#brightwindsbarony

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Cliff finds his business, especially among changelings, positively thriving! The Baroness is not his offcial patron, but good word of mouth from her and her hold seems to have set something in motion. He suspects part of it is the novelty of a sluagh chef, not what most think of when they consider his kith.

Being a novelty is nothing new for him. He travels the barony and surrounding areas, gathering information as he dispenses commestibles.

And it's amazing how many people think that just because a transaction is partly automated there's no real ears listening for juicy bit He gets a few tasty bits.

"Rovers are fighting some extra nasties... " "Aren't they always?" "Surge in nightmares they say"

It used to be there was more benefit than not in being oblivious to things but now... he has an idea. For later, maybe. For the moment, he listens as best he can over the fans and fryers.

And other conversations include...

"Well, of course the boggans fell in line, and seems the new trolls are better than the old ones but still tend to follow orders, but that Satyr run motel... bet if she knew about that... " "You don't think they ravage?" "I think Moon Satyrs skirt some lines"

In the current heat, a salad does well; corn, squash, beans, root veg....

And another conversation at another place "New Centaur?" "Yeah, a child." "Well, that's a joy, but wow, wonder just how many we're going to get. Sounds like they already outnnumber some of the kiths we all know around here" "Well they gotta live somewhere"

Cliff serves salads, native foods, and listens.

"news is the kid nearly got killed by a sluagh" "Some assassin?" "Nope, a nutbar after all centaurs" "Geez , some folks need better hobbies" "Well this nutbar had boltholes of treasure everywhere" "Even around here? Know where one might be?" "Oh sure, that's why my car is a beat up used acord, because I knnow where the treasure is"

Privately, Cliff can't help but note that YES, that's why. But.

And yes, possible backlash is noted.

Of course, he's free to follow any of these stories later, but then a swarm of mortals comes on him, and he feeds them losing some changelilngs

It happens. Escheat. And he has a job to do.

So he sells food and drink with a super-cool ordering system (which doesn't require him to shout, or hear well) and considers his new ideas.

There are more slow periods than fast ones, and eventually, it's getting to the time he needs a break. Of course, as he ages his own meals, food for him isn't a problem, but no one works 24/7, not and keep their health, not even changelings

So he takes the truck to an available lot; let someone else have the space. And he eats.

A pretty woman jogs by. Wiping her brow and trying to stay hydrated. Of course, a large chunk of texas is boiling inside and out, It's almost as if certain private companies that ran things wanted to get paid without actually providing a service.

That prompts a thought and Cliff concludes his meal. He packs up and heads.... well, near-to-home.

And so he does, soon he is near his rresidence..wherever that might be

He parks the truck, secures it for the fridge and other electrics, and collects some cash.

He walks away (and he'll know if others interfere with his truck) and approaches a small apartment.

The complex isn't fancy. He sees the land lord glowering out the window, but then it's not directed at him.

Cliff ignores the super, and/or land lord. He approaches a door and taps softly. "Abuela?"

"Cliff?"

A soft voice

"Si." he responds in kind "Aperto, por favor."

A click sound , then a thunk, as more than one lock is undone

"Abuela?"

He pushes in, bags of food in his hands.

"I am here..." the old woman smiles "Oh you carry too much, you hurt yourself"

And she tries to take a bag from him, a small one, but still

"No." quietly "Come take some."

She helps him put them away. "How was work? " She asks

"Fine. Enough. Here." He loads the table with food.

"Cliff, you know I worry" She says

"You work hard, you keep up old traditions, but.. who do you got in your life? You're a healthy man, you should have a lovely woman"

"Without your tamales I have nothing." and a cheek kiss.

A blush "You are avoiding the subject."

"Am I?"

She huffs and puts somethings away, others she leaves out so she can cook, "You know you are, El Nieto. You take my tamales, you sell them, mix them with your other foods, and you take care of me. I am grateful, but who is taking care of you? Where is a woman in your life of your own to love? There are some pretty girls around here. Nice girls. Good girls. Some even cook too"

"Mama, must I have a woman to take care of me? Or anyone? I have you."

"You need a partner you silly man" She huffs as she sorts and organizes "I will not be around forever. I would feel better knowing my cliff had his lady love" A pause "Cliff, if you are the gay you should tell me. Rodrigo on the third floor, he is somewhat handsome"

"As soon as I know, you will, Abuela."

"You are teasing me.. so it is women then, fine. You are shy, fine. I will arrangge things" She looks tired. She doesn't keep up like she used to

"As you wish. Eat, for now."

after a moment of silence, she does eat.

"mmm you know, the Super's daughter is back . She is very pretty" between bites