#earthrunes

And he enters.

"Aye, love?"

She is curled up in her wingback, Bronte on her shoulder, sharing a book.

A smile at this scene crosses his features, He carries a small box of flower petals, lilies mostly, the last remnants of once living flowers, beautiful still. He sets it down in homage on the table, "These are from me. A small floral shop was going to throw these away and instead I...well, I salvaged what I could. But I have a message from August"

She lifts her eyes from the page. They crinkle at the corners in a smile, lighting up at the sight of her troll. "I love them. What of August?"

Earl scratches his chin, "it seemed a bit odd to me at the time, a touch cryptic until August, who was with Coradel at the time, became more direct. I asked what message he wanted passed on, and he said and I quote "Simply that I would be honored if she would find me and if we could have tea.""

"He did not say why," Earl adds, "But both he and Coradel inquired to your health. "

A blink. "Aye?"

"Well, a tea can certainly be arranged. I have discovered a lovely variety to introduce to him..."

"oh?" He takes another seat, a low chair but one strong enough to contain his size and bulk, still on the slim side for his kith he is neverthe less a troll "What sort if I may inquire? " His tone indicates he understands if she does not wish to tell. His lover holds her secrets at times with delight akin to a bookwyrm clutching a new novel

"Tis an earl grey, with lavender. It rounds out the bergamot nicely, I think, and pleases the nose. Coradel prefers spicier varieties - cardamom or clove. Hm. Mayhaps I should ponder that which would compliment them both."

"I wonder - perhaps some chai spices instead of lavender? Or orange..." She taps her chin. "Less floral, I think cinnamon either way..."

"I'm not sure if Coradel will be there for the tea," he admits, chagrinned "I should have made sure. The Lavender sounds lovely but I can see how you want it just right for the guests."

"I do have the chest, but a'times it is more enjoyable to do the work yourself, nu?"

"It is," He nods "Why I still prefer a brush when so much art is done by pixels. I am not, of course, speaking of that so called 'AI regurgitation'"

Earl maybe a troll, but in this disdain, he agrees with a nocker from Silverwolf.

"Feh!"

"And with tea, my dear, you are an artist" Shameless flattery

She preens, just a little.

He loves that. Touching her passions in ways that make his river goddess shine "I hope I haven't neglected you. I got caught up in some ideas that required direct sunlight for my latest painting and I didn't want to risk sunburn for you"

"I do not feel neglected. Besides, I have gotten to watch thee work, unaware of my eyes." Smug as a cat.

His jaw drops "But how ? I was in broad daylight and there was so little shade for..." Then he can't help it. He gives a soft laugh, curbing it's volume for her sake, but he cannot curb the pride and delight "I shall never escape you, and how I love that. I do hope you weren't sunburned though?"

"I am not. I have my means."

"This I should remember" Earl says "But do forgive my protectiveness. I would not have my river pearl singed. How was tea with your fellow sluagh the other day?"

"Enjoyable enough."

"Glad." He says "Oh, I don't know if you were informed. Clem was on her tri month mundane travel. "

A little squint. "Am I allowed to visit her openly, or must needs I simply check in on her?"

"Zara, Anyone telling you what you are 'allowed' should know better." Earl smiles "I have her motel adress if you'd like to visit her sometime before her week and a half is up."

"Fair. But... I would not wish to disrupt her needs."

"I can check on her without her ever knowing I have done so."

"That I have no doubt of, but with only two days left if you wanted to talk to her the family would have no object. It's the first week that matters most"

"Fair enough."

"She's actually in a motel in North Missouri"

A quirk of an eyebrow.

"Not far from Ottumwa, I know"

"Anyway, I was thinking of heading there for the last day's expiration?"

"Mm. I suppose."

Earl says "But that's for the future. For the now, how would you like to have a meal together tonight, at the witching hour? "

"I was thinking a picnic by your river ? Or perhaps on the roof of that old gothic building near the courthouse?"

"Mm."

He waits patiently

"Or... we could go to Prague... been a bit" Actually ideas flow, and the two can talk over quite a few further afield options before one is settled on

(Fade to date plans)