#debukefarmhold

Buck takes two steps back then, crosses his arms "No."

"No?" Clem blinks

"I want to see your Chieftainn side. I want to see your playful side. I want to see your healerr side. I want to know you," Buck points out "I want you to know me. I deserve a chance. " A breath "I hearby demand the boon of my name, and my service"

"Demand?" Clem's temper darkens "You don't get to demand one little part of me, Buck. And I will clean your clock if you..."

"A quest" he insists "I demand a quest. I have a right. I want a quest not to win you, but to have a CHANCE to win you, and you me, like the Dreaming allows. Love Conquers all. If we'rre not meant to be, let the Dreaming decide. " Buck stamps "Not your fear of being alone like yourr elders with only your duty for comfort and hurt over love lost. Isnn't that a saining traditionn, toggails too?"

Clem's eyes shift back to their usual blue. She's stunnned "Buck, Quests are DANGEROUS. If you ask this, I HAVE to give you a quest. A real one. A dangerous one maybe"

Buck gives an easy grin "Bring it"

"Arrogant son of a ...." A sigh "Please, Buck. Let's just end this. We admit it was a mistake and we move onn..."

"Rather. Eat. Dirt." His eyes narrow, his jaw sets

"Buck. I'm ORDERING you to rescind that request" She tries that... suddenly imaginng this JUST Sained Centaur in dangers

"And I am defying your order and sticking to it" Buck shrugs "So... do we take this to the elders and ask the Mountain what my rites are?"

"Clever pun Annd..." Realization "Unncle Emmit sent me here.. he's in on it.. my own family and friends are out to get me"

"Bit paranoid" buck suggests

"It's not paranoia if they really care about you" Clem snorts, not caring how POOKA that sounded

"Ahem" Buck states "My quest?"

Clem sighs "Go forth... Three fold is your mission- find something that helps the farm that no DeBuke would think to get but none can argue we need. Find a threat to the Farmhold and foil it, one no DeBuke knows. And.. I challenge you to finnd your REAL love"

Glamour flows about them

Buck looks at her, "That last is kind of chickenshit, Clem"

"The last is to keep more mistakes from being made" Clem snnorts

Buck says "And until I do?"

"Until you do? You're not allowed to return. Now, if you refuse the quest..."

"Accepted" Buck says "Let me get my things"

"You're not a centaur, you'e a MULE taur, subbornn as hell!" She snaps

Buck turns, then looks over his shoulder and gives her a lusty look "Come on, Clem. We BOTH know I'm no mule.. not where it counts"

Clem's cheeks blaze even as her blood heats from memory "go on, git! go find your real lady. You'll be begging for me to rescind the curse"

Buck trots onward

And Clem takes the jar... and hurls it into the wood ... anger is easierr than tears.. or guilt

(End Scene)