#scarsdale

Earl is washing dishes while the ladies aren't looking. A touch of quicksilver has him getting this done at almost boggan speed. Almost

Zara checks in on him. She is (dutifully) wearing a blue sweater with a menorah on it. The flames are color-change sequins that can be flipped from blue to yellow.

If he notices her peeking he says "Keep her distracted, almost done" .. If he doesn't (Quite possible) she mgiht notice he looks a bit pleased at 'getting away ' with this much

"Aye, love." Back to the living room!

He blows a kiss and keeps scrambling

Jacob spins a dreidel ... "am I gonna get addicted to gambling?"

"Only if you win."

"oooo" He spins again

some fuss has been made over the gifts of socks delivered to the family. Vashti may not understand the family isn't used to that from outside sources

Vashti means well. And as a sibling, has gotten not just socks but the full seven nights.... so socks, and fancy silk yarn, and a new turkish spindle, and a little lamp that, when pressed, sends colored lights dancing over the walls, and....

"Where's Earl ggotten too?" Hannah says

"Oh, about..." Zara assures. "Sit, finish thy cocoa."

"Well, he's missing things" She huffs just a bit . While she had other hopes for Zara originally, suffice to say she has warmed to Earl. Even if he needs to eat more for a troll

But she sips and enjoys her cocoa

"He'll be back before you notice."

Discussion of masks and the boom that has for quality tailors , seamstresses etc at least in creativity. An upside

Hirim shows off his that lights up! Ratchet only sighs a little bit.

Fortunately Vashti is not here or she'd walk into a face bump

Then Earl comes out, done

"Love." She greets with a smile and an outstretched hand.

He takes her hand in his "Happy last day of hannakah, my lady"

"More throat sound" Jaccob whispers a suggestion.

"Jacob, he's fine."

Ratchet fusses they don't use that much throat sound.. while using a throat sound.

Earl blinks

Jacob points as if to say 'see'

It's possible this is uncle humor

And now all of the nockers are making "H's" - it sounds like a prelude to a hairball.

Earl gives Zara that look which she can read so easily. I'm just going to keep my yap shut, nod a lot, and hope that keeps me out of trouble.

A little nod. Best plan.

Now the discussion has gone onto language, how flexible it is, or isn't and pronunciation.. and PROPER ..how rigid .. mostly because the uncles want to argue. In short, they're having a good time

Miriam throws in her hat, while Aaron is mostly smoking his pipe and working on a crossword puzzle.

And it's actually quite cozy. Zara is welcome, as an expert librarian, to give her opinions. Which... is interesting. They see her as an authority! It's like being up to the big person's table

"You ask her, she'll tell you..."

"Feh! As well read as she is you think she'll agree with you?"

"Well, actually..." Oh, Zara can argue too!

Earl watches with admiration as Zara gathers her authority born of expertise.. and then proceeds to hammer her uncles (For their own education) with PROPER knowledge

Indeed, he gives an almost lusty smile at every skillful point of logic and academia. And the uncles seem to be listening... actually listening in a way that shows she's worked her way up , at least for the holiday, to peer.

though she'll always be their little niece too.

Always. Bubbelah.

Earl sips his cocoa, smug only in the way a loved one can be on another's behalf. There's my girl

(A happy Haunakah indeed... End Scene)