#earthrunes

Earl works his craft in the art gallery. Rather enjoying this one. No colors at all, but that's fine.

It's a bit gruesome. That's fine too.

He ponders a name for it... and for now, decides the working title is Uninvited Guest

Then his phone gets a text. He looks surprised, and .. with his work done, reads.

And frowns.

Then he texts back, almost frantically.

"What vexes thee, Hunter-mine?"

"Apparently a company is claiming I made an art piece for them using A.I." he looks over at his love

"Well, that is clearly nonsense. Are they trying to deny payment?"

"Yes, and will not be doing business with me in the future." A frown "I don't understand. I never touch that AI stuff. I"m not ignorant of tech, but I don't utilize it. I prefer brush to pixel"

"Aye, and surely you have your original."

"What AI wields a brush?"

"I do. I mean, I can prove it. I just... the accusation," He is still a troll, and honor , even when they're unseelie at least pride, is a factor

"I would not dignify this calumny with an email - nay, I would send a Letter, with all of the force of ink and paper and word. Give them one fair warning ere legal steps be taken. Do they think you some easy mark, to bully and libel?"

"You think it's deliberate, rather than a mistake on their part?" He inquires

"This seems a tactic, aye. Cheap mamzers."

"Only problem is i don't have a lawyer." he ponders

"Feh. We know lawyers."

"And we certainly have the money to pay for one. August might be too nice... but oh, when he is defending the honor of a friend?"

"I would not wish to receive the brandishment of that pen, sharper than any sword."

A smile at that, "August CAN be fierce." Fondly

Then a nod "You're right. I will a hand written letter and let them have it. This is an insult. I have the painting original still. They better HOPE they're just mistaken and not just trying to rob me. This IS libel, and I will protect my good reputation"

She wavers her hand.

"Typeface. Letterhead. Heavy stationary."

"Aesthetics, my love."

She gets a kiss , a brief one, "You're right, of course."

"This calls for a fierce visage, an implacable helm, not the intimacy of script." She leans against him, snaking her arms around his waist.

He looks down, his delight in her touch unflinching, and he nods. There is a set to his jaw, one of knowing his worth. It was not there when she first met him. How many trolls did she have to tutor about Earl's worth? Few more than Earl himself. "I need to make sure my Agent is on this. I hate to interrupt his vacation but this is a must."

His agent has perhaps not been as diliegent as Zara might like. Worked hard for Earl at first, but then sort of 'coasted'... but Earl is reluctant to abandon him

"Ah - point. Thy agency would also have resources. And best be that other artists are warned of commissions from such duplicitous charzirim."

"And not all of them have paintings to prove it," he realizes. Earl isn't a social butterfly, one of the things that makes him tolerable to some sluagh, but he does have some fellow professionals he likes "I'll make sure word gets out to them" A smile "You're awfully good at protecting others, could it be a touch of troll has influenced you?"

"Fie! Nay! I am a fiendish underbeast! A shadow! A witch!"

He fights the urge to tell her how adorable she is, or worse, pet her head playfully. She may have no teeth, but she has ways of biting, well he knows, but there is a sparkle in his eyes he can't hide as he says "As wicked a witch as ever there was. But any farm girl hoping to melt you with water will have a hard time of it. No doubt."

"Aye." Mollified.

Then a bit playfully "After I write the letter, would the fiendish underbeast like to head to Firnost for old time's sake and see what their library might hold?"

It MIGHT have new books, unlikely but possible

"...Aye."

"Very well," He admits "I fear I have neglected you a bit, darling. Been awhile since we went out, or so it feels. " he craddles her face with a large blue hand, fingers slender for his kith. "Allow me to make amends?"

"Mmm... naught to mend, but I shan't turn down indulgence."

"I do like indulging you" He assures.

And gives her a kiss, daring a longer one this time

Zara meets and amplifies the kiss - after all, they are alone.

Indeed! The passion is returned in kind, and he whispers when they part "The letter could wait a bit." A glance towards the hallway leading to the door to his room

She takes his hand and grins.

A smile returned and hand in hand, the two lovers head off for some passionate privacy

(Fade to 💙 🖤 )