#scarsdale

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A soft knock at her window. Vashti!

After most events have settled

Zara undoes the latch, and opens the sash for the moth. "Oh, perfect!"

"Happy Arbor Day" she offers a gift

As the moth pooka slips in

"Hanukkah Sameach! I saved donuts for thee, just in case!" She takes the gift. "You are so sweet. I have a gift, too..."

"Oh, holey food for a holy day" Then "Pardon, I fear Shalimar's influence has corrupted my innocence"

A soft chuff of laughter. "It is alright. He is kind to thee? That is what matters." Zara turns back with a donut and a small blue gift bag,

"Ah, the lover's mind is musky and dark," she sighs happily then admits "Mayhaps it is time to lose him in a pit"

Vashti's momentary melancholy look fades and she smiles to take the bag

"Oh, I hope not. You deserve happiness." Zara herds Vashti to the purple wingback, while she herself takes Earl's.

"Yes, well, sometimes I think distance from a bomb like me might spread less Shrapnel" then "Shall we open in deadly tandem?"

"Aye, let's." Zara nods. Bronte, meanwhile, pipes up from the bookshelf. "The Waverley sisters hadn't been close as children, but they were as thick as thieves now, the way adult siblings often are, the moment they realize that family is actually a choice."

"Well... yes, love. I'm sure Vashti is happy to see you, too."

Vashti beams at Bronte "Her words are like swords, her quotes like ten fold shields"

"I think it is true, though. Have I told you how pleased I am to have you as a sister?"

A blush "You are ever seasoned of winter warmth and summer coziness"

"Ah... the gifts" she opens hers when her sister does

"Ah, yes!" She carefully undoes the wrapping, trying not to tear the paper.

Vashti's gift, true to tradition, is a soft pair of handknit socks - gray, with delicate lace patterns cabled in.

The name of the book is I Have to Feed My Monster Now By A.Adner and E. DeBuke

"... E. DeBuke?" Surprised, and she flips inside.

Vashti beams at the socks "Ooooo..."

the illustrations are ...very Gorey in style!

"Thou art family now. Socks are tradition."

And they are also definitely Earl's creation

"Oh, these are totally his.... he didn't tell! Oh, Vashti!"

"I was walking by a Starbucks, and saw it in the grounds. I grabbed it and ran" A wink, then almost apologetically "Tis a bit green" for the book IS new, but it was only published in the last few months

"It will age. Oh, thank you! I shall shame him terribly for keeping me in the dark. A double gift, nu?"

A grin "tis fun to lash them with cat o nine tongues at times"

"A little, I confess. It keeps him honest."

"Ha"

"Aye, no such luck with thine beau."

"I know" Aghast "That he should lie to I? Whohaveneverlied to HIM"

Another soft chuff. "Never-ever!"

"Thinkiest though" More seriously, "That... lovers I have had by the score, a thousand or so, or maybe more. But, a love? I do not think the white plow will ... what if he should strike him?"

"It... it is frightening. It can be. The golden lily - well, you know. You helped rescue him."

"Aye." A troubled look "twas not thy fault that she did ensnare Jarl in the dungeon of cliche!" Protesting her sister before she can get guilty.

"Aye. It is his fault. And thus, no - he strikes at those we love, because he knows not love."

"Oh, well, Mirror would be very hurt to find out"a bit of a jibe at her father of blood

"He is jealous of it. Sees only a place to wound, but does not understand the strength it gives."

"Mayhaps you tell him to be wary? Is he that serious?"

"He's in a Fiona hold and it is I and his left hand in final contest." A proud look "I think I am a much better dancer than Sinestra"

Zara gently pinks. "One hopes, aye."

Now SHE blushes

"Pardon, sister, was less chivalrous of me"

"Tis naught." A cough. "So - the jester, I think, hides much behind his painted smile. And I know he is a spaniel, faithful and true."

"Fee Owner Hold" She repeats "Tis a place that normally turns a Virgo into a Cancer"

A smirk. "Thy sister is a Cancer." She pinches her hand like a claw in Vashti's direction, making a comically menacing face. "Yarrr."