#ccsemberclub

"Oh now, we all know part of being a good cook and host is learning how to pick the right food for the needs"

"Ah, quite right. I should not apologize for cheating in this case."

"Emerson, this is your and CC's place. I'm not here to judge ... though I am told i have the face for it" stoicly

"You are certainly not here to judge, or do any other work!" he agrees jovially "You are our guest."

"If you play music he does a wonderrful Luminae from Beauty and the beast"

He gives Callidora a lazy smirk.

"I'll take your word for it, CC" Agnes says "I fear I may be a drab guest, but I do appreciate this."

"Your company is more than enough, Agnes." he says, not without kindness.

"You did seem kind of downn, if I may say," CC adds

"Show's that much does it?" She looks at both

Emerson puts a hand on the table; near, but not touching, Agnes. "It's your eyes." gently.

"Show biz perk" CC says "I can always tell who is nodding to the sad songs"

"Just my time coming to it's end, not right at it, but Winter spreads."

Emerson sits quietly, this being the first Callidora may have heard it said aloud.

CC kens her, then says "Oh. Agnes. I'm so sorry." And..she is. This might strike home for her cancerr concerns, though it's not the same

"It's the cycle. " She admits

"The wheel of life." He agrees quietly.

"Oh, yes. I'll come back again. And again.. it's our way" Agnes says "But I feel like I'm leting the family down "

"Just be being limited as any kithian? " CC shakes her head "I can't believe your family is tthat unreasonable"

Agnes smiles "they're ggood ones yes"

"Then.... why this feeling?"

"No hearth ready to take my spot... best option isn't even a troll though she is a DeBuke. That's on me. I meann, I could pull Masellies back from Darkgate I suppose"

"I admit a certain ignorance when it comes to the inner workings of troll society, despite my best efforts. In a perfect world, all things being equal, what would you ask to have happen? What would you arrange for?"

"I need to find a DeBuke troll good at the whole package... if Sally Mae wee a troll she'd be perfect. Maybe find a troll who we know is good to marry into the family. Mmm"

"Any change will be.... " he sighs "A change."

"Oh now, I'm as Seelie as they come but just because Change isn't ggood doesn't mean it's not needed"

"Agnes, forgive my ignorance but my experience -is- limited.... June Mae seems solidly attached to the Farmhold. She is not an option? I admit I don't know where her skills lie."

"She's Kinian, and while a fine Cook, she isn't always insightful like she should be."

"Ah, so trolls only" CC mmms

CC gives Emerson a look. Clearly she thinks the DeBuke traditions might be holding them back

He pours everyone another glass of red wine; it goes with pasta!

Agnes raises a brow as she's offered wine, but accepts i

Emerson murmurs briefly about the vintage and origin, assuring her it's an excellent and budget-friendly pairing for the pasta.

"Oh I"m sure it is, but I don't drink too much"

"Let's keep things temperate, then. Enjoy it with the meal, that will help."

"I will," She savors "And it does go well with the meal"

"I am thrilled that you think so." his response and warm and sincere; he really DOES like that she likes it.

She actually smiles at that

He lifts his glass "A toast?"

"To?" She asks but raises the glass

"Mmm..." he glances at Callidora to see if she has a suggestion.

"Long , healthy and glamourous lives"

"To long, healthy, glamorous lives." he seconds.

"To long, healthy, annd gglamourous lives" Agnes agrees and they all drink

"A little more?" He offers to serve more pasta, or salad, or as they like.

"Yes, please. Cheat or no, I'm enjoying your pasta" Agnes says "How is Ryker?"

Speaking of the Kinnian troll who works as a bouncer for htem along side hugh and others

"A -gem-." Emerson effuses as he serves another plateful "Reliable, dedicated, clear-thinking, tactical.... everything we could want."

"He seems to like your club from what little we talk" Agnes says

"Oh that -is- good to hear." Emerson nods.