#earthrunes

"How do you mean?"

"The ones who helped her? They were of the people, too."

"And.... that made you Zara?"

She shakes her head. "Wanting to... know more? They... we... are a people of study, of books..."

He nods. "I think I understand. The experiences of that life influence your actions in this one."

"Even where my soul landed, aye?"

"Yes.

"But there is much I do not know about her."

"No histories were written of her, no monuments..."

"There is this one." He taps the copy. "Someone wrote about her."

"Aye. She, herself." A smile.

"-She- wrote this? It's an autobiography?"

"Tis a diary."

"Ahhhh...." understanding. A faint smile. "Kind of sad I don't speak German."

"Oh, thou wouldst know all mine secrets!" A smile, lightly teasing.

A warm grin back. "I don't think that's possible. And, I would never -pry-.... but if you wrote it down to be found, well........."

"Aye. And I can simply hope Jude did not decipher it."

"Count Jude?"

"He sent it." A sigh.

"What a kind gesture!"

"...I think it was well-intended, aye."

Huff.

"You.... don't seem pleased?"

"I... do not like him knowing so much about me."

"It is personal. She is personal, aye?"

"Can he read German?"

"I would not be surprised."

"Oh." searching for a silver lining "I'm sure he'll behave like a gentleman with any information he finds, Zara."

Harrumph.

August stirs his tea.

"I'm sorry, Zara." quietly.

"Sorry?" Blink. "For what?"

"That such precious memories come to you with such conflict."

"Not even his moustache can steal my joy."

"And to have a copy in your hand? A gift, indeed."

August pinks lightly. "Thank you. It means a great deal to hear from you." sincerely.

Indeed, Zara has a piece of her past life history, and to be preserved by a master scribe.. who happens to be a friend. Yes. A triumph.

(fade)