#earthrunes

Earl is bruised. His skin discolored by marks of training.

And he sits by the fire and closes his eyes

He feels better as he rises. It's time to talk to someone.

And so earl looks for Zara or Coradel, whichever comes first

And lo and behold, there's Coradel, wearing a gravity-defying sundress. "Ah, I see you're awake. You were out like a light before. Now, where'd all those lovely bruises come from?"

"Dame Temerity has been giving me a few lessons in melee. Though she pouted wheen I told her I was never ever jousting" he says "Baroness, you're the second woman I hoped to find.. please don't be offended, the first is my lady, but I did want to ask you something"

"Oh? Well, if you've sufficiently recovered, let's walk and you can ask."

He walks along "With colleges near frozen, or working remotely, Zara, well, I think you're aware she loves her library here?"

"Of course she does. It started out a splendid library, and she's made it even better. It never feels quite right when she's not in there."

"She would be flattered to hear you say that I suspect. " he nods "She enjoys her bedroom too, it's very tasteful. " A thought "I am a knight errant. And I'm grateful for your tolerating me . But unless Zara telsl me other wise, this appears to be... at least a part time living space to us.. maybe even the primary one. "

Coradel looks at him curiously. "Not that other place, where Vassar is?"

"Actually, she has several places." He says "One can't pin her down and I think she would resent it if I tried. But there are times she needs privacy. It is not rejection, it's part of her being a sluagh..so her bedroom ah.." A blush "there are times she needs it just to herself."

It may occur to the Baroness that shes' not sure EARL ever got a room of his own, a regular one

"Oh...oh! You truly are errant, aren't you? You don't have a space of your own!" She smiles. "I know how important it is for August to have his study. Well, let me speak with Delores, I'm sure we can arrange something. Honestly, you should have pointed this out to me sooner. Trolls!" She sighs. "Now, would you like a space that's strictly for sleeping, or something more fit to also function as a studio for your painting?"

"Well, I already enjoy the gallery room so that's not a must .." Tempted though clearly "So a room to sleep in would be welcome... And I didn't mention it because I didn't want to be a problem" He says with a light blush.

"Mostly I just want one near Zara while still respecting her privacy"

"A problem? Sir, you have never been that, and I don't see that you're about to become one, either. You art has inspired and enlivened us all, and without you nearby I fear Miss Zara would wither. Clearly, you have value here. So...I think, perhaps, we might find a spot with north-facing windows, maybe overlooking that little bend in the river...?" A bit of a tease.

"She would love th-" A cough "That would be terribly kind. I'll be happy to produce a painting every month or so to help pay my way"

"Oh, no, that sounds like churning out factory work to satisfy a debt!" She shakes her head. "No no no, never that. However, any art that you feel inspired to donate would be very welcome. Now...I wonder...are you doing much musing, Sir?"

"With mortals? Not so much of late" he admits "The art galleras and so on being closed dont' help but I've never been terribly social. Sparrow's the one with the gift for lighting dreamers up with lessons in art. I guess my own art tends more towards selfish moments of my own. truthfully, that's one reason I adore Zara. She is my muse, and yet also the one I want to share what I create with most."

"Well...I understand, and I'm not suggesting anything so burdensome as taking on students or such. But I would like to you go out from time to time and see if you can find a moment of mortal artistry that you can casually encourage, even a little bit. Consider it a favor." A lovely smile.

"Seems more tahn reasonable. thank you. Should I ask delores which room later then? "

"I'll go speak with her now. I'm sure she'll find you when the room is ready." She pats him lightly on the arm, then takes her leave.

He smiles as she goes. She is mesmerizing, but more than that, she has a truly generous heart

And he ponders when to tell Zara where to find him. She won't like it if she can't hover watching me when she wants

(Hours later)

And Earl peeks into the library

Zara, deep in a book.

"Good book?" he asks softly

"...ah?" Mildly startled, but then a smile. "Love."

"Forgive. I shouldn't intrude when you're ingrosed, but I thought I should tell you if you need me, I'll be in my new room."

Blink.

"...new room?"

She rises. book set aside.

"mmmm mmm . thought you should know" Almost casually

"New room - of thine own?"

A gentle smile "The only reason it's locked is because I thought you might enjoy conquering it. And no, never just mine. But I know you sometimes, sometimes mind you, need a little privacy and the library doesn't always provide that here. So when you want or need that, I have some where to sleep. Would you like to see it?"

"Aye!" She reaches for his hand.

He takes hers in turn. And gives a soft squeeze guiding her. "Should I unlock it with the key, or would you like to conquer it ?"

"You may unlock it... this time..."

"There are stairs" he says as if apologizing "It's something ..further up"

"There would be no thrill to it now. Nay. Of course, some future time, when you are in slumber, unsuspecting..."

"And so helpless" He nods "Yes, we trolls are alert by nature, I hope a worthy challenge though little contest for a lady of such delicate footing" They move to a door, and he unlocks it, and those doors lead to a set of stairs. Old, little used.

And up they go further. It's big enough for Earl but he must hunch just a bit. For Zara it is quite spaciious, but still manages to feel slightly closed in by it's design. Which might appeal

This area feels more Eiluned than FionA

"Mmm.." Pleased.

And then another door, a black oak frame. An old style lock and..he opens it "See, technically two locks if i so wished" A wink knowing this is hardly worth mentioning as not a threat. They are at least a floor higher. And opens to reveal not just a room for sleeping, but one for art.

In fact, it is an artist's garret !

"Oh... oh, tis a garret!"

"Why look, the beams... aye, and cobwebs..."