#elsewhere

"Feh." Zara scans the shelf and pulls out a book. "Oui?" She holds it out to the dragon.

"ooo," The Bookwyrm delicately takes the book, "The Flowers of Evil, Charles Baudelaire"

"There dear, enjoy."

Crisis resolved, Bookwyrm's soul saved. Thirteenth celebrations? Continue

(End scene)

Later, a knock at the door from outside

And another knock

Zara swans down to check the peephole.

Bachdion, not her closest friend, but the Knight has ever been genteel and mannerly ,and Earl considers him an ally. He looks a bit cold. Silly goat forgot to change clothes for further north

Zara opens the door, makes a fussy hiss. "In, in..."

"Oh I'm just in for a bit, Miss Zara" he does come in "Sorry for the intrusion. I'm told to tell you 'Happy Friday the 13th' and give this to you, on behalf of one Baron August"

A smile. "Oh, he's such a thoughtful friend. Thank you, Bachdion. Now, you must stay for a cup of tea."

He produces a gift "Oh now I don't need to be a burden. " Oh aguust definitely wrapped this

"Mishigas! Come to my house, shivering, and no tea?" She takes the package and gently herds Bachdion towards (Miriam's) kitchen.

He is herded, and chuckles "Well, I wouldn't want to be seen as a savage"

"Aye! Nor I a poor hostess."

"He wrapped this, didn't he?"

"Yes, and may have signed a card for all I know" A smile "August has excellent penmanship. I don't even know what's in there really"

Zara puts the kettle on while she collects serving wares.

"And how goes Earth Runes, sirrah?"

"Velvet tries to tend to the library, but she confesses she lacks your panache for making it thrive. It holds nicely though. August is stressing, I suspecto n how to provide for the Banner House...he wants to do well. I do fear Sparrow feels less than useful. I can't convince her otherwise but I try. Coradel is BESIDES herself..studying hard at college and ready to declare war on whoever wrote some of those over priced textbooks"

"velvet is a very talented girl."

"She is." A chuckle "SHe would be furious if I told her I noticed, but I think she's grown attracted to her fellow squire."

"Oh?"

"Yes ,she's been quite fussy over his well being, and little mistakes alike, and yet will not tolerate him being spoken ill of. To this old lion, it looks like she has, subconsciously at least, staked a claim"

"Mess not with that which a sluagh claims."

She pours the tea - it smells of spice and oranges, exotic and warming.

"Oh that smells delightful if it's not vulgar to point out" He says

"It is not. It is appreciated." She settles with her cup.

"Then this smells delightful," he sips his now that it has been poured, "And tastes better than it smells. You are a witch with a tea kettle, Miss Zara"

"With many a thing, not just tea." A pleased smile. "Flattering Fiona."

"Shamelessly so," he says "For the flattery is earned. Oh, Squire Colton is Sir Colton, did you hear of the lodge?"

"Aye? Unsurprised, he has been quite the star of late."

"I must give much credit to the Regent, she truly showed ihm a fine example of a noble. And, ironically, he serves as a regent himself"

"Ah - she seems a serious sort."

"She is I suppose. " he nods

"But she seems ot have done right by Colton."

"more than." He nods "he's become quite the young man thanks to her. But.. tell me, how are things here? How is Vassar?"

"Well... I enjoy my classes, and the program is wonderful. And I must show you the house - it is a charming place. Our landlord is a satyr, you know."

"Ah, Caesar right? I Heard of him... watched his events. Never thought he'd go into Real Estate but glad he did"

"He seems ot have quite the empire, these days."

"I should have gotten into busisness, that would impress the ladies"

"And yes, you should show me the house, I love the back splash. Nocker design?"

"Nay, your silver tongue is quite enough."

"Yes, my mother - Lady Miriam."

"Nockers have such bold tastes" He says "But the tea set, now that is vintage and may I say shows the advantages of a slugh stylings"

She nods. "Quite. But Miriam understands tea." (Is there a greater compliment?)

"Indeed? " Clearly high praise recognized "Sir Earl informs me that when it comes to food, your mama, Hannah, is the doom of any man hoping to keep a trim figure"

"Pardon, for I mean no insult - but she runs circles around Delores."

"Ah, I do believe it. Delores herself would admit her strength is in organization, fine steward, but as food goes...she is better at directing who will cook what than doing so herself compared to some. Earl tells me there's a type of soup your mother makes that he has a hard time saying no to seconds or even thirds to?"