#debukefarmhold

"no, we can't use the usual skillets... they're jewish and the bacon grease might carry on, at least in their minds..."

"Any of them Jewish Light? " One DeBuke helping the hearth asks

"It's a faith, not a type of pop!" The Hearth hurumphs

And yes, the cooking of Midwest Cuisine ala Kosher continues

*********

the kiss done, the two find themselves near the creek.

Near the farm . "Yes, we could have appeared among them but I know you feel about spectacles"

"Aye. No need to create such a tsuris." She laces her fingers with his.

He gives a soft squeeze, "Yes, that comes later." Half joking.

"Well, you have experienced all of them at once..."

"Methinks thine family knows not what they are in for."

They enter into the farm grounds, and Earl winces. "Clearly they're trying... perhaps too hard"

A banner with the star of david has been put up with the words "WELCOME TO ZARA'S KIN! SHALOM and HOWDY!"

A quiet little facepalm.

A long suffering trollish sigh

"They mean well."

"That should be on our family crest" he says as they go in.

Murray greets them "The stars of the show," He looks Zara over, then to earl, "So you two did the deed? Oathing, I mean?"

"Hi, Storm," Earl says "And yes, Zara and I are Truehearts. Ah, about the banner?"

"Not my idea" The storm confeses, "I thought it was overboard, but it wsnn't a defense matter so I got over ruled."

"Feh. Who knows, the nockers might like it."

"Well, your kinfolk aren't here yet," Murray says "But then you guys are a bit earlier than we expected. Go on in" he looks at Zara again "Welcome to our family. You can't say you didn't get warning signs."

"THANK you, Storm" Earl says and starts to move past with Zara's hand in his.

"True that." Wry smile.

tall midwestern types begin to pop out of the fields like flowers in spring. Thankfully, trolls don't rush folks too much, buts like having a odd escort that doesn't follow you but rather just lets the next squad take over.

However, it is Mr. DeVere, who almost sneaks up on Zara and Earl.. his years have not dulled his soft footed ness.

A whisper "Forgive the intrusion. I could not help but to try to approach you before the louder taller folk finally worked up to crowd you- in their way. Young Zara, Earl my boy," A tip of hat, "You both look charming. I know you do not need my blessing, but... if I may offer it?"

"I would welcome it." Zara smiles.

"My blessing upon you, a secret is yours no other can quite know, O lady of my kith. A strength is in you, O Son of this land, that no other troll will quite draw upon," DeVere says "May your adventures be a testament to the love between you, and learn tears shared burn less, while triumphs shared are greater still"

He speaks of the secret and strength that is the oath between them, of course, and afer it is given, the grump smiles toothlessly, then adds "Zara, you have explained to Earl as a trueheart to a slaugh lass there are expectations, yes?"

"Yes, I know about the garret imprisonment " earl says "And we've talked about enroaching madness, just enough for dignity's sake"

Zara pinks but smiles.

Then laughs.

"Good good." Mr. Devere smiles, then says "You'll find the crowds stagggered, in their attempts not to rush you all at once, tthouggh it may still feel like a gauntlet. There will be many 'welcome to the family' talk to you, Miss Zara but they have been told by the Chieftain not to rush you en masse. The Mountain has told me to tell you if you need an excuse for space, pull on your left ear lobe and he will 'suddenly' need your assitance for a matter of magic"

A quirk of her grey lips. "A kindness. Truly it.. it is a lot of fuss, for an Oathing..."

"Oh my dear, trolls take trueheart oaths even of others serriously and joyfully" Mr. Devere says and guides them a bit further in

Bronte swoops ahead - out for a trip! Maybe there are NEW books here?

1122, meanwhile, is off to woo Charlotte...

"Hey, there you are!" Sally Mae comes out and gives Earl a hug, "We've got quite the meal for you two." Then she turns to see Zara "Zara, we don' know each other well but you're getting a hug."

"Ah." Blink. "Aye."

Bronte smells new books like others smell Kugels!

AND... loud voices might be heard .. as Cohens, Schwartzes and HImmelfarbs arrive

And so, the bookwyrm is off on a quest. And Zara sighs, though it is one tinged with as much fondness as frustration. "My family is here."

"Both of them" Sally Mae says, and gives that hug briefly, then with a bit of sympathy she says "Welcome to hell"

"Sally mae" Earl gasps

"She understands."

"I think I do" sally mae says, and says "I'm going to play decoy" And she flounces towards the uncles

"Oh dear..."

.... who enter bickering and LADEN with kugel.

There's a sweet AND a savory version in both regular and Zara forms.