tight, eyes on the water.

"Sure, whenever you like"

"Mmmph."

"I'm going to keep loving you no matter how put out or grumpy you are, so there" He says

"Please!"

"sorry" and he quiets. wishing he knew the right words