#earthrunes

But does she brave the crowd?

The mannerisms of the one in the wing back are quite spot on, the body language of the Jane Eyre Zara doubly so

She whispers to a sister, sending Decem scuttling out for a closer look.

It takes but a moment, but Decem returns with a clue ("There is a rapier hidden within the Charlotte Bronte's outfit")

Sir Bachdion uses such but no, he is over there enjoying the show

Then again, the spider isn't ideal for taking a SNIFF

It looks like one or both of these two are impressing the judges. Some think Cantrips are cheating but... well, there you go.

"Ahem. " Squire Nelson goes up and hands a letter to the judges.

They seem intrigued

"It would appear Squire Velvet has sent her own entry into the contest.. and... mmm"

But Squire Velvet appears not to be there

some mutters of confusion until Nelson hands the next note over

They read it, and say "Runner up, the two cantripped ladies... but first place goes to Squire Velvet Shadecandle"

Very confused mutters

Of course!

The best Zara would be unseen!

And so it is! For Innish, the old Herald, reads the second note 'Dost thou see me there even though I am said to be there? No? Then I am properly impersonating Miss Zara, for the Zara thou art most likely to meet is the one who sees you when you see her not at all till she feels it needful- Respectfully, Squire Velvet Shadecandle'"

THAT gets head nods and ... soft claps, meant not to offend sluagh ears and chuckles do escape. It DOES make sense

Vince tuts a bit, playing at disappointment, even dabbing at his eyes with his tail tuft.

The Runners up get a collection of Some of Zara's favorite books (Too new however well made to really be something she wants)... and "As for our winner.. she and the birthday girl, not being seen, may claim their pr izes later. One to Squire Velvet for winning, the other to Miss Zara for allowing us to use her likeness for the evening. Miss Zara will get first dibs on which. Whever you are, happy birthday, Zara. We are loud, we are troublesome, and quite foolish, but we all adore you very much"

And the two gifts are antique book racks

Oooo.

Zara looks forward to it. But for now, she is going to keep an eye on the pair of ladies.

They do abandon acting like Zara but they still wear her form. They shake hands from folks congratulating them... and then...taking their prize make their exit to the halls

Wait.. nolw that they pass her by ,she makes out that scent.. one of them smells of the sea

Fiona.

The other? the scent is no clue

But easily remedied. She follows them

And soon hears them talking...

"Blast. thought we were a shoo in," Mmph from the Bronte looking Zara "So you want these books?"

"Pshaw, you think I been a friend to Zara this long and NOT had our library at the farm filled with 'the essentials'?" Ah ha, Clem in Elderform, it must be

"To be fair, the DeBuke ladies have good taste in literature. That was not my doing."

It is gratifying to watch a Fiona caught off guard, and a Chieftain Jump! Just a bit

"I'll be" Suddenly it's Clem in a Jane Eyre outfit as her elder form vanishes "You were there all the time"

Siv undoes her own immitation and then smiles "Good to see you, Zara. Happy Birthday"

"How could I miss it?"

Clem smiles "My own gift is on the pile in your library. It's from Buck too. " She adds

"How you and Earl doing?" Clem adds

"Good!"

Siv smiles wistfully at something... then says "I'm glad. Earl's outfit looks stylish by the way. Hope you don't mind Auntie Clem and I doing this as a duo?"

"Only were you to depart without a proper visit."

Siv look bit guilty "Well, duty at the lodge..."

"Well, you see the farm..." Clem weasels

Trolls.

"Feh!"

"Tis unlucky to spurn a witch on her birthday."