#earthrunes

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"Home again Home again, Jiggity Jig" Earl says as they return to Earth Runes, loaded down with a bit more than he expeected. But flush with glamour and new learning

Oh, but so much for Yule!

They've appeared in his Garret, so he can unload his paintings easier, but he knows it wont' stay here "Heading to the library soon?"

"Aye, to check on things. And I did promise Bronte a book."

"So you did" he smiles and leans down to kiss her "She'll be thrilled"

"I hope so."

"That dragon loves you. She'll remember you fondly when she's the size of a mountain and books are written by rabbits"

"So you say, Schmendrick."

"Hey, Bookwyrms dont 'own' quoting things" A wink "Go on."

A peck on the cheek, and she collects some books to take with her.

And soon she's on her way to the library. She is so eager she forgets to sneak, and some see her

"Hello, Miss Zara" Charity waves "Welcome back"

Curiousity rubs up against Zara's legs threatening to trip her

"Ah, hello..." She does a little jumpy-dance to avoid stumbling over the cat.

"And hello."

"Good to see you again" Charity says and scoops the cat up to spare her "I know you're a private person, but it just wasn't the same without you, though Squire Velvet did a fine job"

"I am glad to hear that - she is a very dedicated soul."

"Quite. Oh, Vasthi is hard to understand, but I think she wanted me to say .." She tries to quote 'MY paramour is foolishly bored" a shrug "whatever that means"

"Hm. I shall check on her.. or.. Miss Charity, may I beg a favor?"

"Of course" She says with a head bob

"If your duties take you near her workshop, could you please bid her visit the library? We could have tea."

"Vashti? Be happy to. She helped me make the most wonderful smoking jacket for Vince"

"My sister is an artist of the finest threads."

"She is. I'll go tell her right now. " And off she goes

And Zara continues to her library.

Her library awaits her , as lovely as ever

dimly lit.

The hinge on the door creeks just a bit

Fuss.

Wd-40 later.

And as she goes in.. she sees Velvet "Miss Zara, welcome back"

"Squire Velvet, greetings."

"How was your trip?"

"Wonderful! I trust all went well here?"

"All is quite well, thank you" She says "i'm glad you enjoyed your time away, though the ladies have missed you, as has Bronte."

"Well, I suppose it was a touch unfair to leave them out of the adventure..." She sets her bag down on the table, searching through its content.

A snufferling sound from high up above "Salutations!" As Bronte swoops down "That's my way of saying hello"

"Ah, for my most capable steward! My thanks, Velvet, for tending in my absence. This is a masala chai blend..." A little cloth bag that smells of black tea and rich spices.

"Darling!"

"Oh, how lovely" Squire Velvet says

"I thought it a fitting token of appreciation." Bronte gets scritches!

Bronte enjoys the scritches "Parting was such sweet sorrow"

"It was, I know."

"I do look forward to the tea, thank you. I shall save it for a special occasion" Velvet puts her hand over her heart "Pray forgive me, but I was hoping to stalk Tylar without him knowing for an hour"

"Ah, of utmost importance. Please, go and do well with it."

"I plan to" Pleased blush. Ah, young love. Zara remembers her early stalkings

and out she goes.

Bronte watches her go then says “Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons, with the greatest for the last.”

"She is a most promising shade."