#anywhere

He sighs in satisfaction as he closes the book. A fast reader, this one. Looking over at Thistle, "We could go see if Steward Marigold has anything on hand in the kitchen?" A rhetorical question, to be sure, but it is getting closer to dinner time.

"How's the phone looking? It was cracked when I got it, but it still works, as long as I don't need to tap in that corner."

"It's coming! What a piece of drek this thing is, but a polished turd is coprolite."

"Food would be good."

"I could bring you something if you're still working?" The book is carefully tucked back into Thistle's bag.

"Mm... I can come with."

Art stretches, and looks surprised. "Normally I'd be stiff after sitting and reading for so long. Do you think it's the Balefire?"

"Maybe? It's nice in here. Warm."

"I feel better than I have in ages. I get it though... if everyone spent time in here, it might weaken what the Bale can provide." He gives a last glance into the flames, and then stretches again. "At least there's no maze on the way out, right?"

"Shouldn't be... I should probably take my stuff, though. We might not be able to find our way back."

"The Baron showed you the way." Art sounds a bit impressed. "Steward Julius told me that we would probably have to be escorted. I guess he likes you."

"He brought both of us, and you were hurt. Like he said, sidhe are more vulnerable, so it was urgent. I... don't know what he thinks of me, really. I should be earning my keep." A frown.

"As Fledges, our duty is to listen and learn. Once we are sained, we'll be put to work soon enough." A grin from Art. "So why not enjoy things now?"

"Well, maybe. But he did get me a kiln."

"And they got a library going, too." He nods. "Which is for everyone, I suppose, but I'm the one who asked about it first."

"Well, it'll be good for everyone."

"Do you think that den is warm enough for the new puppies? Maybe they can bring the litter inside into your kiln room. It's plenty warm there, and closer to the main hold."

"Maybe... but, I mean, it's messy. Clay gets everywhere."

"Oh, right. Silly idea."

"Not silly!" Phone bits and bobs collected on top of a notebook like a tray. "Okay, food. I'm starved and didn't realize it while I was working."

Art takes her bag - a surprised look at how heavy it is, onto his shoulder. "We can eat dinner here? I don't think anyone will miss my absence."

"Yeah, I'll text Mom."

"And you'll get something decent for once."

"Mom cooks okay. Nothing fancy. There's just never really leftovers like here." Pasta comes from a jar, and garlic bread comes from a freezer.

He sniffs the air as they head up. "Cinnamon?"

Sniff!?

Chicken... some sort of baking dough or pastry... and yes, cinnamon!

"Cinnamon chicken?"

"Is Bluebell making a joke?"

"Dunno..." She follows her nose towards the kitchen.

"Sometimes Indian food has cinnamon? Or Greek..."

He follows as well, and they find Marigold with a pan cooling on the stove... crispy phyllo browned perfectly, and she's dusting it with cinnamon and sugar.

"Miss Marigold? I thought I smelled chicken. What are you baking?" Art asks curiously.

"Thistle, Art, you're just in time. This is a new recipe I'm testing... here, take a plate, each of you."

Thistles stomach grumbles!

"What is it?" Curious.

"It's a Moroccan dish called b'stilla. Shredded chicken, some spices, egg, apricot... oh, don't make a face, Art. They go together, I promise."

The crust crackles enticingly as two large slices are cut.

"Is Bluebell Moroccan? I.. haven't asked her..."

"You can ask, but I warn you, you'll get a different answer each time. She's an Arabian princess, or daughter of a disgraced sheik. An Egyptian lass, or escaped from the depths of New Dehli... once she even scolded me for asking then thanked me for the compliment on her tan."

"She's pretty, though." Another sniff, and then the nocker tries a bite.

Savory! A touch of sweetness, and richness from the egg. Warm spices, and a delightful crackle from the pastry....

Art is tucking into his slice. "Careful lad, remember to chew." Marigold says, but her smile appreciates his enthusiasm.

"Mm. Not bad." Hers is also disappearing rather quickly.

Marigold is quick, and pushes over a small plate. It has chopped up dried fruit on it... the fruit sparkles?

"I candied some of the extra apricots and sultanas." She explains, as the nevers take the bait!

A chuckle from Thistle.

"They gotta have magic anti-cavity protection, with how much they like sugar."

"They must need the energy, little humming-birds..."

Art comments, and before he can even say, he has a second slice in front of him.

"That makes sense - OH, we could but little sugar stations in the KeeperMaze.."