#anywhere

"Earl, I know. I know. Death is inevitable. But I don't..."

"Forgive, she is thy family, not... I'm being unkind to thee..."

"No, you're valuing life. valuing her as a person"

Earl takes her hand "Love means support, and you do. It doesn't mean you should give up your values"

"I'm sorry you are losing your aunt."

"Me too. In another life she'd have made a great witch"

A soft chuff.

A slight smile and he takes her hand "I wonder if she'd realize that's a compiment?"

"Maybe."

"I suppose it is selfish for me to wish her into the Dreaming, nu?"

"Though... though.. he was lonely, wasn't he? It was a seductive place."

"Very mucch so . It's a blur, but I remember being tempted ...and she was... young and allowed to enjoy herself" a frown "I don't think you're being selfish, you wish she had a chance to be Selfish. I get that. we're talking about a woman who gave up a lot to care for family since she was a wilder"

"There's a natural order. Death is necessary, it is not the enemy. I am a sluagh..."

"You are also Zara, the young woman who loves life. Duality as you mentioned earlier. Sometimes it harmonizes, sometimes... it clashes"

A sigh.

"Planning this... ceremony... just..." Another huff, frustrated.

"To us, it's tradition, the way it is, to you, it is unnatural' A nod

"It's barbaric."

He winces a bit, a troll wince so subdued but she notices that "We believe it keeps the bale strong"

"It is not my place to stop it."

"Doesn't mean you have to like or approve. I'll let them know you send your regrets , they'll accept that"

"I should... I.. I should send something?"

"If you wish. It's not required . i can bring it in on your or our both behalf"

"I could bake."

"They would appreciate it" He takes a sip of the tea set before them

"Aye. I can bake." She rises.

He watches her rise, "Now?"

Zara nods, wiping her hands off on her tunic.

Earl rises and gathers the things "the boggans will just have to share access to Earth Runes kitchen"

"I think Delores would understand."

"I'm sure she would actually." He agrees "She's a decent lady overall. And she doesn't ask annoying questions about where certain tea types are going"

"Well, she knows the answers."

He pulls out a parasol and when they clear the wooded part of things opens it so it keeps the harsh sun off her. Silly of him? Possibly

Silly? Possibly. Sweet? Certainly.

And they come inside, and head towards the kitchen. A place few nobles go, but Zara is no noble, and while Earl is, he is low key about it. Still some of the staff look up in shock "Is everything okay?" Hanz El, Boggan cook and superman fan, inquires "we can bring some suitable food out for you both? We have some lovely spoiled Cabbage, Miss Zara"

"I... I need to use the kitchen, please?"

"If I may, pardon."

"I.." Confusion on his face 'if this is a kosher matter, i've learned how to..."

"It's not, " Earl says "And there is no sleight on your or anyone else's cooking. all excellent, but nevertheless we need the kitchen for a bit, or at least part of it."

earl doesn't mean to throw rank about, but the boggan nods, and says "if.. you like, the side kitchen is quieter. we only use it when preparing for BIG feasts '

Earl looks surprised. Zara however knows about this side kitchen, it's smaller but has the oven and things she'll need and yes it is quieter.

The sluagh nods. "Aye. I shan't get in the way of the main duties, nu?" The boggan might well sense her need to do.. something.

Indeed, his face softens "You gather whatever supplies you need, and the side kitchen is reserved for you alone, and those you allow in, Miss Zara." he doesn't know what's going on exactly, but like most of his kith, his heart goes out easy. And of COURSE he understands the power of keeping your hands busy

He motions to the assistant staff "Gather up whatever Miss Zara asks for and have it huried into the side kitchen for her use . That'll be off limits for us today"

"My thanks, Mister Hanz." She places a hand over her heart, bowing slightly.

Apples, sugar, oil, flour, eggs and oranges and spices.... oh, Earl can probably guess.

"Ah shucks" He says, as the staff gets to work gathering what she desires to move into HER Kitchen.. and yes, Earl is on much of it and does heavy lifting. They take all the kosher salt

Zara finds and apron and rolls up her sleeves. Now, she rarely is able to eat her own creations right away... but she certainly knows HOW to bake. Hannah's daughter could do nothing less. (Earl has certainly benefited from that.)

Much to his regret when he needed to fast the next day to make up for it, or jog sans wayfare, but ever to his delight to eat. How she makes such good food when fresh tastes bad to her he's still not sure

"Do you wish to cut apples or squeeze oranges?"