#earthrunes

"All boyfriends must learn this sacrifice. It is known."

"It is known" She lets a smile slip, then "if they are lucky, we may lean against them or prop our feet up as they serve cushion like. They may , of course, read at the same time, and are encouraged to do so"

"Exactly. I will often read or knit as Earl paints. It is a lovely companionable silence."

"Oh, Wudlig is a good guy but still a nocker and sometimes when he reads he just starts to argue when a writer hands the idiot ball over to a character." Fond tolerance "Well, I don't have to tell you about nockers and their opinions"

A soft rattle of almost-laughter. As close as a whisper comes. "Oh, aye."

"oh, speaking of Earl.." She says "I saw his latest work ..the lastest public one I should say.. the woman turning into spiders as a man was trying to..." A pause as she raelizes little ears are still around "Mug her... wonderful... the look of terror on his face as she becomes the swarm. Chilling and thrilled. "

A fond smile. "My love has a refined aesthetic, aye."

"he says you're his muse" She says softly "I can see it." And a glance about "And of course he has these lovely models to work with"

A smile. "The sisters have been a welcome addition."

"I know it's very unwitchy, but I admit, I have become a dog person. Edwelwiess is wise beyond her breed"

"Feh - do not let media dictate. Familiars may be of any species."

"True, and the Old Gytrash was ever a woman's friend, even if oft times a strange man's end"

"Oh, aye! Good reference."

"of course, Edwelweis is of a oposite hue.. but as I like snow furred dogs it works out. But I'm rambling rudely by sluagh standards. " she inclines her head "is there something you would know of ? No doubt you're in the epiicenter of pride for Sparrow's latest exploits so that's not news to you."

"Tell me of Rivervale, nu? I hear rumors - and now, one of our grumps has put on a much younger face. There is a story there."

"oh, you ask for something of greater price than you know." She frowns with concern "And yet, the result is there for all to see. Perhaps if I leave off some names?"

She nods.

"There in was a great quest, a key reformed, not one of metal, each piece seized by might, or guile, or kindness, but two sent forth by the hand that broke the key brought its pieces back. From laughing madness, and a foray into a pocket of the land of the morning calm where unwelcome thunders rove, and then to clash with prodigals, only to slide to the ring of blood to face feather and scale. Finally, having gone without, they searched with in... and at last all pieces to the key were assembled and brought to the keeper there of."

Gerd sips her tea "And yet, the tale is still not done."

"So Va-.. ahem, one organized a quest."

A blush "Yes. And forgive me. We have a skald, two of them in fact, and I'm sure they blanche at some my clumsy metaphors... but I must try" She continues "The key to Tir Nog' light was found... and thus did the keeper go to blood that is not blood, and beseech her to accept it's glow. But she who must not be named was as steadfast to her place in the wheel as a troll.. crowns cut you know? And... but the keeper was a man of vision, and more over, so where those on the journey . Seek out the Wilting Willow in Grass they said, if the first rejects. And, along he came to Earth Runes. A blessing that will not occur again in this century if ever was given to one who was a stranger to him, but dear to another. And the keeper remarked that it was fitting, for somethings born of selfish affection are better suited to generous kindness of another who hurts for a crushing wheel on thier loved one. The rest? I suspect you have guessed."

She nods.

"The Healer despaired, a fear that crushes, not one that delights. This is a change, and a radical one - but the benefactor should know that that fear has eased, and pain has been replaced by hope."

"Why, it could almost make me feel like spring." Sip.

"Ah, well, I fear the Keeper is intrusive" She admits, "And a bit of a twit at times, not so much for his lame jokes but for his feeling he does not make enough of a difference. Despite the good he's done."

She looks concerned

"It can be difficult. So, perhaps news of the opossum's joy would be a balm?"

"I shall pass it on, and perhaps bull him to get to know the recipeient better as well. " A smile "Well, now you know, probably more than I told, about the story. I hope this passes as proper manners for tea on my part?"

"Quite."

"Thank you" She says "I've tried to learn. Lily is one of Connor's best friends so there's another reason to branch out my interkth manners" A smile "And Lily is a treat. She does seem to enjoy startling folks."

"Oh, Lily is delightful! She comes here from time to time, to see her mother."

"How's her mother doing?"

"Poetry, and magical study. Good progress in both."

"Good to hear. She vanished from teaching the farm for a bit, then came back. "

"You know LILY?" His eyes WIDE.

"You DO know everyone!" Looking up from his sandwiches. They were AWFULLY good.

Licking his fingers clean, then realizing and using the napkin. "Can I open it now please PLEASE please please?"

Already looking about ready to chew on the corner of the wrapped package. "It sniffs... like..." He looks at Zara and slowly grins. "I know what yooouuuu did."

A smirk

Blink. "What did I do? Yes, you may open it..."

He grins. "I only know because I'm stalking you." He taps his nose, and opens the present!

A moment. "Oh.. ah, well. Guilty."

"Forgiven!" His tail wags. "But next time, feed the Gruncher before you give out socks, or everyone will be sad again. It's okay thought. Enri and Dogmar fixed things."

"The Gruncher? Is that what happened? I couldn't... well... my thanks to Enri and Dogmar, then."

"He wasn't that tough after all. And now he'll only take a... a tribute? Of the oldest holiest socks. And the fresh ones will be safe."

Leaning in, he confides in a loud stage whisper, "Someone hit him with a MOP!"

"Oh my!"

"Gruncher?"

"Now, you won't be telling my secret, will you? It would ruin the surprise."

He shakes his head, nods, and covers his mouth. "Sealed with a key."