#elsewhere

"It was foolish."

"Has it ever occurred to you that some nockers have their own social awkward moments? Miriam has hangups. It is more her than you, which is not to say she is a lost cause, but don't blame yourself that she's less than skilled at some social clues"

a tilt of his head.

"I think my presence still hurts her."

"I am glad that things seem better with Jacob."

"I'm not sure I agree with that hypothesis " he says regarding the first part, "And Jacob doesn't see her that much either. Boy's been running wild lately.. but then, Chaldea seems a good influence"

"Good." Air-quotes.

"Well, Eshu. We'll be lucky if they don't come back with some Elder God in a box and catch them trying to pry it open"

A beat "Or did I just jinx something by opening my mouth?"

"Pretty sure you just did. Aye."

A soft groan "And before samhain too"

"When else?"

"Good thing I have you around to help me catch these little slips before they snowball" A sheepish smile

She hears Bronte fussing. It would appear a book has fallen where she cannot get it.

"Oh, Darling! I'm coming!"

She flits off to fix it.

Oh the drama, the little bookwyrm cannot reach a book. Many fine quotes will be used to issue distress, but Zara will get nuzzled when she saves the day.

And Earl smiles. Sometimes that little dragon saves the day herself.

(End scene)