#earthrunes

"Mm.."

but there is in faded print on the cover the words Erotic Tales- Imaginated with a note (Please add glamour)

Ye gads. They've branched out?

She pulls out the book. "Really?"

On the inside of it she reads 'Brought to you by Imaginated Publishing'

"Oh, so it is."

She has a good guess what will happen if she puts glamour into it. Those blank pages will fill, she presumes with only a few pictures or drawing if any, and mostly prose.

But is it tolerable prose?

And after it's done, does she want it near Bronte?

"Hm."

Some sneaking later, and the book finds its way to Vince's bedside table.

Oh yes. Yet more surprises when he returns

She settles back into her library and finds a single black rose and tea prepared just how she likes it. There is a note there

"Busy day." She reads.

He cannot be far!

A little smile.

Yes, perhaps he's in the gallery painting now, and while he paints ,she can enjoy tea and her books

"Mmm..."

If he is painting...

She takes her tea and searches.

And she finds the art gallery, empty, but there is fresh paint on a canvas the paint does not have a painting, but rather words painted on it Oysters have them, and in them pearls maybe fashioned

She tilts her head.

"Ah!"

To her bedroom!

She opens it, and sees candles, she smells more tea, a set? And...there is Earl... with paints... and nude, well, mostly. He has a loin cloth, and he is painting over his own heart, harder than it looks. He glances up, for a moment, just a moment, probably worried someone else had opened the door leading to great embarrasment in him...

are those body paints?

Body painting and tea.

Well.

"Oh! was I early?"

"Not.. really" A blush "In fact, you're just in time to 'write' your name over my heart?" He offers the brush

"Ahhh... well, I am known to claim things."

"Mm. Mess." She eyes the wet paints, and sets the cup of tea to the side.

"I did change the sheets to something less cheerished, though Charity still won't be thrilled when she sees these"

"Mm. Naughty, yes." She unties the bow at her neck before delicately undoing the buttons of her blouse.

His eyes are riveted to the display.

And good thing the door is shut behind her. Only the thing wisp of a candle shows her pale form as it is revealed.

"So paint first, or tea?" His voice catches with admiration still fresh

"Paint, methinks." The silken blouse drops to the floor, followed by her skirt.

"Me thinks such a canvas will be the finest I ever get to touch."

"Verity." She alights on the bed and straddles the recumbent troll.

He kisses her, and hands her the brush so she might inscribe upon his heart.

And the candle flickers as sole witness to tonight's artistic venture.

Zara places the brush back in his hand, prefering to paint with her fingertips - a cool touch behind each stroke of color.

His heart beat dances under her cool and skilled brushing.

(Fade to black)