#debukefarmhold

If one peeks out the library, one can see the newest addition to the farm, a strapping centaur with a blue stone gem on a leather necklace. The harness he has voluntarily put on presses against a masculine chest causing the signs of the male torso at work to stand out even more. The plow behind him carves deep into the soil turning the earth.

The library itself has had some guidance, Zara shuddered to notice that Victorian Romance had ended up in the history section but soon had Clem setting it to right. Clem has paused, peeking out the window at Buck, when she's supposed to be putting a book on the top shelf

"he's working out nicely here, nary a complaint about honest work, gentle to the young ones, likes the open space, and yet lest you think he's a door mat, he'll scuffle if he feels it's required"

Brow.

Still forgetting about that book, she's still holding and supposed to be putting up, "Of course some of the girls around here are making absolute fools of themselves finding excuses to be 'working' near him or asking if he needs help with this or that, or peeking around corners with their toes curled looking at him"

"Mm.."

That said, Zara may wonder if Clem's toes are flexing within her own boot, "So I imagine it'll be just a short amount of time before one of the ladies makes a play for him. He seems so nice to us all, I hope none of us are confusing polite kindness with romantic interest. "

"Aye?"

"Well, just the other day I was talking about the school being a bit over whelming, and he told me that he would be happy to fetch supplies from the otherside so I wouldn't have to and could focus on the kids. I nodded, and he came back with supplies, and some lemonade for me. I didn't even ask. Now, another woman might find that kind of extra kindness alluring, and take it all personal, but I've got Iowan sense. He's just being neighborly"

That brow creeps higher.

Good lord, will she EVER put that book at the top shelf?

"If thou wishest to be chased, you must needs draw the hunter's eye."

"Some of the young ones played a joke on him, told him one of the barns could only open to refrains from the Music man. He's not got the best voice" she chuckles "But not the worst, so there he was belting out Madame Librarian....... blushing. WHen he found out the childlings had played a trick on him, instead of getting sour he laughed, picked that kid up and tossed her into the air and caught her telling her she was a sneaky as a pooka and if she didn't like his singing it was on her" a smile crosses her lips "He's got a kind of rough and ready meets sweetheart attitude that.." A head turn "What?"

"A prey too well hid in the underbrush shall not ever draw lure." She shelves a book.

"Now Zara," Ahem "You ain't listening, I was talking about OTHER women on this farm making a fuss. Me I'm just glad he's a hard worker"

"Of course." Mildly.

"I got too many folks paying court to me, got an Eshu that's flattering as all get out, Cadman sends poetry, a pooka fellow who makes me laugh, A clurichaun who plays a really nice reel on his dulcimer.... I'm up to my ears in fellows. Why would I be wanting more? that's greedy."

"Ah, so the one who DOESN'T chase holds the most appeal."

A sputter and finally she puts up the book "Zara, that's crazy. You know how shallow that makes me sound? Besides, you know, I like warrior poets. And while he's sweet, kind, warm, hard working and yes good good looking, nothing poetic is in that centaur"

Brow.

"And I liked tragic, noble, untouchable Byronic heroes."

"Oh, Earl's close to all that" She waves it off and is glad to flip this round "He wears that fancy neckwear now and then, cravats or whatever"

"Tragic, untouchable? Nay. Rather than pining from afar, Earl saw me. If you wished a warrior poet, you need but open your hand and Cadman would fall into it." She taps her chin. "Aye, indeed. You wish not to be hunted."

"Zara, I'm chief, he's not even sained. I have power, he doesn't. Even if I wanted to chase him, would not be proper or honorable for me to do so"

She is purpling

"Feh."

"Self-sabotage is not flattering."

A huff "You mean to tell me if you saw some lady sluagh running a library of her own, and some unsained lad were assigned to assist, you'd be okay with her making moves on him despite her authority over him? Come on. It's not self sabataogue"

"He isn't a child."

"He still isn't sure who he is" Clem says, "Not really. He's as good as a lost lamb"

"And you think yourself a wolf?"

She eyebrows her "I feel like how ever i answer that you'll turn it around on me"

"Mm."

Zara hears it, but Clem doesn't. Hoof steps.

Looks like Buck is approaching the window

No need to interrupt nature's course!

"Now, Buck is a sweet heart, " Clem goes on to Zara, "And a fine figure of a man, very in tune, and he's good with kids and he's got just enough earthiness in him to keep him from seeming TOO Nice, but he is also under my care and protection and I will not take advantage of him" Clem mmphs

Buck's eyebrows raise as this he hears and he looks to Zara as if to see if she too is hearing this

A wry smile.

"Don't smirk at me, Zara, you say I want to do the hunting, but the last thing I'm going to do is stride up that fella and say 'Hey good looking, how about you and me go for a walk by the stream tonight, see what the moonlight drives us to?"

No sooner has Clem finished this when behind her, Buck says in his deep voice "Well, sounds like a plan. I'll go put the plow up, get cleaned off and see you tonight by the stream. 9's good for me, sun should be setting by then"

Surely, Zara doesn't look smug...

Oh no, yes she does.

Clem in an EFFORT of trollish willpower, turns without being entirely purple "Ah, BUCK i didn't see.. I mean, we were just... you misunderstand"

"Doesn't sound like a bad misunderstanding" Buck smiles, then waves to Zara "Nice to meet you, miss. I'm Buck."

Hand to her chest. "Zara. Hello."

"Miss Zara is one of my best friends..." Clem says

"Then doubly nice to meet you," Buck nods "So, Zara, you were right here. Did she or did she not talk about her and I taking a walk by the stream together? I might have misheard and am ready to accept that"

"S'truth. It sounds like a lovely plan."

Clem gives Zara a LOOK