#debukefarmhold

"Oh, yes, shame on you for falling for the bad boy type like him" a bit of a snort "Girl, if I didn't love you myself so much I'd give you what for for once more intruding on our ways and rites, some of which as Mountain I'm supposed to be in charge of. But well, can't ever say you're heart isn't in the right place"

And he gives her shoulder a gentle pat

"I can swear that I acted out of nothing but care for Agnes and the Farm, nu?"

"One day you're going to case a landslide for love's ssake, and wonder how things got so messy" he warns wagging a big blue finger

"Oh, almost certainly!"

"And for love's sake, would it not be worthwhile?"

"Depends on who it buries and how bad the harm is" he says with experience "But you'll probably have to learn by doing I suppose"

"I suppose."

"Besides, I'm an old oathed lady now. Very boring."

"Oh you're worse that those hens at the DeBuke Book Club now mmm?" He shakes his head "All fussing and clucking over exciting romances and such when I happen to know for a fact it's not that bad for em. Sides, we've established you MAKE trouble when you feel a lack"

"Suppose you'll have to find ways to get our new hearth into trouble while she's still young. You and Gerd"

"Well, I do have a title to uphold..."

"was a critique, and an observation, not a challenge" A wink

"Too late!"

"I was trying to be all firm and even a bit mad with you, but... I can't do it. If Agnes is happy, well, good." He rises "Back to the wake for me. You'll get your inheiratnace soon. Morning if you like"

And Zara slips back to find Earl waiting for her while memories float to the sky