#scarsdale

Earl says "i'm fine" And he's so lying

"A fight, a tumult." the young baron says automatically.

You don't even have to be a Gwydion

She baps the troll on the arm.

"ow" earl says obligingly and she can see the hammer blow like bruises all over his chest

he may have a cracked rib

"Pardon, Healer Hirim, but Sir Earl needs your help as well."

The old nocker GLARES at the young baroness. "What did you call me????"

"Hehe, be nice.."

"Oh here we go... She didn't mean it as an insult, Uncle Hirim" Earl says "honest she didn't"

Coradel gives him a nonplussed look. "What should I call you, then?"

"Do I -look- like a healer to you!?! Who are -you- anyway??" he snaps. On a second glance (if one can spare the eyeball) it's unclear if he's wearing a robe or a mumu......

Count Von Dornklippe steps forward "She is the Baroness Coradel truthbranch... and she helped save me and get your neice to safety, Master Hirim"

"I have no idea what you look like," Coradel answers. "I know you to be Miss Zara's uncle, and you have healed her. Her trueheart needs healing as well."

"I'll be fine" earl says "Really, Uncle Hehe's done enough"

"-Master- Hirim." August nods politely "It is good to see you again. Will you please help Earl? I know it would mean a great deal to Zara."

"YOU don't call me Hehe!" Hirim orders Earl. Then, supporting Zara so he can give Earl a once-over, he scoffs. "A few scratches, they think your head is going to fall off or something.

"Master Hirim, then," Coradel takes the cue easily and accepts it with a nod.

"Right.. see" earl says "mfine"

"Fine. Feh." he scoffs and cracks the rest of the dross, He makes the sign against evil spirit and spits on Earl as a bunk to cast another Heatherbalm.

It works!

Coradel murmurs to August, "Not at all what I would have expected."

"Thank you, Hehe." A kiss on the nocker's cheek.

Bruises the size of Softballs shrink to golf balls

The nocker grumbles but looks pleased.

And he touches his side as relief flows "thank you, Uncle Hirim"

"Masters Hirim and Ratchet are hard to expect, yes." August confirms.

"Baron, Baroness?" Earl asks "Would you like me to transport you back to Earth Runes? I think Zara and I are expected at ehr family"

August glances at Coradel; her choice.

"We promised to have dinner at home..."

Coradel looks concerned. "Excellency? Are you satisfied that you are secure here if we leave?"

"Mama had a kugel."

"That sounds painful," Coradel offers kindly to Zara.

The Count says "Yes. I will be in contact with you and your hold, Baroness. I repay my debts"

She gives a formal curtsy. Then a smile to Zara and Earl. A respectful nod, "Master Hirim." Then she goes to stand with August once again.

"Oh, and we may need to speak about some of your courtiers." She adds as Earl is flickerflashing them away.

"Thank you, August. Coradel."

"Love, you must needs tell me what I missed..."

August bows to the Count and looks at the family group. "Zara." a gentle smile "I should have come sooner, is all. I'll see you at EarthRunes."

Earl gestures and says "Truer friends are rarely known, they came when ill threats were shown. With gratitude inside my heart. I send them home back at the start"

And ... a flash and the Baron and Baroness are gone ...back to Earth Runes to deal with Hume's regency fall out (But that's another story)

"So you were coming to town and dinner with Aaron and Hannah and not a word to Ratchet and I? What are we, chopped liver? But oh, you get a scratch and NOW you're calling me??"

"But I like chopped liver."

"Would you get Rachamin to come to dinner, too? I'm sure Mama made enough..."

"We were coming here" Earl explains "But we thought it right to pay our respects to Aaron and Hanah.. and they insisted"

"Feh." but he holds Zara in loving arms and brushes some hair away from her eyes, a familiar gesture.

"Hannah's kugel isn't as good at Ratchet's." he points out, however (possibly) inaccurately.

"Well, hers was in the oven."

Earl LIKES hannah's kugel, but he knows better than to stir up a debate

The Count coughs "Sir Earl? Zara... I would like the full story if possible of what transpired? I am missing much I think"