#scarsdale

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Earl's gifts include paint jobs with raven designs, a small figure of a copse that is actually a pen and quill holder, making it look like which ever quill or pen has impaled him! A book by Edward Gorey and an air brushed T shirt she can wear as a almost a night gown with Gorey's design!

Clem's gift ? A hat

Zara, of course, promptly puts ON the hat

Earl is scolded for giving "too, too much" - but he also gets a kiss for each. Messages may be mixed.

"Hope you like it," Clem says "Seemed very you. Didn't know Cousin was getting you the nails, guess they'll go together"

Earl beams at each kiss ad yes at the scolding too.

"It's wonderful! Now, is there any news from your adventures? I wouldst care for stories..."

Vashti is getting out her gift, but seems happy to have the trolls talk while she does.

"Well, I've been very focused on helping the Farm," Clem says "Not too many going out for adventures and more adventures coming to us. " She says, "Odd things. can't right explain it."

"Odd what?"

"we ended up saving a sidhe," She says "We thought she was doing the usual 'drool over the farm and contemplate take over' but no.... she was getting a friend to safety it seemed. Other sidhe attacked them, damn brutes. And... we rescued them,one of the ladies looked at me and said "To save kin is duty, to save a loved one quite selfish in it's way, but to save the stranger you fear? Heroic. We thank you, but MUST go.." And they vanished. Only thing I found was this..." She holds up some string in a half broken pattern.

August smiles at all the affection and such, and is pleased to meet (as I don't think he has?) Vashti.

(I don't think so)

"May I see?" Zara, if allowed, takes the string to examine it.

Vashti turns, "Sir August? Zara has barely mentioned you at all, but Shalimar considers you a great challenge and friend. My names are like clothes, I'm trying the Vashti fashion now"

He listens carefully, then gives it a shot. "Vashti? Vashti, then... How do you know our hostess?"

(For some weird reason, it looks like someone was constructing a cats cradle with the string. Odd time to play a child's game with yarn)

"well, sidhe are just the oddest ducks, uhm.. no offense, August" Clem adds as Zara inspects

Maybe not that odd... "A cat's cradle, methink..." Clever fingers slide into the loops, stretching the tangle taut.

Vashti smiles, "We're in a sewing circle'

"Vashti is a weaver."

Clem nods "I know it's a cats craddle pattern, but why would ladies use that on the run? A bunk I guess?"

"Perhaps, yes."

Earl raises a brow noting Zara's interest and whispers to Clem "I think the mystery maybe the best gift yo uccould give her"

Vashti agrees "Poo . Mine shall seem drab and dull and forgetful"

She twists another stage of the cradle, quite focused. "Ah."

Vashti pulls her gift out anyway

Clem chuckles at her cousin, "Didn't mean to steal the thunder, but if it makes her happy"

"Oh, very happy..."

"well, think she'll tell us about it?" Clem asks "or is holding it close to herself for awhile another part of the joy for her?"

"Well... it could well be a bunk..."

"We thought about that, but I didn't sense any remnant glamour" Clem says

Vashti "Perhaps they are a part of the same sewing circle" A flutter of wings, an innocent look

"A circle, aye." She folds the string.

"Any stories on your part , Earl?" Clem asks, "You've not been by the farm often."

"There's not much at the farm for me but you and a few others," Earl says "I'm sorry, I don't love it like you do, Clem, I love parts of it."

Clem looks a bit stung then, "You should be the one training for Mountain, you do know that right?"

"Earl can find his own path and do good wherever he goes."

"Well, I TRY to do good," Earl says "And you're doing fine with out me, Clem. Honestly, I...roads split. You and others walk a road surrounded by golden grains. I.. I walked off to the one leading to the darkened wood. You'll be a good mountain if need be."

"I'd be an OKAY mountain" Clem says, "But thank you. Good news is Uncle Emmit is a forever smile. Probably out last the sky"

A soft hiss. "Say that not!"

Clem startles "I'mm I'm sorry?"

Vashti actually spits gently to the ground, a warding bunk without a spell

"Do not tempt da'an."

"Sorry, I.. should know better" Clem blushes

"It's fine... just... discretion, aye?"

Clem nods, then turns to Earl, "She's right, and Earl. I'm sorry. I tried to get the others off you but..." /"This is not your 'fault' Clem, and it's not a bad thing. I'm happy with my choices. They led me to some pretty good things in my life, and at least one wonderful person" He smiles towards Zara/ Clem smiles "no arguement there"

"Perhaps this is a terrible time to offer my present?" Vashti says