#earthrunes

"Well, cats do like trees. But what will Isis Say?"

"Oh, something about still being the queen."

"Good point"

Earl relents "I guess Curiosity knows good people"

"Oh, I think she is still fond of thee."

"Mayhaps August needs a kitten more?"

"I think you're right... he needs Curiosity more than I do" Earl whispers "And she'll still obviously talk to us." Earl wonders if what she means he needs a brand new kitten but no way is he going to encourage an invasion of critters. The rumors of the Rivervale invasion are still a warning to the DeBukes who are more..practical about their animals.

"I think we should leave them be..."

"Hello.... yes... ok, do I smell right? Yes....."

"...if we are quiet, he might not notice..."

Earl smirks at that, then whispers "I'm telling you, Curiosity is a fume junkie. Paints, inks... that cat's going to lose brain cells if she's not careful"

August does NOT smell right, not yet, Curiosity must rub her muzzle on his fingers until he is appropriately and sufficiently claimed.

"Ok, you tell me what you need....these fingers? Yes, ok....."

Earl slowly backs up taking Zara's lead

They slip out to the hallway. Zara is wearing that expression again.

Out in the hallway, Earl looks at her, "Penny for that thought?"

"I'm fine."

"Yes. I've heard that word before," A brow "I think we differ in definition..." he squeezes her hand "I am here."

Reassuring, and offering himself, his ear

"I wish to go home."

A thought then "I think I see- and you are thinking over what home, and where, home is."

She closes her eyes, distress leaking through her expression.

"It's okay," He says , a soft whisper "There's no shame in loving a place or a people and feeling your heart is there. None. You can even love more than one place, or live at one but not consider it your true place of joy... discovering where your heart is tied to most is part of the great adventure, and my lady is great at adventures. "

"I fear I may have fumbled."

"How so?"

"That I have lost, aye? I thought... " She frowns.

"Time. All things end."

"Lost what? August? He is still your friend and still cares for you." Assurance "your spot here? Velvet is decent, but she yields to you as the mistress of the library and her better. "

She looks back, frowning.

"I wish to go home. I shall take the trod."

"Scarsdale? Or Poughkeepsie?" He says seeing her close up like a fan and wondering how to help.

Her face twists, and she curls her hands.

A realization, "August did seem distracted. A shame. His loss."

"It matters naught."

"Of course it matters, you were speaking to him and he grazed. " A stroke of her hand "I think if he realized how rude he was he'd feel bad, but that doesn't help you feel better now. "

"What does he care? It matters naught, here."

"I... Scarsdale. I am going to Scarsdale."

"Oh, Zara, he cares, and it matters becaue you matter. I think he was distracted by more than a kitten, I do not say that to excuse him but to explain him. " A nod then "Let's go to Scarsdale. Unless you prefer to go alone? I know sometimes you need space "

She falters. "Would it hurt thee?"

"No. " he says "And I mean it. There was a time I misunderstood.. took it too personally, but I know that you love me so much you try to put on your best face, and sometimes.. one just needs to ...feel free to show othersides. I want you to be safe , open with showing even your vulnerability to me, but that is seflishness, it is more important that you have freedom to do that, either alone, or...maybe with your mama" Knowingly "I will not be hurt. Not when I know you seek healing in what way is best for you"

She kisses his hand, and nods. "Aye."

A smile reassuring

And she's off, retreating to the garden and the trods home.

Earl watches her going. It was no bluster. He trusts Hannah to help, and knows he cannot be all things to all people

Not even the woman he loves. She goes to heal. That is enough

-----

Earl for his part, paints in the gallery at Earth Runes.

The door to it isn't closed.

"No, now, no, come back......" Curiosity dashes in, followed by August ".....that's not yours!!" The cat carries a quill pen.

An amused look.