#scarsdale

(Maybe that's him, skulking over by the hedges, trying to find a place that's out of the way. He is making a face as a pair of Grumps go by snogging each other)

(It's the look reserved for people who do things like urinate in public)

"Ice!" She beams and waves.

"Hey, Ice... " He says, "Happy Beltaine."

(Then he catches sight of Zara, and lifts chin, a quick twist of a grin. She can't hear him speaking, but his lips move. Earl gets a chin-jut, and he is weaving nearer) "Yeah. Happy Beltaine." (He stops near them) "Crowded." (Why does this surprise him? He's appraising the troll)

Zara... is not her normal self, not this slender form of pearl white and silver grey. Satin and lace, her throat and shoulders exposed. "I know. Terribly crowded.... hopefully, Court will be short."

Earl is dressed in voile that looks like a Nordic noble or at least high class tradesman in finery. But he pales compared to Zara. "It is a bit swamped," He agrees, still more introverted than some if not up there with most sluagh

(Then after sizing the troll up -- there is no other word for it -- his eyes flick to Zara, taking her in)

Earl raises a brow at something.

"You look good." (Short, simple, blunt -- if understated. But his eyes show faint surprise)

Another blush. "Miriam's handiwork. Thank you."

"So it looks like Janet's surgery took well?" He asks ICE

"She does good work." (His eyes linger on Zara, and -- it may not be clear if he is referring ONLY to her dress. Then his eyes switch to Earl at the question) "Yeah. She had a good doctor. Still not sure if I trust him not to take a bite during surgery. Redcap." (A sardonic grin) "Needed a redcap to bully her into staying in bed for more than a day or two, though."

Earl nods, "Yeah, I can see why that might be required," He glances down to Zara and smiles at her , "I know it's crowded, but would you like to dance when the music starts up again?"

"Nockers are stubborn."

"Glad we trolls aren't" Said with a straight face

"But I'm glad the Dragon is doing better. Another week, you two may have killed each other." She looks around at the crowd. "I don't know about dancing here. Were it not for her, I'd be in the woods already."

"Why not go anyway?"

"Okay, maybe we can dance in the woods," He smiles to her.

(His eyes narrow slightly, but he merely steps away, a slight twist of a smile, ironic)

"Miriam asked me to be at Court. Something is happening, and I promised to be here... not even thinking it would be THIS Court..."

"Oh, that settles that. I am curious as all get out anyway."

(He gives them both a nod, and moves away) "Going to go make sure Dria isn't havinng another drinking contest. You know where I'll be."

"I don't know if you can stop her, if she's intent on one..."

"Wish her a joyous Beltaine from me, would you?" To ICE

"No, I meant.. to drag off the opponents before they die of alcohol poisoning." (Huffing a sigh) "I will."

A chuckle, wistful though at something