#earthrunes

The Reverend certainly looks put out, in part on behalf of the Professor's dismay.

"Monster" can be heard in the crowd

Mr. Boddy goes on, "To the one who solves the murder, all these books become theirs! Now a certain birthday lass, who I will not name, will have gifts aplenty I am sure. But anyone of you, anyone, might win this collection. We only ask that while the books maybe yours, you leave them at the Earth RUnes library under managment of a trusted librarian when you're not reading them yourselves. BUT that is optional" a look to the profesor "Still, it is a pleasure ot say a book is 'yours' isn't it? " A wink

Miss Scarlet is momentarily tempted to point out that the library at EarthRunes actually belongs to a certain baroness, but...she sips her wine instead.

"I could USE more coasters...." Colonel Mustard muses.

Zara nods! Oh, it matters.

Wadworth over hears Mustard, and sighs "Oh when will the cycle of hatred stop?"

but he grins at the lion anyway

He twists the ends of his mustache in a diabolical manner!

"Stepping on my sthick there, Mustard" Boddy poiints out, but smiles "Anyway, shortly I'll be dead . We'll begin then. We can take a bit longer for tea and chat if folks prefer?"

"Tea?" She sips a bit more of her wine. "Tastes odd for tea."

"Well, not all have the palate for it." She gently jibes.

A bit of a snide look at the Professor...followed by a little hint of a grin.

Wadworth suggests to Scarlet "They're trying to get you drunk to rig the game, Miss Scarlet."

A shy smile back at Cor-... Miss Scarlet.

Mrs Peacock says "I think we'll wait a bit longer, Mister Boddy. Reverend Green is in contemplation"

Likely the good Rev has his own views on the books, and is admiring his wi.. Miss Scarlet

"They can try," she replies to Wadsworth.

A brief recess in action, Zara gets to observe her dear friends chattering about her, without pestering her too much, though each pays a quiet respect.

Clem/Peacock tells her "I was against this at first, wearing this thing, but when I Saw it... well" She admits sheepishly to Zara "Just look at it. Anyway, not that she's open boasting, but this whole Clue thing was Vashti's idea. "

Zara quietly claps her fingertips. "How wonderful. I would never have imagined this amusement, nu?"

"It is clever" Clem admits "I know I'm supposed to stay in character, but happy birthday to you, Zara." Then with a friend's knowledge of what a friend wants to hear "I do believe you do look just a wee bit crone-ier today"

The Reverend does, indeed, sip his tea, balancing the cup and saucer carefully and looking just a tad nervous.

"Oh, my dear friend! Such fine praise!"

"Reverend, do you find the tea and company satisfactory?"

"Very much so, yes." he says quietly "Happiest of Days, Zara." he breaks character to say that.

"It really is!" She lights up, bright as a full moon.

And he glows slightly at that, reflecting her own joy.

"All of my favorite people are here."

"Will you be visiting Scarsdale?"

Zara nods. "We had planned to celebrate slightly late, on the weekend."

"You deserve to be celebrated."

Zara pinks. "Ah..."

"I.. pray, I am most glad for thine Trueheart, and for Vince."

"I... am glad for them, too." a bit puzzled.

"Refill?" SIv/Yvette asks "Happy Birthday, Zara.. I mean, Professor." The girl used to be the shy fiona, probably still is, but her display of big blue assets bothers her not at all

Might alarm the Reverend

Zara nods at the pair, with Vince making a show and Coradel returning it with equal flair!

"They most admirably fill the spotlight."

"I am glad you could join us, Miss Yvette."

August got to know Siv during her fostering into House Fiona, and her father is his own House Brother... but the outfit, and her stuffed into it,
definitely alarms him.

"Ah." Zara clarifies her comment and August nods "Yes. They do." with fondness for Vince, and something stronger as his eyes linger on Coradel.

"I might be tempted to hurt Shaillar for tricking me into this get up, but I look good . Besides," An amused look to the corner where Mrs. White is having a WORD With Wadsworth. "That's Vashti's job . Glad I got to be here" She curtseys and goes about serving drinks

August clears his throat softly, and sips his tea.

Miss Scarlet laughs lightly at something the Colonel says, then catches August's glance and gives him a very warm look in return.

She gets a shy smile in return.

"This is delightful." Zara confesses.

"Perhaps Mister Boddy should live so we can stretch it out forever." Mrs. Peacock teases "Mind you, the farm might protest"

"Oh, nay. He must perish. Coasters!" An indignant sniff!

"I'm shocked you haven't garroted him already, Professor."