#earthrunes

"I do not wish ill on the Count, nor for him to be poorly treated."

"But, well..." A shrug.

"The Hollows is too important to Apples, too close to Tara Nar and other centers of power, to be common-owned." August says quietly.

"Goblin Town is also near."

"Exactly my point."

"And it runs well. There are more nockers at the Hollow than any other kith..."

"The farm does pretty well without the feudal system, not perfect, but well" Earl adds

Clearly, poor August is the only non modernist in this crowd

"But I suppose we shall see."

"I suppose we shall."

Earl says "August.. I got you something too"

"That is VERY kind of you, Earl, but I don't need...."

"You and Coradel deserve something... so while i didn't name names, I asked for a commission "

"I'm sure it's lovely. I think she is in the stables just now...."

"We won't bother her , you can show her later if you like. Let me go get it"

"Ah." August nods.

Earl heads off to fetch..what ever it is

"Mine Love seems to have turned into the Passover Bunny."

"That isn't a thing, is it?"

"No, it is not."

Meanwhile, in the garden.. a gathering of rabbits has a conversation "The jackals tried to kill us in Egypt. They failed. We're alive. Let's eat"

"But tis Passover. And is there not a chocolate rabbit?"

Earl returns "Sorry about that." He has a box

August looks at Earl critically. "The ears seem to lack something." As he takes the box.

"Mm. Mayhaps."

"The beard nears rabbi, were it not blond."

"I'm sorry?" earl says confused

And the box is openeed. There's a wonderful music box. In it, small figurines in the shape of August and Coradel await their dance

"Naught." She kisses him, the spot where his jaw meets his ear.

Earl basks in the kiss

"That is a pretty thing."

"Yes, if you and Coradel put a bit of your own glamour in there, it makes a dance out of your moods and feelings I'm told" he tells August

"Ah. This is very thoughtful, Earl. Thank you." he says sincerely. "I am certain Coradel will be most touched, as I am."

"You're welcome. I hope so. You deserve more"

A soft smile. "I did not take action for reward. I'm sure none of us did."

"No, it was..." He glances at Zara "An Adventure" then smiles "And a good cause"

"It was."

(In the garden ) "The wolves tried to kill us in Germany, the putzs...we survived.. let's eat"

Earl says "Oh pass over .. not sure why I thought of thatj ust now" A look to his trueheart "Zara love, my evenings are yours. We're going to your folks?"

"Aye, Mama made a brisket."

"I like her briskets" he admits

"I'll leave you to make your plans. Thank you again, Earl. Zara, a pleasure as always." softly.

"Have a great easter when you do, August" he says

"I will, thank you." and he nods and walks away.

Earl watches him go then looks at Zara "It's odd. I'm nnot sure why he's loyal to the Count.. I mean, he says the count does right by Alabaster Hollow and the County but.. I don't know"

"Feh."

"August supports the system, as it is. And in that system..." She shrugs.

"Despite how it treated him" A shake of his head "I guess the farmhold has it's flaws too but I think Scarsdale could learn a little from it"

"Agreed. The Uncles seem not to mind, so long as they can work without having to deal with much else."

"From what I hear, ratchet stomped on grumbling by his apprentices about the Count. I wonder if he's a traditionalist or just pragmatic?"