#scarsdale

They return in a flash... Zara's cheeks pink

She baps him! (Gently)

a smile breaks out "Deserved that" An admission

Her love seems to be almost glowing with triumph. His art sold, but more than that. He has protected others. He has touched some core part of his troll nature. No wonder he seems to be filled iwth an almost brazen confidence

Doubly proven as he just takes a celebratory kiss!

"Now... as for thine lupine nature..." Oh, she is cut off!

Pleasantly so.

And the kiss lingers for a bit, then they part, and his eyes dance.

"As to my lupine nature?" Looking a bit wolfish now in fact

"Oh, you are a hunter... keen, and sharp of fang..."

"But also concerned of the good of the pack, not a senseless predator."

"You would guard the smallest cub, and weakest elder."

His turn to blush "Was a time I was the smallest cub so I know what it is like." He strokes her hair then smiles "And the sidhe noble was right about a few things. I really don't have any bargaining skills even when I should. Fortunately you remind this partiular wolf to keep his own strength up now and then"

"Oh, you would have given him that painting, aye. My soft-hearted Artist."

"Instead, you have been paid... and, bonus, so have I..." She holds up the books.

A flutter, now familiar, and suddenly a Bookwyrm is awake from Zara's shelf in her bedroom and lands hurriedly on her shoulder , her little nostrils taking in the scent of NEW books. One of them most unusual.."The Lord loveth a cheerful giver. He also accepteth from a grouch. ~Catherine Hall"

The copy of Natira Golde's unreleased novel even hums slightly under her hands. Oh, it's an initial release passed on by the artist herself, from her very hands. A touch of that good writer's glamour.

"Oh no, you do not get this first..."

Ooo TWO of them unusual

"You may read alongside me, if you wish."

"Pleasure is spread through the earth
In stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find.
~William Wordsworth, 1806" She agrees ooo read it now read it now... prance in place on the shoulder

Earl chuckles and strokes Bronte's bridge "She's insatiable"

"She is... well... I suppose I could let her do so first, if I were to be otherwise occupied..."

Earl smiles "I think we still have a few hours to..enjoy " He takes her hands and kisses her, "Bronte can thank me later as I endeavor to take up this most pleasant challenge"

Bronte chimes "I have always relied on the kindness of strangers"

And the hunter pulls his hind away to be... occupied

(Fade to black) (or in Bronte's case, fade to book)