#elsewhere

And that's when she sees it... an odd mist, a kind of fog on the banks. Not the mists of the dreaming direct but close kin to it. The smell of it is familiar, very familiar, like earth with a touch of ink and paper, autumn leaves and tea leaves... how does she know this smell? and why does this fog linger with it?

Head tilt.

Earl looks delighted "You don't know what it smells like do you? Because you're too used to it." Oh he is enjoying her confusion, "Go ahead, enter the fog, it'll part for you, I can tell you that much."

She glances up at him, eyebrows quirked, but doesn't hesitate to plunge forward.

And as it parts... she recognizes the scent at last... memories of a bunk, a drop of her own perspiration used for a bunk and, well, the scent is her own! A house awaits her, purple and perfect! And... oh... she knows joy as she sees it for the first time... kind of...And the fog parts and with it, memories return... memories of Beltaine this year... of the ritual, of the building key, and of the ... their house! Memories of 'Oh Earl, the only way to make it more perfect is if Beltaine Came on Friday the 13th, but alas, there is only one this year' and her lover saying 'We built it today, using the magic, but we could save opening the door for June the 13th?' 'Feh! But I shall know I... oh, Earl, love. I have a plan. But you must be patient, and keep a secret' 'I always keep your secrets' 'Oh this time, my Hades, you must keep the secret from your Persephone! For I shan't remember what I'm about to do till you lead me to it anew. Wilt thou?' /He looked at her in awe 'You, my love, are scary sometimes' 'thank you but flattery will wait, can you do this your is it too cruel to ask?' And he nuzzled her and said 'I shall hold the secret so you may enjoy it for the first time again'

Their Dream house made on Beltane, but never opened! Not yet. The threshold awaits!

"Oh... oh, Earl."

She stretches a pale hand towards him.

He takes it and kisses her delicate hand, then says "Happy Friday the 13th, love. Shall I carry you across the threshold or perhaps just waltz with you through the door?"

"Thou art my Trueheart. What better way to enter a new home?" She places a hand on his arm, ready to be picked up.

He picks her up "The key is in my vest pocket"

She fishes it out, though her hands might be patting around his chest a bit more than absolutely necessary.

"Ahem" He says in faux startled tone, then chuckles as she plucks the key. He lowers her, and she unlocks it and ... with a whole month waiting, the slight groan of wood and hinge is sweetly sincere!

And they enter their house!

(From here, we invite Zara's player to take over the description of the house tour if she likes... though it is likely it opens at or near a parlor!)

It does, indeed, open into a parlor, and a balustraded stairwell curves up to the second floor.

The parlor is high-ceilinged - the whole house is, in an old-fashioned way that was once meant to help dissipate summer heat, but now accommodates corn-fed trollfolk.

And Earl is grateful for it, "I fit." He grins wolfishly "Stay on the first floor, or the second?"

She twines her fingers with his, and tugs him forwards - the dining room, with its gloomy fireplace and dour candle-stocked chandelier, is first.

Now she remembers how they used old items from their own past homes and family antiques along with other objects gifted incorporated. One of her Uncle's pieces of furniture in a place of honor should he visit.

Earl lowers her feet to the floor to let her run her hands over the interior.

The multi-colored brocade on the dining chairs certainly speaks to Hirim's work, yes.

" I had my doubts, but it is rather pretty" He looks up at the portrait he made of his late great Aunt Agnes, her eyes seeming to follow folks as they walk by. It's a bit intimidating, and no doubt she'd be pleased.

"It really did work out, and remember, I can put that in the hallway if you prefer."

"I like her here."

"I do too. She always enjoyed watching folks eat," A bitter sweet smile, "Speaking of which, want to check that kitchen?"

"Or have picnic first?" He lays the basket down on the table.

"Why else would I come this way first?"

Another tug, and they go to the kitchen. If there were any doubt about Zara being boggan-reared, it is now allayed.

Oh those doubts were vanquished a long time ago. Earl still delights in it though. It's part of who his lovely lady is.

It's a BIG kitchen, with a breakfast nook. Enough room for Zara, Hannah, and several trolls to cook at the same time. Miles of countertop. A riot of herbs growing in the window above the farmer's sink.

Lots of windows, and a door to the outside - kitchen doors are for family, after all.

Earl looks over the backsplash. "Okay that pattern worked beautifully."

"Of course. My hunter designed it."

Earl tries to stay stoic but his pride is obvious to her. And he looks about to the rest, "The spiders will soon be claiming corners and window edges here I'm sure."

"They'll positively haunt the pantry."

"We really must show 1122"

The kitchen is delightful, but ... they have food prepared, and so lay out some of the dishes and set the dining room table... and enjoy a proper picnic . Zara has plans for dessert! And Earl will be delighted to be the target of same!

(Fade to Picnic)