#earthrunes

She smiles, "And sassy."

"Yes. She would have valued that, My Lady."

Leo squeezes Adam's hand and nods

"She was both, and more."

And they sit in fond silence, unless anybody brings up any other memories.

Adam has nothing more to say. He is mourning.

If no others comment, Coradel lets the silence draw out for another ten minutes. But then she rises from her chair. "Come. It is time to clear this away and prepare for the coming of the brand and our Imbolc celebrations." She waves over a boggan to clear away the chairs as they rise and depart.

And they do

Coradel hugs each in turn. Adam and Zane get kisses on their cheeks. Leonora and Bachdion get slightly more tender kisses on the lips. Then Coradel excuses herself first saying, "Adam, I'd like to speak with you further, perhaps tomorrow, about your new experience in the fae realms." Then she's away to see to other business.

Zane smiles at the kiss "Oh, permission to spend the night here? I.. I'm a bit low on glamour, Barones"

"Of course, Zane, granted," Coradel says easily.

"As you wish, My Lady." He bows.

"Thank you" Zane bows too

And Coradel is gone. Their chairs have been removed, so they cannot linger in somber silence by the balefire. They needs must find something else to do.

"Come on, Adam" Leonora takes his arm "Let's dance. I think we should "

Elsewhere, Zara and Earl emerge from the garret. The door is encrusted with a thick tapestry of climbing roses, the deep red blooms bright despite the winter season.

Earl beams , hardly troll stoic at all

"Thank you, Dame... but I have other time to spend. Zane....."

"You want to dance with me instead? Poor choice, but sure I'm game" Zane jokes

"Nah. You guys enjoy."

Leonnora stiffens a bi

bit*

Zara is wearing her spider-silk gown, and has flowers woven into her hair that glow softly - like she has captured tiny candles inside them. "Come, let us see the crafts ere it grows raucous."

Bachdion says "Allow me," And he takes Leonora's hand "If you'll have me, dear lady"

"Why thank you, Sir" She says "Another time, Zane, Adam" And she goes off

Adam withdraws....

Earl smiles and walks with her and they move to the crafts. Oh and there are so many. Vashti's own lay out is extravagant , gowns, garments of all sorts

Zara's is near her sister's, tucked away - a delicate white lace collar on a black form. Her entry card holds the dedication - 'For Ruth.'

Vashti says "Ah ,the scene stealers" A pleased look, "Here sister, a scarf for cold times you might be interested in?" And a scarf if is, patterned to look like a bed of certain flowers that have been blooming in the library. Why, the material even carries the scent

"Oh, Vashti outshone herself this year." Admiration. "See? She wove lions into the silk... ah! Sister!"

She smiles and takes it, bringing it to her face to drink deeply of the scent. "Oh, I have no gift to equal this..."

"I know, It is my hope I bankrupt thy paramour" Smug

"How much," Earl says reaching into his pocket

"Just hold my seat for me" She says "As was agreed? Box Six Six Six?" A brow

"Box Six Six Six?" Earl looks at Zara

"Aye. Shh."

Vashti looks faux demure

And motions for Zara to take the scarf

Zara does so.

"Though I think Coradel may have.. ah... guessed..."

"Ah" earl realizes what's going on. And then says "Well, no hope for it. Might as well shout it to rooftops" he inhales as if to do so

"No!"

"We can be forthright after, aye... but..."

And his inhale is lost in a soft laugh and he picks her up and holds her "forgive me love" And he does whisper "Sometimes I DO want to shout it, but yes, after"

"And aye. A'times.. oh, it goes against my very nature! And I wish it were the ides already."

"Let emperors shiver, the Ides are friends to lovers" He whispers

Other sales go about... in one corner, there's Kylie, and.. she proves to more social than most nockers "Jewels, Gems, glittering and sparkling, subltel and spectacular! You want it, you can have it! Gents, buy your lady an echo of the beauty you see in her furking eyes! Ladies, your man could wear your birthstone as you lay your claim on the meathead you love! It's romantic, it's just in time for V day! Don't be a putz! BUY one ,show you care!"

Zara DOES go to look at the jewelry...

"Zara, hey, " She says "Just the lady I hoped to see. I got a selection you and Velvet and Ivanka might like. A special gothic sampling you might furking say" She slides one box over (THough there are others) and inside it