#debukefarmhold

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Kourtney nearly jumps out of her skin as Earl and Zara appear near the baledfire, something only a few can do.

The Hearth turns "Earl? Miss Zara? Didn't expect you here"

"Lady Hearth." A played hand over her heart, a symbol of respect.

The wilder gives a troll smile, which is rather quiet by non troll standards, at the kindness, "Well, please, let me get you both some hot tea... it's freezing all over Iowa and even our magics are only blunting it. Did you need the Chief?"

"The Mountain, though you and Miss Clementine might both appreciate tea."

"Well, we've been busy with Winter rescues here and there... had to save a Witch who nearly died in a snow storm when she lost sight and whammed a hill. Poor thing" The young Hearth then goes on "But fortunately both Chief AND Mountain are currently in. I'll get them for you."

"Lovely. You are a most polite hostess."

"If I stand tall, it is because I am on the shoulders of giants" She says humbly "I forgot who said that, but with trolls it fits pretty well. " She puts the tea on to do it right, and then steps out into the cold to go get the others. DEFINITELY nippy out there.

Earl watches Kourtney go, then looks at Zara "She's growing into the role well. Agnes would be proud"

Zara nods.

"She is well-mannered."

As with a troll smile, Earl knows the level of praise involved with that phrase.

Earl agrees, but also is aware of the intensity of the compliment.

Clem comes in wearing a thick wool coat, and high water proof boots, when she sees them, she gives a wolf smile of her own, "Well if it isn't my favorite cousin and his lady. Zara, when Kourtney told me you were here I was worried you would freeze. Glad you went straight to the fire"

"I like the cold. Sluagh are Slavic dreams, nu?"

Clem contimplates this "It's the thin frame that throws me off, begging your pardon. You're right, of course. Shouldn't judge a book by her cover and all. How ARE you two doing?"

Kourtney comes in, and says "mountain will be here in a moment. I'll go check that tea"

"Oh, well enough. Quiet little homebodies, us."

Earl nods, playing along "Haven't masterminded a crime in over a month"

deadpan

Clem chuckles "Must be torture."

There is a sound of wiping boots, and then Emmit comes in "I do believe this might be the biggest freeze in 15 years . " Zara heard him outside, of course, but even before then, she 'felt' his power. His naming mark

A harmonious note, one that makes a pleasing chord - teacher and student.

Emmit's eyes twinkle a bit with pleasure and pride "Well well, the Corrupter herself. " A look to Earl "And the corrupted"

Earl blushes a bit

Smile!

"Now Uncle Emmit, be nice. THese two don't visit near enough and we don't want to scare them off" Clem tuts

Kourtney comes in with a LOVELY tea set, with sluagh sensibilities in mind for there are signs of age and use. Light near cracks, worn spots.

"Here we go," The Hearth sets the tea and pours it

Quiet murmurs of appreciation, all proprieties honored.

Emmit says "I know this set. Belonged to Agnes good friend Delanora.... my my. I kept meaning to get it patched up"

"Would ruin the effect by sluagh standards, Uncle" Kourtney says "least from what I've tried to learn." She looks to Zara "That right?"

"Every chip and crack is a story. We are creatures of stories."

Hearth Kourtney looks pleased, "Glad I got it right then. Now you four catch up. I need to get more soup on"

"Oh - you aren't staying?"

"Well," The Hearth says "Folks need soup for the cold. Gonna have it delivered to some famliies without balefires... got a large kettle going, more than one actually. "

Clem nods "It's true. Neighbors practically trapped in the snow a few miles out. "

"Aye. Pray, forgive, I would not impose on a Hearth's duties despite the honor their company would bring."

"Another time" the Hearth says with a nod "The honor would be mutual. " And she slips back into the kitchen

Clem says "That girl is not afraid of work"

"Nay."

The tea is delicious, and Clem takes a sip, though she prefers coffee she's just happy its hot, "Now, what did you two need us for? Or is this purely social?"

"Oh, aye, tis a social call."

Earl arches a brow at that but gives nothing away.

"Well, that IS a delight" Mountain Emmit says "How are your studies, going, young lady?"

"Well enough- it has been more a matter of refinement, rather than power-seeking."

"The weather has encouraged quiet time at home."

"Refinement in the quiet sounds just like you," Emmit approves, "No doubt you're doing winter scene artwork, Earl?"

"Oh yes, snow monster devouring the guilty " Earl nods