#earthrunes

Then the bookwyrm mutters a paraphrase, "Really Steward, a Boggan should know better" And is on her way.

When Bronte slips into the bed chamber with the pale sluagh nearby, she lovingly places Anne of Green Gables within arm's reach on the bed.

"Mmph?" Sleepy blinks.

A muzzy smile, and she clumsily reaches to pat the bookwyrm's head.

The Bookwyrm holds leans into the pat, "Even Darkness must Pass" She assures, quoting Samwise

"Pretty darling." Her eyes droop.

The Bookwyrm lets herself be held for a bit. She'll get more books later.

The sluagh smiles again, drifting but content.

Earl peeks in, sees Bronte, and from a distance so nto to intrude thinks I am going to get that dragon LOTSA books after this.

The Raven flaps from the bedpost to Earl's shoulder and croaks quietly.

He strokes the Raven that only two can see, "She's so recklessly brave."

A comfort warble, a raven call rarely heard in the wild, as it is reserved for its chosen mate.

He smiles at that, "Thank you. I feel the same."

He loves her. His hind, his persephone, with a passion that surprises him. All trolls are protective of their loved ones, but this is beyond that. He feels her triumphs. They lift him up as if they were his own, yet he means to take nothing from her. No, he hopes he adds to it. She lights his every nigt.

"Hunter?" She whispers.

"Here, love. But you should rest. Need water? Or slighty soured prune juice?"

"Just need thee."

He moves onto the bed and offers his hand. "I also have some of your mom's medicine when you're ready."

"Soooooup." She wraps herself against Earl's side, using his chest as a pillow.

"I see" He nods, then says to 1122, "Be a pal and have Ivanka fetch the Soup , please? I'll pillowing."

"Mine." The whisper is pressed into his shirt.

1122 nods, and zips off. Ivanka is a maid, not a cook, but she knows what temp to reheat things to, or to leave things cool. And Earl? he stays by his Hind.

"Yours, forever and always" He says.

"Aye." A muffled cough, but she stays close.

Ivanka comes in with Hannah's wonder meal,and hands it to Earl. He is goes from pillow to support so she can prop up and not spill.

She does manage about half the bowl before falling asleep on Earl's shoulder. Sick, yes, but she succeeded in her spell and she has her Love at her side. Not bad.

Ivanka will have the remainder sealed for later.

And Earl? Earl thinks Zara is better than 'not bad', she's amazing. And he stays by his side while a raven sings a secret song only the two of them hear.

(End Scene)