#baronyofthesilverwolf

"Ooh-weee, now that was a good day's work." Marigold says to Nadeen as she brushes her hands off on her apron. "Some of those store rooms haven't seen the light of day in years, but for the crack to shove something new out of the way. Well you will find it much easier to peruse now, I've tidied away the worst of the cobwebs and so forth." The Boggan is bubbly with chatter, it seems that the new task has actually livened her, rather than wearing her out.

"By the by, have you met Rosemary? Good friend of mine, we try to meet up for coffee - not so often these days, but what can you do? I told her about your little auction and she has a whatsit she'd like to donate, and mentioned it to a few friends around town."

A skittering scramble in the corner of the kitchen, as Pearl the kitten chases a dustbunny - which narrowly manages to slide under a door, leaving the disappointed puss to paw under the door after it.

"Yes," Nadeen wipes her brow, of course she doesn't sweat, she glows, but then says "That's fine I'd welcome a few more donations"

"Though I was talking to Rosey, and you know what SHE said?" Continuing without a pause, it seems it was rhetorical... "If you really want to raise the best funds? You may think about advertising to other Nobility? Let the price of entrance be in dross or treasure donation, and with the promise of treasures to bid on, why you could make a tidy profit in persistence alone! Say, if a certain someone notices a, mm, friendly rival going for a prize, they may bid just to keep it from the other's hands. Petty perhaps, but a motivator, and it's all for charity after all."

"I've already invited some wealthy among the nobles as well" She assures

"But .. we'll see if they accept" Nadeen hopes she doesn't sound as scatterbrained as she feels

"You've got this in the bag, my dear. You don't mind if I call you that, do you, Lady? A bit informal, but it's just you and me, but you tell me if you prefer formality and it's good as done. But oh, you're doing a marvelous job. I can't wait to see it all together."

THAT makes her smile "Thank you, Marigold, and no. I don't mind. I think you're one of those people that if I'm dear to them, It's a sign I'm a good person. "

"You're a good person, oh, I know THAT." She chuckles. "It didn't take my Boggan senses to figure it out, neither."

"Sometimes i don't always know myself" Nadeen admits

"I have enjoyed the work, the challenge, of Dame Calanthe's task. I like the power and influence. And yet, she is the one doing a good thing. An irony, no?"

"Oh, she's not a bad seed. Not completely, perhaps. Not when it matters. You've been doing a good job, taking on her work in addition to your own, and you two, we know you don't always see eye to eye. It was so good of you to help out."

"I think you see the best in everyone Marigold, mmaybe that's why they strive to live up to it, just a little" The Reeve chuckles

She reaches out and pats her on the hand. "I received an update from Calanthe. Things are going well, but they're a bit worried as the wildfires spread, and she intends to stay a wee while longer to make sure all is well." A bit of a sly smile, and she leans in, "I think perhaps it might be a bit of a getaway with that Sir Sergei of hers, mm? Maybe sometime she'll return the favor and you and Aidey can have a bit of a time away, when all calms down."

"I should fear a coup" She says honestly, "But, I know Sir Sergei adores her. I originally set them up as a distraction, but he's quite smitten, by Varich standards"

A throaty chuckle. "The only coup we're likely to see around here is if I get myself some chickens, but I understand, it's a Nobility thing, perhaps, I don't see it, but you will play your little games, and I'm certain all comes out alright in the end."

"Do you think Marseillus might be willing to whip up some of those shrimp puffs he sent over at Carnival? Not that I can't handle catering, mind, but different hands for different tastes, and perhaps Dark Gate may wish to attend - though I'm certain you have a handle on things."

"You must never mention it, but he might be a hair - A HAIR - more deft at seafood." She tuts a bit.

"I would never, and if he is, it's by the narrowest of margins, and he will never best your trifles" Nadeen says with loyalty to her, "I shall inquire"

"That's a good girl. Now, let me see, oh, here we go." She offers over a small velvet bag to Nadeen. "A little something to add to the mix. From me, this one is. Not much, mind you, but might go for a few dross in your coffers. Why, I'd nearly forgotten it until I found it in the stores. Mine to offer, that is, though, this is not of Silverwolf so I can gift it fair and square."

"Well no one would deny but.. are you sure?" She opens it gently to peer in

Within is a round, flat stone in earthy brown, smooth except for a few etches across the top, in the style of the lame - or the score pattern - often seen on fancy sourdough and other loaves. "Have you ever heard of a Bakers' Stone?"

"Yes, I think , legends of warming stones that act better than any stove"

"Oooh, now wouldn't that be a prize? This is a little different, but hopefully to the right bidder, just as precious. "Now, let me see, let me see..." She casts her gaze around the kitchen, and lands on a small bin of vegetable scraps waiting to be taken to the compost heap. "Could you bring me those carrot tops, the greens too, and just set them atop the Stone?"

Nadeen does. It would appear she owes the Hearth a thank you note for the training

"Anything organic would work, mind you." Her nose wrinkles a bit. "I'm glad I've never had to try it out on spoiled meat or anything... foul... but my understanding is that if it lives or once lived, it will work - there, see?"

A glimmer of glamour, and the greens and wilted veg has vanished, to be replaced by a small cake! Simple and hearty, it appears to be rich with butter - that nice yellowish tone - and studded with dried fruit.

"Oh, it still works!" She beams, though she hadn't seemed too worried.

"Oh my word" she says surprised "How wonderful. Are you sure you wish to part with it?"

"Twice a day, this stone can produce a cake - the further you are from a place of glamour, the simpler it will be. It's been years since I've gone on a quest into the Dreaming Proper, but the further in you go, the richer, fancier, more ornate it will get. But even in a chilly zone, you'll get a good and hearty biscuit, and each cake will keep a fae going - from Never to Troll, even, for an entire day. Heard it told that that Tolkien fellow cribbed his idea for elf-bread from stories of Bakers Stones, or similar results."

"Now me? I know it will never take the place of the products of my own hands." She puts said hands on her hips and nods. "But it certainly does no good HERE in a drawer, now does it?"

"I would be foolish to contest your point" She inclines her head

"And we both know that if you're anything at all, you're no fool." She adds with a smile.

"THis is true, I thank you again for the donations. I need to make a few calls it seems, including to Hearth Marselleis"

"Off you go then." A smile as she settles in to relax.

and off Nadeen does go.

Turning on the small portable TV that is now in the kitchen where she can watch her stories, and keep an eye on the baking. Where DID that come from? Briar will never tell.

(scene!)