#scarsdale

"Just joking August, she never said any such thing I'm just not good at jokes"

OOC: Now CLEM and Zara's talk 😉

"I won't." Gently. "Let me know what you decide to do." Then, to Earl. "Forgiven, Earl, but I really do have to get back. Study time."

"Right right, sorry. Good to see you again man."

"I still think take up residence in the trees is viable..."

"I'll bring you leftovers." He repeats with a small smile.

"A good friend, indeed."

"See how good a boyfriend I'm being not being jealous?" A beat "August never brings me left overs"

"You are welcome to share, but I think you may not care for them..."

"I think I'd enjoy the company though"

"That might be arranged, then."

"Thank you" He kisses her snow white hair

"Let me know." He repeats to Zara, firmly. Then he nods at Earl, and moves on.

*gone*

"He's a good man," Earl says once August is gone.

"He is. I hope... I don't even know how to help him, though, about that..."

"It's normal, nu?"

"I think so but he's very , well, not just devout, but precise about somethings"

"And holds himself to a very strict standard."

"And when he thinks he's failed that standard, even if none be harmed, he can be way too hard on himself," He agrees

"Exactly."

"For myself? I am glad I can share my passions and express my love in the oldest of rituals" A kiss along her ear. "Do you really wish to stay at the trees? My apartment, or Firnost if you prefer, have beds."

"I do love the trees so.. but... even the wild can be too closed. Aye."

He offers his hand and her a lift up

"We will return to the trees soon then. "

"For a picnic perhaps tomorrow?"

She takes his hand, elegantly rising. "Aye."

"It may snow."

"I should have brought you a thicker coat rather than just the jacket. You like the painting on the back?" He's sure she does but he likes to hear as he walks with her

"Tis lovely. Thou didst capture the moon for me..." She reaches for his hand, cool fingers twining with his.

A soft squeeze of those fingers "I can think of no one it fits more."

"Mayhaps we go seek those warmer climes... sparing the moon, I should claim thee my hammock. I will read poetry aloud, and hold thee prisoner."

"Warmer climes mmm? " A smile "Some place in the Devil's Triangle? What tropic island has the most ghosts?"

"Barbados, I think..."

"I'll have to wear some sort of buccaneer lace, won't I?" Walking with her

She rasps. "And a hat!"

A deep chuckle "One cannot forget the hat" He agrees. "I'll have to have your expert eye for just the right one" Adoringly

"We shall have to try them on... hm. Perhaps without any other distractions..." A wicked little grin.

"Could take awhile, a very pleasant while, mind you" A very intrigued smile of his own.

"Thou art the wayfarer. A very tall eshu, I must say..."

"And thee? Truly the most sublime of sea witches."

"Oh! I must tell thee about the grotto... speaking of witches..."

"Somethingnew in the grotto?" He is surprised, but then he realizes he shouldn't be. If anyone can discover something witchy in a place he thought he knew, it's Zara Schwartz and he listens to what whispers she shares, holding her close.

(end Scene)