#earthrunes

"How are you handling the crowds, my hind" Earl asks Zara

"Mostly by hiding. They are very kind, but they are also.. ah... many?"

"Didst thou see the bust?"

"No" Earl says, then looks to August "Did you?"

"I believe tis from Vince. Come." She pulls on Earl's hand to lead him to the Jane Austen statuette.

He goes in, and grins , wolf teeth flashing "That is awesome. Your choice love, but I think you should keep it"

Today, it is wearing a rather rakish hat that seems to be from Coradel's collection.

Zara tweaks the hat's angle with a smile. "Aye."

"Very jaunty" The troll approves. his own outfit is a bit on the dapper side, in honor of the day mostly, though his fashion sense has only gotten better with time (and Vashti supplying him things) and he often dresses in older period styles that he knows his Trueheart favors

August tags along to see.

"Take a look, August, isn't it great?" He points at the Jane Austen Bust in the library, with one of Coradel's hats on it

"Ah. Yes. Very... ah.... as you said, jaunty."

The Baron has some of the commoners about nod to him, a few bow, but most know he doesn't like that save at formal functions

He nods respectfully in return.

Charity sees him "Need me to get you anything to drink, Baron ,Sir... Birthday girl?" The boggan smiles

"No, thank you." he murmurs.

"I'm good, thanks, Charity" Earl adds, then looks at Zara

Pink!

"Ah - tea? And is there, perchance, any old cake about?"

"Actually yes, do you like seed cake ? Steward Delores said she had some she left out a week ago just for this even, but she also has , of course, your birthday cake.. we made a 'non refined' birthday cake for the rest of us" A smile

"Seed cake?"

"I am intrigued."

"I'll go get it" she says and hurries off

The seed cake and tea are brought out for Zara. Folks clear a path as Charity says "Pardon me" "one side" "Move it" and finally gets to the clear area that folks are respecting for Zara. "here you go Victorian style Caraway seed cake... properly timed"

Then she adds "I don't know WHAT inspires the kitchen staff. Where do they get their ideas? " Having served the offerings, she leans casually against the 4th wall

"Ahhh.... " August clears his throat "I beg your pardon, Earl, but.... Zara, when you have a moment, I would value a word privately."

"Aye?"

"Yes. When you have time."

"Not a problem" Earl says "Should I portal passage you two a way to the next room to avoid the crowds?" He's not offended

"Oh, I can navigate my own library."

"Sorry love" He looks sheepish

She pecks his cheek. "Nay. No need."

He blushes "I'll leave you two to talk for a bit"

"Thank you." he murmurs, casting about to see how many people will overhear the conversation.

There seems to be a 'no more than one or two people in Zara's five foot space' rule going on. But Zara no doubt can lead him further back. Perhaps using the bust as a barrier/marker

Zara finds a nice quiet place in the back stacks.

Earl will even redirect traffic away from the two while he stays respectful distance

"Happy birthday, Zara." he offers, first.

Zara quietly lights up. "Thank you, August."

"I have a small token.... I'll drop it by later."

"But... you brought me a lovely present already?"

"It's nothing." with a smile.

"Zara, Coradel and I were wondering if you'd be interested in, ah, taking a small adventure with us."

"...aye? It seems I have not gone on an adventure in some time, truly."

"I know. There was talk, some time ago, of a book of Liam; a journal by the King himself. Just rumors, but...."

"A lost book, you say?"

"Liam was a noted scholar, of course."

A pause. "Bronte will likely insist on accompanying us."

"I wanted to extend the invitation to you, but of course if there's anyone you'd like to invite you are more than welcome to. Bronte included." he says with a shy smile.

"Have you ever tried denying her a book?" Amused.