#debukefarmhold

He sits up and squints, alert.

"And that's why the equation can be done both ways"

And the chimera lands nearby, majestic, and seems to be searching about

"Sally Mae, there's a gryphon outside......."

And that does it.. EVERYONE goes to the window

Sally Mae says "Folks, please, stay insideuntil we find out if it's a dangerous chimera or a friendly one. Gryphons can be dumb beasts but others talk and are as smart as you and me"

"I'll do it!" Adam charges for the door.

"Adam that's not what i.." And out Adam goes

Once outside he slows a little, cautious but brave, and approaches.

And the Gryphon flutters up staring at him with eagle eyes

He offers a slight bow but keeps his eyes on the chimera.

"You are a mannerly groundling, I shall give you that" The Chimera speaks in a voice like Micheal Dorn

Adam's eyes light as it talks. "May I ask what brings you here?"

"You may ask" A flicker of amusement, "No that is cheap humor I suppose. I am- seeking."

"Seeking what? I mean, maybe I can help."

"Someone." he twists his head "Has the farm fallen then to a Noble at last, son of Sidhe?"

he seems, sad

"No. I'm a student here."

"A ..student?" A pause "How long have I been gone?"

"I don't know." Respectfully; it's a big creature. "The year is 2020."

"So THIS is the year of profoundly stupid calamity. I wondered" He sighs and looks about "A school though. That is.. something positive. Is Agnes DeBuke still Hearth here?"

"Yeah, it sure is. I... I think so. I can ask the teacher; she'd know."

"I think that will not be needed. Here come your protectors. What is your name ?"

"Adam Thomas. What's yours?"

"Storm Rider.. a name which causes some sighs among troll circles. " The Gryphon says

"Uh, yeah. I can see why."

"Indeed. "

"Your business?" Murray, Storm of the hold says "And away from the boy"

"Adam came to me. A brave enough fellow, perhaps less the boy and more the would be hero, but I have not come here to fight, but seek out Hearth Agnes. She will know me as Stormrider."

"I will take you to her" Murray grunts "Follow. But no tricks"

"Tricks are for ravens" The Gryphon says loftily

Adam isn't invited and doesn't try to follow. He just watches as they walk away; his expression does express some disappointment.

And as the creature brushes by with a nod, Adam fights a sigh, then he sees it. A white feather

on the ground

as the Griffon and Murray enter the farm proper

"Uh, you dropped this....." Adam tries giving it back.

"Adam" Sally Mae says "Back to class, now, please" she SAYS please, but really, in teacher talk? the please is silent

or at least merely a courtesy, not a qualifier of option

"But he dropped this." Adam turns and shows her.

"I should take it to him."

"Mmm we'll give it to him later. For now you hold onto it, but come into class. I'm indanger of losing the rest of them" She says

"Yes, ma'am." He'd clearly rather do anything but.......yet he obeys.

"Thank you" She says, and she does sound grateful

Back inside, back to it.

In the distance, a Giant Ant carries, with delicacy, Jack Flap back inside

Adam drops back into his seat, and his attention is immediately elsewhere but at least he's not disruptive.

"Dude? What was it like?" Zane whispers "The Gryphon I mean?"

"Huh? Oh, cool." Adam whispers back. "Name's Stormrider. Here to see the Hearth."

"Storm..rider?" Zane snerks

Adam finally snerks too; he'd been holding that in.