#earthrunes

(outside) " Yes, he will... Hiring Emma was... a good move on my part, even if I misunderstood the garden bit" Sheepish Then "I know you have reason to doubt, but if I could have spared him that pain or helped him before it happened. I would, and I'm... I'm sorry what you've been through when it must seem I wasn't going to be there as a friend in your time of hurt. I'm a very good steward, but maybe i need to work on that friend part again"

"Oh... aye! The library is wonderful. I am very proud of it, but most of the collection is from before my tenure."

"I hope to become a librarian mundanely, after college."

(Outside) "Oh...Delores..." she reaches to take the boggan's hand. "No. I know that was my first reaction, but...I was frightened, and I didn't know where to turn, and...I'm not used to feeling that way. I wasn't sure how you felt, and..." she trails off and shakes her head.

"Sounds peaceful," Karen says "I'm not sure what I want anymore, but I'm glad to have the options. "

"Indeed. Your life went head over heels, just a bit."

"I am fond of New York, but I have my biases. August would likely direct you to Pacifica."

(Outside) The boggan takes her hand "No, it's fair... I was... well. I understand." Delores says "I know you weren't alone. everyhone loves you here, and cares about you, but I should have been up at the front. I am so proud of finding you, to this day. It's the greatest thing I ever did for the dreaming. You know?"

Karen chuckles "No cheers for the gulf?"

"I am not overly knowledgeable about the gulf, truth."

"me neither ... maybe I'll sample ..." SHe smiles "Shame this isn't coastal country here. I could visit."

"Well - trods. But you must needs wait until you are sained to travel easily."

"yes, sorry about usuing your boyfriend like an Uber but he offered and.." A shrug

(Outside) A fond smile to Delores. "If you hadn't found me, where would I be? No, Delores, you have every right to be proud of that, and I am grateful. Thank you."

"Oh...I don't know if Zara told you...but I have asked Vashti, Zara's sister, to join the staff as dressmaker. She needs a place to put her talents to work, and she does have skills. But I don't want you to feel offended by this...?"

"Earl is kind, yes."

(Outside) "Well...you're welcome though I think we could trade thanks a few more times. " A news of the dress maker "Oh some girls will be a bit jealous of her and cry nepotism, but I'll yank them by their straps if they give too much lip. You know your fashion and if Vashti meets your standards she must be very good indeed. Look forward to work ing with her"

"Ah... he has this painting he's doing of you... is his stuf normally so..macabre?"

A wry smile and she nods. "My Earl is most gifted an artist, yes."

(Outside) A relieved smile. "Good. I'll especially want you to work with her when it comes to my wedding dress."

(Outside) Her eyes sparkle "THAT will be wonderful"

"he's good, but geeeez..." Karen says "Ooh wait, you said sluagh liked... right. You two are well matched"

(Outside) "Yes." Coradel is beaming now. "Of course, August will have to get completely well before we can really resume planning, but...he's doing so nicely already, I think it won't take long. Don't you agree?"

(Outside) "I know better than to underestimate the willpower of August Truthbranch, Knight of Liam."

(Outside) "He'll stubborn his way back to health, yes."

And Coradel goes quiet, gazing up again at the rainbow which is persisting even as the sky remains clear and the daylight shifts on towards evening.

While Zara and Karen talk over Earl's art style.... Delores outside takes her friend's hand "Yes, everything is going to be alive. Love fights, but in the end? Love wins"

(end Scene)