#earthrunes

"So... perhaps some kind of trickery, where he does not realize too early that he is happy?"

"After all, to be a friend and boon companion... aye, tis safe. Change is good, but change can be frightening..."

"Even if it's a change you really want"

A sigh!

August smiles softly and sets his empty cup down. "Thank you both so much for the tea and company."

"Oh, you're welcome, August. I think it's wonderful the good work you're doing"

"Agreed."

Music plays in the hallways

"Thank you. That means the world to me." Sincerely.

"Do let us know if we can aid."

A nod

"I will." He smiles at both, nods a bow, and slips out.

Once August is passed, and too quiet for Zara to hear the words, Gideon and some boggans sing quietly again " There's something happening here, what it is isn't very clear. There's a couple with their tea over there, they're floating around in the air. I said stop, Boggans what's that sound? Looks like something romantic is going down"

Yet they don't care - nope, canoodling is happening!

And happily so

Earl holds her hand, sips tea with the other, and sighs happily "Imbolc will be nice. Not as wonderful as Carnivale, of course, but pleasant"

"The question is - Valentines is during Carnival, long form... or do we wait for Tuesday?"

"Oh my, I hadn't considered" He ponders

"...Vashti knows."

"Pooka have a way."

"Ruthless little fuzzy ones" He says symapthetically "Or in her case is it dusty one? At least she's more discreet"

A pause "Unless she talks to Shallimar"

"She is."

"...I think she cares for me, aye?"

A pause. "She wants to come. Would you want a witness?"

"Clementine, or August?"

"Of course she does. You saved her, and gave her family she can trust" At the comment of who "Mmm Zara, we are both private people, but you more so than I. I.. I could crow to the roof tops about it , or hold it close like a decanter of the purest water in a desert . What witnesses do you want, my love? If you don't, they'll understand"

"Or, as we planned... the spiders, and Bronte... what is it that would please thee most?"

"I may not be able to stop Vashti..."

"But, truth, I want it to be our little world, aye, for the Oathing itself. Then we may let it slip."

"Then just Bronte, the spiders, and... if Vashti should sneak in, we forgive her," He kisses her hand "Fair?"

Zara nods. "Fair."

"And if we want to prank Vashti, we hint its on one night, then do it on another."

A bit of humor

A soft rattle, amused.

"She'll forggive you, and allow you a fair chance to rescue me as a courtesy"

"Well, she is helping me with some odds and ends."

"And thee... thou wouldst wear thine purple coat? With the velvet lapels?" She traces her fingertips along his chest.

"I would, and it's a grand choice. "

"Tis my favorite."

"And to think, thee was a time I wore the same outfit just about every other day. Long sky blue shirt button up, and blue jeans. Which was fine if a bit..ah.. well"

"Oh, thou couldst wear nothing at all and I would delight in it." An impish grin.

And her paramour purples delightfully at his ear tips "Let's not go too native for the ceremony.." then he whispers quieter still "Besides, I know how much you enjoy unwrapping" Oh he blushes more, but still a wicked gleam

Zara pinks, but laughs.

And her chuffing laugh delights him.

"I shall take my time. Savor it. Oh... part of me would do it now."

"You know and I feel that urge, but we both also know the sweet sauce of anticipation"

"Aye. Tis a most delicious agony."

"Oh yes" he sighs happily

She has claimed his lap, and is snuggled against his chest. "A fortnight and change. We are strong, we two."