#earthrunes

"As long as Coradel and she coordinate things, it seems to work." He says evenly as he finishes pouring and fixing and takes a seat.

"Good." A squint. "Ah! Read that one.. and that..."

"that house is very nice" Earl says "A bit modern for my tastes, but she should have many folks eager to consider it"

"I'd like it to be someone Fae, of course. Someone she gets along with."

"Safest. Well, definitely interview Doyle. He woudl respect her sexuality, I can assure you that much"

"I like it better now that it's been painted. Less cold, very pretty work..."

"Sparrow's good, very good, if she ever goes into the business like I have I could be in trouble " a grin

"You have very different styles." August assures Earl.

"Your styles are very different, I think."

A pause, and a tentative smile. "Jinx?"

A quick flash of a grin at they speak almost in unison. "Jinx."

A laugh "You both owe each other a tea"

"And we do have different styles. I actually know a few contacts that would love to help her if she ever wants to get started"

"You're a good person, Earl..."

"We've been trying to get her a gallery showing, actually."

"Why I can certainly help with that," earl says "The gallery I got my first start. It's not big, but they're quite friendly to new artists"

A smile to Zara, he glows a bit under her praise

"If you can help, Earl, I'd love to have it." Sincerely.

She sips her tea.

"Seems like possible. Things may come up, but I can certainly give her contact information and recommend her. I do like her work. Gerd in Rivervale adores the Rikki Tikki Tavi she did."

"Gerd has very discerning tastes." A chuckle.

A sip of his tea, "Trolls do have good taste" A glance to Zara, then a sip again

"Yes." Softly. He takes a drink of tea.

"...Aye."

Another Sip.

August clears his throat. "So, ah, what's new with you guys?"

"Applying to colleges."

"Pondering a move" A sip "oh,Clem's a chieftain now"

said proudly

"Which ones?" Excited for Zara's new adventure, then turning to Earl. "Please give my best to Clem?"

"I will" he says and sips.

"Well, the expected - Cornell, of course. Harvard, Yale. Vassar and Wellesley..."

"UMKC..."

"Would you be happy at any of those?"

"Columbia and Barnard are in the city..." She frowns. "They are quite large."

"I'm going to go visiting. See them for myself."

"You're looking at UMKC?" Surprise.

"...Aye. It's close to Firnost."

"And here."

"True."

"But...." A sigh. "I don't know."

"Purchase or the city would be the two closest options. Columbia is an Ivy..."

August shifts in his seat, starts to reach but doesn't. "What, ah, what are your priorities? What's important in your decision?"

Earl looks thoughtfully into his cup.

"Well, I need to go to a good school."

"I just... oh... I... I worry." She frowns. "I had... difficulties... at school. The light and the noise and the girls..."

"I know." Gently.

"There are on-line college classes."

"which ever choice you decide is best for you, I'll support you, " Earl says "But which one has smaller classes?"

"Aye...."