#elsewhere

"Honest to gosh, when I heard bees were in danger of going instinct? I was like 'furk the polar bears, what have they done for me? but save the bees'" She licks her lips then says "Look, how about I see this book collection, you let me look about the place, and we discuss what I think can be set up there for maximum book storage and access.. then I won't feel guilty making a very non kosher pig of myself on those honeyed apples" A grin "Fees are reasonable..and heck, you can go to our place and I'll show you the walk in closet I turned into a library in minature"

A sigh. "Oh, that sounds delightful!"

Earl peeks down, "If you mess with the stairs, trolls will still be able to walk on them right? We're not a light kith."

Gabby snorts, "Relax... sides, you can fly right? you don't even need steps that can support your weight...but yeah yeah, you'll have em"

Earl mmmp then says "Thanks, Gabby. ANything that makes my lady happy then."

"Well, you still could take a few..."

"Hey, maybe you can pay me in BOOKS then you come over and see them anyway?" Gabby says.

"Don't you have to pay rent?" Earl says.

"We could find a fair balance..."

"You have GOT to talk to him about his priorities." Gabby says to Zara.

"Well, you should see his paintbrush collection..."

"It's not a collection. it's tools of the trade and I need them" he says

"And I am a librarian!"

"I know, you're the best" He says "But I do my work here... you study at the university. See the difference?"

"No."

"Not really" Gabby says

"Hiss" Bronte says

Earl sighs "Any room you can find will be greatly appreciated, Gabby. Thank you"

"I ask for so little." A kiss for Earl.

"I see, as long as I fear you, love you, do as you say... I think there's a movie line here" Amused and he kisses her back "But aye. love. Aye."

"Well, he learns pretty fast," Gabby nods "For a lunkheaded blueboy"

"I shall give.. oh... a dozen to my good friend Gabby! Come, let's open the box..."

"yay" Gabby grins

And the two ladies got at the boxes like it was changeling yule with an excuse for presents

Earl smiles, as even Bronte flutters down to enjoy. He loves books too, but he wonders if he'll ever be that obsessed? mmm not about books he thinks...but definitely about Zara.

(End scene)

"It's coming close, isn't it?" The Baron sighs

Baron Doiléir Rathmist ap Eiluned is not a happy man.

"The tithe, yes, my lord." He sighs "Perhaps it will be brief."

"It never is," the Baron frowns and gazing into his cup of tea, "It never is."

"The Autumn Coach will come, trailing the cutting leaves behind it. And the fief will bleed," The Baron shakes his head.

Professor Plumm doesn't know what to say so he too stares into his cup.

Secrets must be kept, but sometimes the holding ... costs you, or others.

........................