#earthrunes

"Mmm " Earl lays a single rose down at the grave site, "No sign of a ghost. Good. She seemed the sort of lady who deserved a ... happy ending"

"Aye..."

He turns to take Zara's hand, "Carnival went well, I thought. Though I was worried August was going to 'kill doom'" A tisk "Sidhe can be so protective, not sensible like we trolls"

A faint snerk.

"How would you like to spend the evening?"

"Mm.."

Her writing the past month has been on a tear, and if the villains in this latest effort resemble a certain Varich group, well, that's on them for making such villains

So many chapters!

"We could visit Clem and Buck, you could sip tea and gloat over the cup" He says "Or, we could whisk to New York City to see the sites and the sights. Or if you don't feel like going out, I can watch you write while I paint."

"Well, I do like our special time together..."

"What ever you like" He gives her hand a squeeze "Though, tomorrow, we might be at a bit of a crisis. Purim and St. Patrick's day on the same day?" Indeed, it's the 16th of March, and that does raise the question for tomorrow if one can do a reading of the megillah in an Irish accent while wearing green, or will that ire the family?

"Mmmm, hamantaschen."

"We could dye them green?"

"Huh, why not?" He nods "Are we going to Scarsdale tomorrow?"

"Aye."

"I think Green hamantaschen would be a fine gift. I hope your dad likes that wine from the Jewish store, custom made, that I got him but always good to double up" A smile then "Oh, we need to get something for Tizzy too. Not wine, of course, but food or drink gifts are part of it right?" Hope he hasn't got this holiday mixed up

"Right. Though Tizzy is old enough for a little Purim wine..."

"You're going to spoil her," But he smiles

and then gets curious "Wait, how old were you when you first got a little purim wine?" Curious

"Feh. She deserves it."

"Mm. Twelve."

"Did they decide it was time, or did you fuss with curiosity until they broke down? " His eyes dance with gentle humor

"Mmm. It is tradition."

"Of course," He kisses her hand "And a grand tradition it is, you having your way. Let's head back to Earth Runes for now then. We have emerald hamantaschen to prepare."

"Aye. You know, the Irish have aught in common with my people..."

"Pretty harsh but proud histories, scattered diaspora, hope for a restored homeland... " A nod " I can see some similarities. But can you riverdance?"

"....No."

"That's okay, I prefer to waltz by moonlight anyway" he walks with her, as they head back

As they move, she sees figures out of the corner of her eye in another part of the graveyard

An idle glance?

A woman in some exceptionally lovely garments.. wait, not just a woman... a ghost

and stepping out of the mist, a fellow, so far beneath her in class as to be tangible... and yet her eyes light up, as the ghost of the man joins her

Zara smiles, pleased.

Earl notices her slowing "What is it?" He pauses

he cannot see...cannot hear

But she can

"You've returned to me, Sean" she rises "For another St Patrick's eve?"

"Tis not that that's special about it, and you know it, Ruth me dear" His brogue has lilt even past the shroud "Tis the night you and I defied all."

"And lost all" She moves to him, taking his hands. Gazing up into his eyes "No Irish need apply.." She almost spits the phrase

Zara tangles her fingers with Earl's as she listens to the drama.

"Particularly for a daughter of a fine family, I know, but ... I'd try again if we did it again," He pulls her in closer, "Hell will not have me, and heaven is no heaven without you. One night a year to dance with the woman I love? oh, aye, a bargain"

She leans against him "When I danced with you the first time, I found myself. Hold me close. We're no longer warm, but I remember the warmth. Make me imagine myself warm again. "

"Aye, Ruth" He nuzzles and they start to dance, "There we are you see, once more, behind the club. The music plays, all elegant, and there I am, with dirty boots, out on the back porch... I washed me hands, thank goodness at least. "

Earl is silent, and enjoys Zara, unaware that another is holding his lady close and she him

Ruth sways with him "I was a mess, tears down my face. I thought I was never going to see you again... and then, there you were"

"A mess? Oh, neer, not in y our power, lass. You sparkle in joy, you shine in tears, tis naught in you that's ugly" Sean assures

"Can you hear the music?" he goes on, "Twas it a violin, or a viola?"

"Both" She says "Both... I remember" she smiles "And a piano"