#debukefarmhold

"Well, the cookies do have a way of appearing."

"Must be Da'an" Clem nods again

Earl, normally empathic, perceptive, and so on... seems to accept this unquestioning "I guess so. Da'an is an odd thing"

A looonggggg look at Clem.

Clem has put on her BESTEST troll stoic mask..only, some of that pleased with herself escapes her eyes.

"Mm-hmm."

"How IS Hearth Agnes?" Clem asks "I mean, I realize Dreaming stuff can be hazy..but is she.. she okay? She was a sidhe for a time"

"Aye, it seemed it was a rather drastic change for her. We attempted to bring her home, but.. ah.. went a bit astray with the flicker flash."

"Wards" Earl says "Wards and sidhe"

"Oh, of course," Clem winces "Damn. Hadn't thought of that. You folks didn't go any place too dangerous?"

"Well, the Dreaming. Time passes differently. But no, we were not harmed."

"And I got a book!"

"Well," Clem says, "That's a victory to be sure"

Bronte is now sniffing at Zara's bags

"Weird, but Hearth Agnes seems to have a lot of her old stamina back now" Earl explains "And, I think yes, Da'an taught her a bit about sidhe by letting her be one"

"Aye. She was rather upset about a... chidling?"

"Oh my" Clem says "Yes, she was a bit ..blunt with a childling sidhe girl."

"She might be wanting to apologize now" Earl says

"Anything else about your adventure that you folks can remember and want to share?" Clem asks

"Mmm.."

"There was... a lonely god" Earl sighs

"Pardon?" Clem blinks

"It's hard to explain" Earl says "We'll probably forget all about him soon"

From the kitchen, the radio begins to play "Angel of the morning"

"Though I hope not!"

Clem raises a brow "mmm didn't think Sally Mae was that big a juice newton fan..."

Sally Mae comes out looking tired "I'm not But then I didn't turn it on" She sees Earl and Zara, and gives Earl a hug "Hey you, where were you when everything was crazy?"

"With my best lady" He says surprised by the hug, then "Sally mae you look exhausted"

She ddoes have bags under her eyes

"Have you eaten? Slept?" Fuss.

"I nibbled" Sally Mae says and yawns "And don't worry, I'll be heading to Rivervale and going to sleep. The Hearth is back and already gave me what for"

"Alright then."

"Here, a trip to the dfreaming has me.. plenty juiced on glamour" Earl says "Got your stuff?"

"I do.. oh, thanks, Earl." She says "I appreciate it." And a smile "Good to see you again, Zara. Gerd says hello"

"Please, pass along my good tidings!"

"I will." She looks at Earl "Beam me up, Scotty"

"I think you just took my bunk" He says but mimes moving a federation controller

and she vanishes

Clem watches her go "There was a time I really didn't like her"

"We've all grown up a bit, I think."

"That we have" Clem admits "Though it was fun being a pooka for a bit."

"I mean, I got to play. Odd that" Clem says with a smile

"You let yourself."

"Yes yes" Clem says "Sylvi being Chief Pro tem gave me an excuse or two. Now, you two aren't hungry"

"We're fine!"

"But, hopefully you'll stick around so Eloise and DeVere can talk to Earl?" She says "I can show Bronte our meager but growing book collection"

"...Ah. Aye."

Earl says "I'll.. I'll go seek them out" He kisses Zara "I'll be okay"

"I'll go with you. Did your mother know?"

He nods