#debukefarmhold

A cup of tea with fresh cream and plenty of sugar for the dragon to sip, as Zara whispers stories of hares and foxes.

"I think largely it's also bad timing," Earl says "But it's clear he misses his friends."

"I don't know. I tried speaking to him, but... he was not very interested."

"It's hard to tell with August sometimes. He can get a bit focused on whatever problem has come up for him most recently and... he's almost trollish when it comes to missing subtle." Earl says

The bookwyrm cuddles and sips her tea as the story went on.

"He does miss things, aye."

"Feeling better, Darling?"

A wordless head bob

"I suggest she doesnt talk for a day at least."

That from Earl

"Fear not silence. It may heal."

A soft sigh from the dragonling.

but she's resigned.

Earl says "I think the fact she managed it shows a growth in her maturity"

"Mayhaps, but I wish she hadn't been hurt." A kiss on the dragon's head.

The Bookwyrm warms at the attention.

"Well, August couldn't know she'd get frustrated enough to strain."

"Aye."

"Let me know when you want to go to Earth Runes. " Earl says.

Sigh. "I know not."

Then, "Write him a letter?" Earl says

A huff.

"Are you still mad at him?" Earl raises a brow at the huff

"Not... mad, no."

"Sad."

"If he's reaching out to you, doesn't that show he wants to close the distance anew? Re-strengthen the friendship?" Earl says

A shrug, disenheartened.

He strokes her face, "Okay. I won't push. But given I once worried, a long time ago now , that I might lose you to him, I find it ironic I'm fighting to preserve your mutual friendship . I think you will be happier if we can keep this friendship strong. And I want you happy." A light kiss, then "But I know pressing will only make you feel bad so I won't. Just know I'll help."

"I should not be so melancholy."

"Of course you should. You miss your friend, you have concerns on how best to approach and repair or if you will feel ignored again, you have concerns about family, always, and you have a sick Bookwyrm. This is the perfect time for melancholy musings."

Said not in mockery, but quite sincere understandings

"I myself have been melancholy for far less than that."

"Why, sometimes, I get sad because I feel you've rushed off to Bergen, had tea, returned, and I didn't even notice"

"You were painting."

"Like I said, 'far less reason" A smile though

"Aye."

"Went well?"

"It did. A fledge."

"You realize, you're taking elder duties. Why at this rate, you'll be near wizened by thirty five"

He says it in a flattering tone.

"If only!"

"Well, I will love you even if, heaven forbid, you stay supple and sleek until your sixties"

"The shanda!"

"If it comes to that, you'll dress in layers" A nod "Vashti will hook you up"

"Aye, she would."

"Now, want to see what I painted?"

"Oh!"

And he takes her hand, kisses it, and guides her to see.

(End scene)