#debukefarmhold

Earl looks over to Zara to see what she'll ask for, curious.

"Now, you mentioned.... past lives? I myself find the subject fascinating. Mayhaps you could share one?"

"Oh my, some of them felt quite tawdry," He confesses "By circumstance more than behavior. One, I was born as a poor Appalachian hillbilly during the era of prohibition, in fact, i believe it was my last life right before this one. Most unseemly and hasty transition. I smuggled whiskey from the holler..." as he describes his accent thickens not the southern planter class, but the warble of those in the hollows of the hills "Got into a bit of a scuffle with the mafia over who could sell what"

"Ah, but do you not smuggle now?" She smiles. "Harmony."

"Past lives, like history, do not truly repeat, but they do rhyme" a nod "It was in part because of past life memories and research I found passage here. The trod from here to Chicago."

"Indeed?" She lightly drums her fingers against her cup. "I do think my last life is why I am a Schwartz. Or a Cohen, I suppose."

"oh , I am filled with interest as well, if it be not too intrusive?"

"I... I was in a resistance. Helping people cross borders - I had a river, for I always find a river - and I remember, in that life, rescuing a family. They were of the people, and treated me kindly and held onto their dignity. I admired them, and thought, perhaps, it would be a welcome path."

"That is a noble past life, if you do not mind me bordering on effusive," The older slaugh declares

"She's wonderful in every life" Earl comments

She pinks a bit, and reaches out to touch Earl's hand. "I had an artist, then. Across the river."

"How, extraordinary" The old sluagh smiles toothlessly "And fitting." Even his eyes cannot see or hear the trueheart's bird murmuring a happy song. Feathers have shifted again

"Indeed. I think... thrice?" She looks at Earl for confirmation.

Earl nods gently, "of course she may not know all her lives, who among us does? But they've all been quite respectable" In the victorian style of emphasis, her troll nods

A sly grin. "Well, maybe not quite...."

Earl blushes

A polite and reserved chuckle, "Well, we have all had our moments. I have learned much of past lives from others, and why I will not name names, one troll here at the farm, in a past life, ran and protected a house for soiled doves in a western town. Not as scandalous as it might be given the context of history, such places were at times basians of civilization on rough frontier areas. However, the troll in question will not speak of it and would be agghst if I dropped names"

Earl's brow shoots up "Well, my word. I'd not be so rude as to ask" Atimes, Earl simply does not have enough curiosity

"Pshaw. Tis naught to be ashamed of..."

"My very thought, Miss Zara," Mr. DeVere tuts "Why such places were , some times, the only places that could and would pay for the introductions of schools."

Earl looks surprised "Truly?"

"Indeed!"

"Oh yes, it varied of course, but it was in the interest of such establishments to civilize the populace" DeVere informs his son "They do not get enough credit"

"Aye." Sip.

Earl blushes, "I.. suppose. " Oh he and August both a bit priggish in their way

She nudges his foot with her toe.

And he blushes brighter then says "Pardon, I suppose I can be traditional"

"Quite all right, son, it is not MY Past life" A bit of humor in DeVere's tone

More tea is served

Earl is very patient, which is good, for the two sluagh have slipped into that 'zone' of peace and quiet that they often so enjoy

Then, time passes, and Mr. DEvere opens his mouth.

Thank God Earl thinks

And Mr. Devere then blows gently on the fresh cup and.. that's it

An excellent tea!

Zara's sense of impeccable timing tells her that it is NOW time to tend to paying respects to her father, Aaron

"Mister DeVere, thank you for the lovely time. I have obligations with my own father, so I must needs cut our time short..."

And Mr. Devere nods "Of course, This has been a most happy day, amazing tea, the best of company, but we grumps need time to recharge our social batteries? and mine are pleasantly depleted. Yes I thinnk I shall recluse for several days after this. Hermit like" Blissful, then he rises "Do give your family my genteel regards "

Zara splays a hand on her chest and bows over it. "But of course, greybeard."

Earl has that confused look , blissfully depleted? They hadn't talked for nnear an hour, but he rises and scoots Zara's seat, "We're glad you liked, father. Happy.. ah, brooding"

A tip of DeVere's hat, and Earl and Zara are off. Earl admits "Did.. he have a good time? He got so quiet after that conversation?"

"Oh, this was a most successful tea, aye."

"Just when I think I have your kith figured out" Earl blushes, "But then, that's as it should be. " A fond smile, he takes her hands...and they vanish to go to Scarsdale

(End Scene)