#ccsemberclub

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Teensy has been a good addition to the kitchen. Like all good chiefs there is a touch of tyrant to her.

But she heeds both CC and Bill, naturally, and while she has a clash now and then with fellow chefs, she's been a good shot in the arm at making sure those others didn't get complacent.

It is over one of Teensy's meals that CC is talking to Caesar her son. "You know we try to keep this on the down low, honey"

"No one says downlow anymore, mom" Caesar says.

William pours a touch more wine in everyone's glasses.

"Join us, honey, my son doesn't know the meaning of discrete" CC says "and downlow is not dead yet."

The boggan does join them. "Are we hiding something, or ourselves?" With a twinkle.

"He wants to let some refuges know about the hold" She says dryly

"Mom, floods are kind of rampant, and there are kithain separated from their old homes and dreamers... right of rescue?" Caesar reminds "And Safe haven"

William's jaw drops.

"It's fae law among commoners and nobles alike, mom, I know it's a small hold, but it's a hold." Caesar continues "But we owe it to others to help them don't we? And Firnost shouldn't shoulder that alone"

"Firnost has lots of room." CC says

"We took Teensy." As if size matters.

"Teensy is a good cook," He says "But it isn't 'right of safe haven if you cook a meal'"

CC sighs "Ceasar, sweetie, mommy has reason to be nervous about nobles learning about this place. "

"Mom," he says kindly.

Then goes on, "That was decades ago, things have changed. And the nobles have a blind spot in KC"

"Not enough of one."

"and the blind spot is as much things not seeming to matter much here as any kindness" CC says

"Neither of you have still explained why the club is exempt from Safe haven?" Caesar points out

He glances at CC.

She sighs, then says "IF someone comes in and requests, formally requests, haven, then we're supposed to say yes, true. But no one is going to formally request it if we keep it on the downlow" SHe says

"mom, you're evading it on a technicality?" He's aghast.

CC nods "What else are technicalities for?" She looks to Bill "right?"

"I agree." Smoothly. Well, of course he would. "And, it isnt like we dont help. We can funnel those in need elsewhere."

"So, I can tell folks this is a halfway house hold?" He says "Three days? and off?"

CC has a look like she's going to get a twitch

William puts a hand on hers. "Dearest, your permission to speak.... frankly?"

SHe nods

"Caesar, you are... canny, I think. I believe you at least suspect this Balefire is not entirely... legitimate. The less known, the better. For Callidora's sake."

He winces at that, "Low blow, man." Then "Legit, no legit...it's hope for all kithain. Don't you guys think sitting on it and denying its existence is wrong? And... frankly, bound to eventually fail anyway?"

"How many years do you think we will need to hide it?" With a smirk.

"Given you guys will age slower, which is great mind you, not sure...40?" He says

Major eyebrows. "I am flattered!" A look at CC.

CC says "Oh I'm not sure what you boys even worry about the aging thing- men just grow more distinguished. Where as I am already on my way to crone hood." She gives a sigh

Caesar rolls his eyes

"Never." He assures gallantly.

She beams "So nice"

"I sense evasion" Caesars "What's your point?" A look to Wiliam "That you think it'll be shorter and in 10 years I'll watch you both keel over so no problem, the hold is up for grabs? I don't want that. I want you guys open about it for a long time."

He gives CC a steady look; her call.

"Caesar, it's a small hold, and there are risks. Now obviously, we can't stop you from blabbing, but this is my dream, quite literally, and I don't think it's unreasonable to mention firnost first, particularly since it is the stronger hold and truly belongs to the public. I know you want to do right, but I think it's not unreasonable for us take a few years to shore this place up before we take such a grand risk. As was said, we will help in otherways..and if there is a particularly bad case, let us know and decide. We might make an exception. We did for Ryker's suggestion of Teensy."

William takes her cue. "Is there someone... special, Caesar?"

"No , nothing since the embarrassing cupid incident." he sighs

Another eyebrow.

"Nevermind" He sighs "Okay, I may change my mind in a year, but for now, I'll push firnost and only mention this place with your permission, but I think you two would enjoy some more kithain company who isn't on your paysheet"

The boggan's lips twist in a surpressed smile.

"We have you for that, sweetie" CC pats her son's hand "you've been my second piggy bank."

"And...we're done" He says with a sigh "Love you mom." A look to Bill "I leave her in your capable hands. "

"And I do thank you for that honor, sir." Formally, but not stiffly. There's a roguish glint in his eye.