#ccsemberclub

"Couse he could visit more" Mmmph

"young people " CC winks

"I'm happy to provide paid time off, if you like, Agnes. How is he related? Aside from the surname, of course."

"Great Grandnephew"

"My." he tutts, impressed "How wonderful."

He tops the drinks up. "Now. Yule is coming. What think you, ladies?"

"Well, they can't all get treasures" Agnes says drily "I tend to focus on childlins first"

"Well, the babies are probably too young to appreeciate it, but I'll spoil them anyway" CC says

"Childlings first, yes." decisively.

"You're both invied tto Yule at the farm, of course" The Hearth says

"Will you be there?" he asks cannily.

"Of couse, I don't plan on throwing myself ino the fire tomorwo" A scoff

He chuckles. "Then I'm sure we'd be honored to accept your warm, kind invitation."

CC smiles "Try and keep us away. "

"You'll give us intelligence as to who would like what?"

"If you'll trade me information on whatt to give Caesar?" the old woman smiles just a bit "Gladly"

A chuckle. "Done."

talk turns to Yule gift ideas and suggestions. Most DeBukes are used to home made humble gifts and and are happy

There may be a lot of baked goods in the future, then.

And they learn Caesar has a weakness for Action movies

Of course he does.

Well, CC admits its no surprise "he's such a guy"

"What of Emmitt?"

"Emmit likes tthat rock and roll from the 60s and 70s but I doubt you'll find anythin he doesn't have there"Agnes says "Besides, he's got his gift.. new dog"

"A new dog? Really?" genially "Perhaps we should take ours for an outing."

"Well, Xena... , that's her namee, was rescued by Dagmar on Wolfennoote. "

"Dagmar of Rivervale?" CC raises a brow

"Tain't Dagmar of St. Joe"

Emerson smirks at CC.

CC smiles "Just the Valers get around"

"Couldnn't ask for better allies, though the Baroness should just be Chief if you ask me. Get more done without noblemeddling"

"Heaven forbid....." Emerson murmurs into his glass.

"Well, no point fussing a her to change. We trolls are stubborn."

"And we're all grateful for that fact."

"Hear that honey, trolls are stubborn" CC gives faux surprise

"Now Dearest...." he sips and swirls some pasta "Without trolls, I doubt any Dream would have survived the Shattering and Interregnum."

"That's true" CC holds up a glass "To the trolls"

"Hear hear!" he salutes "To Trolls."

"Mmm to my kith and thank you for the praise" Agnes says

"More than welcome."

"Now, we'll have things for Christmas eve over here, so I think Yule at the farm is a wonnderful idea" CC says

"Agreed!" with a smile "How do you want the Club to run for Christmas? If at all?"

"Not decided" SHe says

"Well, we must give people time to plan, Dearest. We could afford a short-shift worth of paid time off in wages and a small holiday bonus, although perhaps not in cash."

"Oh let them stay home with their families" Agnes says "Mortals working Christmas is so sad"

CC pats her love's hand to show she understannds then looks o Agnes "I would agree but even sadder are those folks who have the day off but still end up alone. Someimes they need a place for music, a drinnk, a good meal"

"We'll be short at least a bouncer." Emerson observes.

"Mm maybe a half day is best" She agrees "IF we open up. I'll decide soon, I promise" CC assures

"Thank you." he takes her and up and kisses it.

She returns the kiss