#earthrunes

Adam looks ill until a few moments after landing when his eyes open carefully. "You ok? Both of you?"

Nab slides out and hugs Adam "I'm okay. "

He hugs both of them, group hug.

"Whoa, that was an amzing date... didn't like the banality though" Alanza says "Okay if we pick up your car tomorrow?"

Nab seems a bit faded , whatever that banality was caused by it got to her even inside of Alanza

"Nab?"concerned, he check in with her, then answers Alanza. "No, that's cool but how are we getting back?"

"Knight's heart taxi, of course"

Nab says "i'm fine. Really. Or will be."

Adam closes his eyes and rests his forehead against Nab's "Here." he offers, calling to memory his dancing with Alanza, and how he'd hoped the night would end; the three of them, and a continuation of the public-safe foreplay that had begun.

And the Taxi pulls up, Alanza pays and opens the door for him and Nab

Adam hands Nab in first, then gets in, so he's betwen the two ladies in the back seat.

Adam gives the driver the destination. "EarthRunes Manor."

"You got it" And the guy drives them there without much complaint.

Alanza seems almost turned on by the gamble. Nab smiles and snuggles.

But Adam will be glad when they are safe in the hold

(End Scene)

Meanwhile, at the hold...

Zara... is fluttery.

the spiders are attentive. Does she wish them to catch prey for her? Blood can be soothing

"Have you any vanilla cake, Miss Delores? Could you, mayhaps, set some aside?"

"Aye, nay." She pets the spider on her shoulder. Blood will not do.

"As a matter of fact, we have some coconut cake that's this shy of stale already if you like?" The boggan says "Are you okay, Zara? "

"Oh, no, no.. I would very much wish white cake, please. I would like to wait for it.. ah.. a few weeks? Mayhaps with a rose-flavored icing..." A sigh.

"But I am fine, yes. I just.. it would be a deeply appreciated favor, for me."

"Only a slice would need to be saved for me, certainly..."

"I'll have it ready for you" She assures "Just as you like, rose flavored icing and all." A pause "Might I ask the occasion"

"Ah.. well.." She pinks. "Valentine's day is coming up..."

"Ah, of course" She says with a nod "And I know you don't like having the fact you're a romantic brought up but if I may say it looks good on you"

"Well.. it.. aye. It is a special day. Mayhaps the Fiona is rubbing off... and.. and, oh, Earl likes romance, of course..."

"Oh I'd say you've rubbed on the hold in return... and for it's betterment" The Steward says

"That is most kind, Delores. I... in truth, I do like it here."

"I'm glad. I've noticed the ladies , the wilders, have taken from borrowing ideas from books now. Did you know Leonora is considering arranging a garden party with the ladies in victorian dresses? The men are absolutely forbidden to show... so naturally the other half is the lads will be peeking behind bushes and over walls and one by oene, the ladies will vanish...lured away by the 'unsavory scoundrels'"

Zara smiles. "Oh, that is delightful!"

"Apparently it was an idea they got from a book or maybe more than one? You'd know better than I." She says with a smile "My point is, Leonora, while a bright girl, would never think of that without your contributions"

"I do try to curate a worthwhile collection, not a base one."

"And you've succeeded," Steward Delores says assuring "And become quite the source of knowledge to everyone on top of it. Minerva respects you greatly. And Veronica does also." A beat "I think Zing thinks your shadow might eat hers if htey cross but it's hard to tell with pooka"

That earns a sparkle. "Indeed? Oh, I must needs give her a good start. Perhaps a cucumber..."

"Oh yes. she might be yanking my chain but if I read the story right somehow she is sure that your shadow, not you, will try to eat HER shadow if in trudes on its territory." a pause "Have you been practicing autumn magics where she might have seen it?"

"I?" She bats her eyelashes, 'innocently' and with a touch of humor.

"Why Miss Zara, your kith may honor venerable crones, but there's a touch of young scamp to you"

She puts a finger to her lips and smiles.

The gesture is returned "Well, you do seem positively a glow these days.. as is Sir Earl."

"Well, my artist always has a glow about him. Tis Erato, hovering above, shining inspiration."

Fondly "He would say any glow he has but a reflection of his lady moon, in fact, he did"

Zara pinks again, looking ready to float off. "He would."

"I think I can make sure you get the cake for your special valentine..."

"I do very much appreciate it." She clasps her hands together, resisting the urge to twirl.

Delores says "Are there any other..decorations or materials you'd like along with the cake? "

"ah.. oh... "

"Oh, I should visit Vashti..."