#earthrunes

Tea was lovely, and Zara now has time to read the books if she wishes.

And if she asks, St Yves might have let her experiment with the Astrolabe and Mazer

While Zara appears to be distracted, a skunk slips into the library

And sniffs about at the new finds

Little black and white tail rising

"Trying to read the grown up books?"

The half-book has already been hidden.

The SKunk seems to gag, gasp, stagger back and die dramatically!

Why not? it works for Emma

To his credit, the skunk does a good job of looking dead. One could easily imagine him ready for Taxidermy

"You are very charming thus, Shalimar."

The skunk sneezes

and rolls over, goes unnder the table, and from there a voice cann be heard "One couldn't hlep but notice you've had a lot of tea. Aren't you worried about side effects?"

"I know how to pace myself."

"You have a tinking problem" He makes a tink noise, like spoon hittinng tea cup lightly "What kind of Law in Brother would I be if I didn't try to get you on the 13 step program?"

Zara is alert, ready to pluck at the threads of a cantrip before it can settle.

And yet, no Cantrip comes. Rather, the Pooka , nnnow with two legs, clambers out from under the table wiping his breaches

"So you see, the tea may be your end... you'll have no room for cake" He explains

"Is there cake?"

"Seven tiers" he nods

"What is the occaision?"

"I've no idea," he blushes "I just think tea does't go well with rice"

"...Ah?"

"Ah well " He hugs her "I forgive all the mean things you've done. Clean slate"

Blink.

....."OH!"

"When?"

"June first"

"It has happened, and I missed it?" Huff.

"Me too" he pats her "And 2022 comes but once a year"

The skunk has a stupid grin, not the shit eating or pleased with himself, just joyful

"I could make her a veil!"

"Damn, I was goinng to make her a bride. Think it will clash?"

"Nay, I shall make certain!"

He parts from he hug, smile still on his face "Methinks despite Sir Earl's best efforts.... she'll make a maiden of you"

"Oh, I do hope..."

"I shall depart, before your bouncer throws me out " He looks over at 1122 "The brute. Oh.. your sister might want to talk to you, about what I have NOOO idea"

"Aye, of course, I would welcome her readily..."

He bows "My factor wil call upon your factor"

and he slips out