#earthrunes

"Very generous." he reiterates.

A conspiratorial smile. "We shouldst start a letter-writing campaign to our respective Truehearts."

She pours August a cup of tea, and offers him some of the not-aged cake.

August -pinks- "Ah. Yes."

"Nay, tis safe! This is the fresh cake!"

"Of course it is! Of course!" he ... well, doesn't CRAM the cake in but he does take a mouthful.

It's quite delicious!

"Delores is an excellent baker. Not Mama, but excellent."

"Mmm!" he nods.

"Mama does not like that I am planning to move here."

"And oh, it is hard, nu?"

"Mmm...." he nods with sincere concern.

"I would be here, and also be between Mama and Papa and the Uncles."

"But I am far happier here than I was ever at the Hollow."

"Mmmm...." a slightly stretched but pleased smile.

"You have made house. How is it?"

OOC Made house?

(Set up residence w/Coradel)

OOC AH!

"Oh, ah... it's ... wonderful." Shyly "Would you and Earl consider coming to dinner?"

"Oh, certainly!"

"I'm ashamed we haven't offered before. I apologize."

He mentions an address in a nice, but not WEALTHY part of Jefferson City; a cul-de-sac, a little split-level. Modest.

"I could bring dessert?"

"We'd be honored."

"Excellent."

"I will find a date for dinner and we'll work something out?"

Zara nods. "Before or after we quest, I ask?"

"Ah. Erm. Well. I don't know." he ponders "Both?" hesitantly, but perhaps he's learned something from his Fiona associations.

That question earns an unguarded smile - showing her black gums, which is rare.

He smiles back at her.

"Both." he suggests firmly.

"Both it is."

He pauses a moment, nods. "I'll cook ahead."

"You are very accomodating."

"You have been my friend for the longest time; it is nothing."

"It is good that we have stuck together so."

"I am... very grateful we have."

"You have forgiven me much."

A little hand wave. "And have you not given me grace, also? That is what friends do."

A voice can be heard "Anyone interested in competing, the Miss Zara look alike contest will be in the main hall in ten minutes"

She raises an eyebrow.

"Shalimar."

A small procession of women (and some men) in gothic and victorian wear.. many wearing white wigs or dye jobs shuffle down the hall way... lead out of the library

"No." August looks...angry.

Angry.

"Oh, nay. Let us sneak and see?"

"Tis no harm, dear friend."

August... fumes. But nods acquiescence."

"Now, if they insisted upon my presence, or parading me, that would be different. But if I am to be a cryptid?"